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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Amazing read by Williams! This taboo sports romance totally hits the spot. I devoured it. Completely addicting and over the top steam! I couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend. Shanora is a phenomenal storyteller and her way with words is brilliant!
4.5 stars for Keeping it For Real, For Real
A topical & evocative story that focuses on this current social inequality theme, while spotlighting a taboo romance in the foreground. It’s a story of a talented young girl, with stars in her eyes and wind beneath her wings. She’s ready to speed ahead on the track and in life, yet racism and bigotry will prove to be the biggest hurdles in her path.
Ably assisted and pushed relentlessly by her Talented coach- Joaquin Torres, who’s had to jump over quite a few hurdles himself, limping away broken and battered on backfoot now.
It’s a coming together of kindred spirits book. shanora has a firm grip on forbidden genre. she easily maneuvers the complex emotions through the maze of desperate hearts, capturing readers attention with well placed passionate scenes.
The depth of sentiments belie the young heroines age, but she’s mature and focused and that makes her believable sensible and sensitive. When she stumbles, I hurt with her. When she cries of a broken heart, I yell at the powers above, for her. She’s likable, adorable and endearing
Torres the Bitter is carved as an old school, strict & demanding. his brutal yet firm coaching drives Amber Lakes harder than before and her dream to be the fastest female runner in state of North Carolina is within her fingertips reach. It’s HIS dogged persistence and recognition of spirit that makes it possible for HER to reach her goals.
This makes Coach pretty heroic in my eyes.
“Do not let these privileged people steal your shine. That shine is yours. You worked on it every single day ”
The narration is very heartfelt and I could feel the frustration and anger at injustices rolling off the words. It’s strength lay in the conviction of shanora herself. for me, a POC, it touched close to home in many ways.
My felicitations and applause for Shanora for not only successfully attempting to highlight a burgeoning pandemic in current society but excelling at it with hard-hitting words and forceful language too. All the while wrapping it up in juicy, sexy package
can I get an Amen for Crusader Williams ?
Wow, I am never disappointed by this authors words! This story was so beautiful Lakes and Torres were such a beautiful couple to read I enjoyed reading their story so much!!! It wasn’t about just the angst which plenty of and I love, but it was also about being judged, discrimination, and bullying. Its about overcoming that and much more. There was plenty of steam that I enjoyed so much their love story was just so deliciously forbidden and I just couldn’t put it down!!! I can’t wait until her next book because I enjoy all her stories!!
This is a teacher/student romance but it’s completely different from any others I’ve read it was absolutely amazing!!
In this story we meet Amber ( athlete runner college student) and Joaquin ( assistant coach).
Amber is a great runner who received a great scholarship at Bennett university aka BU but not everyone is welcoming what Amber went highlights some things that still happening how she dealt with it was great head held high I really did like Amber she was such a strong person.
Joaquin was a hot broody alpha male I absolutely loved him especially how he stuck up for Amber and how he but her before himself the love these to had for each other was beautiful to watch progress.
Well shanora for writing another masterpiece!!
This book was another hit for Shanora! She does not disappoint as an author! This is a forbidden romance with a teacher/student relationship but in all honesty, it was such an authentic story. Shanora has a way of writing as if this could have been someone’s story. Every relationship in the story was so real, even the drama filled college bullies. The romance was hot but so was the love!
Coach Me by Shanora Williams is simply phenomenal! It’s a standalone forbidden teacher/student taboo romance. It’s this but so much more…its this forbidden love, age-gap, electric chemistry, angsty , hot, heartbreaking, spicy, forbidden, secrets and interracial romance…but this story also touches on relevant pressing social issues that tie to the story.
Joaquin and Amber’s story is sizzling, beautiful, evocative, touching and well-written. Ms. Williams has again written an excellent story with a great plot, phenomenal characters, fabulous chemistry and taboo romance but it’s more than taboo, she tells the story and how she tells , well, you will love Joaquin and Amber and root on their HEA.
MY RATING: 4.5 stars *********
I was really excited to start this book as this Author is top of the game for me when it comes to age gap romance stories.
Coach me had the age gap romance that I love so much but the story ran much deeper than that. It touched on discrimination and social injustices in a way you can feel as you read, it was very thought provoking.
Amber and Torres have this intense connection and I loved the way Torres had Ambers back right from the start.
I adored Amber she’s a sweet girl who’s very driven and disciplined, running has been her passion from a young age and she’s happiest on the track.
Torres is a very intriguing character, he’s really good at his job but he’s not a very social guy, quite standoffish and hard to get a read on. Yet he manages to make his aloofness sexy as fuxk.
I loved Amber and Torres together their story was emotional, sweet and had the right amount of heat to leave scotch marks on the track.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I love me a good forbidden romance, especially when the characters are fighting the very obvious tension between them. Shanora delivered in a big way and did not disappoint at all.
Amber and Joaquin are literal fire. You can feel the tension between them from the moment they meet. You are drawn into their stories, both individually and together, as they fight against the cords pulling them together. And when the tension finally snaps and they can’t hold back anymore… wow.
Shanora crafted a story that hooks you in and refuses to let you go. You are part of the story, watching as it all unfolds, wanting to throw your kindle because of the anger, crying when it’s not going the way you want it, and smiling so big that your cheeks are hurting.
All in all, this was a fun read that definitely kept me invested in their story from start to finish.
Four stars for this forbidden romance that will definitely have you living in each and every moment as you read.
Don’t miss this taboo age gap romance book! The angst radiates off the pages. Torres was the perfect broody Coach. He was hard on his students… but I loved that about him. Amber was young, but their connection was electric. I loved her. She was confident and sassy. She faced the hardship placed on her, and rose above it. I loved them together. This book was great and pulled me in to their world.
Shanora brings us another super sexy, angsty taboo book with plenty of steam !!
Amber and torres should never be hes her coach shes his student but the attraction is instant and the chemistry is electric, when they both give in to the feelings it can only lead to one thing……..heartbreak.
I loved this book not only is it hot as hell it goes deeper than just a taboo romance, shanora tackles a subject that’s still all too relevant in today’s society..racism….. and shanora writes it beautifully, although its heartbreaking to read it NEEDS to be said because NO ONE should ever have to be subjected to these social injustices in this day and age.
A fantastically written book with hot and steamy storyline and characters that you will adore I love everything that this author writes and this is definitely one of my favourites.
I always enjoy Shanora’s forbidden romances. Besides the forbidden, this story had a lot of dynamics to it between the age gap, teacher/student, and the diversity it was all well expressed.
Two people have a connection that’s extremely odd but they know deep down it feels right and what they have it’s not wrong. Above all, consequences must be taken to keep their happiness.
Torres and Lake find themselves with a Greater connection like no other but deep down Torres knows Lake has her life ahead of her and he can’t be selfish. Lake knows she’s young and committed to her training and education but she can also handle a relationship especially after realizing her true feelings for Torres.
This book can be emotional at times and extremely steamy in others but above all, it brings awareness to a deeply rooted situation we have in America, and hopefully one day it will be better!
Risking It All…A Sexy Forbidden Romance
Amber Lakes is headed to college on a full ride track scholarship. She’s worked her whole life to get to this point. Her determination, drive and sacrifices are what have made her successful.
Choosing BU was a risk for her. Their track team was not culturally diverse. She’d be one of the only women on the team of color. Amber was about to shake things up. Her skill level was already intimidating, but package that with her beauty and her positive attitude, she was a triple threat. She was tough and that thick skin would be necessary, because the racism amongst her own team was going to rear it’s ugly head.
She found her friend circle and a coach that would go to bat for her. Coach Joaquin Torres was not going to allow any discrimination or unsportsmanlike conduct on his team. However, he had no problem expecting the best. Pushing her beyond her limits. Making her work harder than ever. He wanted her to be the champion he knew she was.
Coach Torres was broody, a bit of a loner, but no one could deny how hot he was. He expected his team to give it their all on the track. Coaching a women’s college team was not without it’s challenges, especially when you had your own attraction to one of your runners.
Keeping a professional distance from women you work closely with is hard, but one you share an intense connection with is nearly impossible. Lines are blurring. The tension is at an all time high. Someone is going to break. Resisting the pull between them is impossible, no matter how hard they fight it.
The taboo queen has returned with a super sexy forbidden romance. She delves into relevant topics and doesn’t hold back. We’ll see the ugly side of humanity and the lack of basic human decency. We’ll watch them struggle between doing what’s right and following their hearts. The chemistry will absolutely sizzle. Joaquin is a man who wants to protect Amber, but he also can’t let her go. He knows any personal relationship between them is prohibited, but he can’t help himself. She knows what’s on the line for them both, but the risk is worth it. Both characters struggle with their choices and the consequences that unfold. Their romance is not smooth sailing, but their love is strong. Amber and Joaquin are committed to getting their HEA. A sexy read you will thoroughly enjoy.
Deserves more than 5 stars. Oh how I wish this is more than a standalone! I need more of Coach Torres and Amber. They own me. Coach is so fire. I need more of jealous coach. Lol He went through a pretty sad situation that hurts me badly. Makes me just want to hug him. Amber is such a strong young woman. Being the only black girl in the track team is so hard, but she never gives up. Torres being there to be by her side makes me swoon so much. I SERIOUSLY NEED MORE. I WANT MORE!!! u2063
Shanora can do no wrong when it comes to age gap, forbidden/taboo romance. Definitely one of my go to authors!!! Highly, highly recommended!!u2063
4.5*
**I received an ARC of this from Wildfire marketing solutions on behalf of the author and I volunteered to leave an unbiased review**
This book shocked the hell out of me.
I did not expect to be taken down this road with this book. I didn’t expect to have my heart torn out and sewn back together.
I did not expect to fall in love with Joaquin Torres, an assistant track coach who doesn’t think he’s good enough.
Or to feel so deeply for Amber Lakes. A promising college track star who is grieving her coach/father.
This is my first Shanora Williams book and I am stunned at how beautifully this was written. It took me about 6 hours to read this. I wouldn’t put it down.
This had everything. Steam. Angst. Friendships. Drama. Social issues. Running. Metaphorical and Literal.
I know this trope isn’t for everyone, but I beg you to take a chance of Coach Me. Take a chance on Shanora Williams. She has blown me away and I don’t think I’ll be the only one.
Coach Me is the kind of angsty forbidden kind of love story Shanora Williams in known for. She definitely has a knack for writing the most delectable of older men, who are thoroughly irresistible to their younger female lovers. And with Joaquin Torres and Amber Lakes, these two have a desperate kind of hunger for one another, but one that is deeper than just pure lust. This college track coach and his freshman standout share similar family tragedies and that unfortunate shared experience acts as a sort of bond early on. In addition, Williams beautifully highlights the fact that Torres, in particular, has suffered from the discrimination that comes with being a person of color and he fights like hell to make sure that doesn’t happen to Amber as well.
But not to worry, all the sexual tension, flirty looks, deeply held affection for each other is there for the taking. This is a Shanora Williams book after all. So yeah, you’ll get more than a fair share of passionate trysts, dirty talk and off the charts chemistry. But it’s the emotional late night talks, the never-ending frustration about their situation and the incredible tether they can’t seem to break that cannot be denied. Their relationship is an deep understanding like no other.
Oh and let’s just say that Torres is one fine man. And he is all man, every single inch. And I love the way he makes Amber feel with just a look or a discreet touch. You can’t help but swoon at his sexy demanding nature both on and off the field, as he teaches everything he knows to his willing student.
A story that you can tell is close to the Author’s heart, Coach Me is a wonderful book filled with the kind of hope and determination that her lovers wholeheartedly deserve. With meaningful secondary characters who add just the right amount of support and love, I really enjoyed Torres and Amber’s journey and happily give Coach Me a big 5 stars!
Shanora did it again! LOVED this book. Definitely a must read. Love all of the twists and turns. You can’t help but fall in love with the main characters.
Forbidden and taboo romance is my weakness. And Coach Me by Shanora Williams was so good for my dark addiction. The author achieved the delicate balance of making it sinful but not making it icky. And that’s a difficult feat when writing coach-athlete romance.
Amber Lakes is a star track runner and she has come to Bennett University with a full scholarship. Her only aim is to become a successful professional athlete. Joaquin Torres, the assistant coach of her track team is known for his no nonsense attitude, being tough on every athlete to make better and also for being exceptionally attractive. When the mean girls of the team try to make her life hell because of her color and her skills, Torres steps up. And he becomes the protector. But there is something dangerous between them that is absolutely “wrong”.
This story talked about some really relevant and sensitive issues. Like racism. Like corruption in legal system. Torres and Amber both are people of color. And the author gave an honest and intriguing description of how difficult their life are even in today’s world are. It’s infuriating and sad to read about all the discrimination. I applaud the Author for going deep into this somehow controversial but real issue. I loved how mature yet believable Amber’s character was! She may be only 19 years old but she takes everything on stride and with wise consideration. Even her attraction towards Torres. She is fierce, strong, hard working and passionate. Torres melted my heart so fast! He is the possessive, caring and loving man we all love. But he has a dark past and his heart is a broken place. They have insane chemistry that was built up very slowly and carefully so that I fall in love with love with their love. They have a deep connection from their shared tragedies and love for tracks. It had a good amount of angst with swoon. And the obvious obstacles made it a captivating read.
Shanora Williams brought all the heartache of forbidden love with taboo thrills in Coach Me. It was a thought provoking read for sure.
Received ARC for honest review
Title: Coach Me
Author: Shanora Williams
Genre: Age-gap/Sports romance
My rating: 5 BLINDING STARS!!!
WOW! WHAT A GREAT READ!!!
This is an age-gap with more substance than expected. I say that cause I tend to shy away from age-gaps; either the guy is so old he’s virtually a grandpa. Like seriously pervy to me. But this…this is the second book I’ve read from Williams, and it won’t be the last.
In Coach Me, we meet Amber a 19-year-old track star on the verge of greatness. She’s the only black student at a predominately white college she chose to be close to her mom. She’s greeted by immediate offense: Classic “new-girl” meets “mean-girl” and crew with a twist. Love the diversity in this book. Love the representation. Love how real and authentic, yet deliciously taboo this book is. You know Amber shouldn’t have feelings for her coach, but you can’t help wondering how she and coach hottie can both maneuver their attraction, and what’s ethical. Coach Torres is stern, yet kind and comes to Amber’s rescue more than once, for critical reasons.
Final thoughts…
This book has it ALL and deals with a plethora of real-life situations we can all relate (some more than others). You feel every emotion jumping out at you: anger, hatred, passion, discrimination, prejudice, yet all descriptor’s are done in a classy way. Bravo Shanora, you have yourself a winner.
*I was provided this awesome ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Shanora does it again! I’m a huge fan of taboo stories. This book seriously blew me out of the water. I discovered Shanora last year and quickly went through her back log of books. Torres and Amber are freaking amazing. Loved it so much.
An age gap forbidden romance, Coach Me brings you Amber Lakes and Joaquin Torres.
A star runner athletes, Amber enter her new college with dreams, hope, talents and confident. She’s strong. She’s brave. She’s nineteen. And she’s the first colour in the prestigious school team.
You see where I’m going with this.
Yes, Coach Me doesn’t just talk about forbidden romance. Shanora bring another delicate issue in it.
Racism.
Discrimination just because you have the different colour.
This is what I love about Shanora. She brings reality in fiction.
It’s hard enough when age gap with one of them is in the power over the other one envolve them self in romance. With Amber and Torres that’s Mexican and Black American girl…. The stigma are worst.
Slow burn, sexy yet slap to the face on reality check, Coach Me is definitly something you want to read