The first time Matthew Clearwater, a wide receiver for the Lindon U football team, saw the new, young athletic adviser, Rachel Holloway, he was infatuated. And no amount of professional rejection could deter the shameless flirt despite the obvious rules against them.
And because of a scandal that rocked the school’s athletic department, new rules were set into stone that prohibited any type of relationship between students and faculty members that would cause more public relations nightmares for the university.
But that doesn’t stop the growing tensions or temptations between Matthew and Rachel over the years as they form a friendship that turns into so much more.
And when boundaries are crossed, the two have to decide how much they’re truly willing to risk for love.
B. Celeste is a new adult and contemporary romance author that gives voices to raw, realistic characters with emotional storylines that tug on the heartstrings.
She was born and raised in upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age and only grew stronger after getting a BA in English and an MFA in English & creative writing. When she’s not writing, she’s working out, binge-watching reality game shows, and spending time with her friends and family.
That ending made this book. My heart is still in my throat and my eyes are still bugging out and my finger is still tapping for the best page. What a fabulous way to end this story!!
I am an avid B. Celeste fan and eagerly await all her new releases and devour them as they come out. I love the Lindon U series, I love connecting with previous characters. I love jumping back into a world you’re familiar with.
I really enjoyed Matt and Rachel’s story. I liked that it was sort of in the middle of Caleb’s story and the whole revamp of the coaching staff. I just really enjoyed those little lightbulb moments.
Loved this story overall, but the last sentence of the book got me. Literally made the entire book that much better and it was already a great read. This is a 5 star for that alone.
💜 Student-Teacher 💜 Forbidden Romance 💜 He falls first 💜 Sports Romance
I DEVOURED Matt and Rachel’s story. This was my first read from the Lindon U series, so I wasn’t too sure about what to expect, but the story definitely caught me by surprise in all the best ways! (I’ll definitely be restarting this series with Dare You to Hate me! ❤️)
Watching Rachel fall for Matt a bit more as each day passed, but then having to remind herself that he was a student, and that she’d be disappointing her mother by carrying out an “unethical” relationship was tough to read. She’d recently lost her mother and was struggling to adjust with the fact her father was quickly able to replace a key member of the family within a matter of months. There to provide her with that support and stability she so desperately needed was Matt.
Although he’s a jock and has a reputation for being a bit of a player, he never once let that prejudice of being an immature playboy affect the way he felt about Rachel. From the moment she entered his life, he hasn’t been able to see anyone other than her. It was never about the “chase” or the fact that she was forbidden to him.
I honestly thought Matt was such a green flag. Yes he did crash a couple of her dates with his football buddies, but only because he knew that those guys were offering her the bare minimum. The angst between the two of them permeated the entire book. The way he felt about her was unlike anything he’s ever experienced, and he was willing to take as long as be needed to for her to come to the same realisation.
Their friendship develops over the course of a few years — continuing into Matt attending grad. school (where their relationship is still forbidden). In time Matt becomes the person Rachel can turn to for that reassurance, and even though it’s clear that he genuinely cares about her and isn’t only in it for her body, she can’t help that voice in her head that keeps telling her “this is wrong”.
Matt was just a perfect sweetheart 🥹. I loved how caring and supportive he was towards Rachel and her personal life. He didn’t have to console her or be that voice of reason, but he wanted to. Because she had become a part of his sporting family, and nothing means more than being there for your family.
He knew he couldn’t convince Rachel about them overnight, that he didn’t have to, because the feeling was long there. “I don’t have to teach you to love me, because you’d been doing that for a long time already. You just needed to admit it to yourself one day”
I overall enjoy the book and am super keep for the final instalment of the series, however I’m not 100% sure about how I felt about the ending… as in the final page… the final line. B. mentioned Teach you to love me is kinda like a long novella/Lindon U 3.5 (instead of book 4), so I guess we’ll find out in book no. 5, but leaving us on that cliffhanger is K*LLING ME! 😭 I really hope everything goes okay x
Thank you so much to B. for sending over an ARC for me to review! 🩷 I can’t wait to read the final book of the series x
"You didn't need to teach me how to love you. It just...happened. Before I could even stop it. Before I ever had the chance to."
How is it that a B. Celeste book ALWAYS manages to make me cry lol?
It was so good to be back in the world of Lindon U with all of our favorite characters. B, you've truly created a world I can vividly picture - one that I want to visit, where I can meet these characters, experience coffee and pastries at Bea's bakery, attend a Dragon's football game to experience the atmosphere, and so much more.
I adored Matt and Rachel's story. Watching Matt fight for Rachel constantly felt like real, genuine, beautiful love. Rachel said she knew it would be love "if someone was willing to pack up their life for me." And that selfless kind of love? Well that's the kind of love Matt gives her. That's the kind of love we should all strive for.
I always adore B's characters because they seem so real. They're flawed, they're figuring out life, they stumble and fall, and they work so damn hard to get their happily ever afters. B's writing is some of my favorite. This series feels like nostalgia. Like stepping foot again on my own college campus - reliving the memories, finding my own soulmate (I'm looking at you, my lovely husband), and learning so much about myself through it all. So thank you, B, for giving us the Lindon U series and pouring your heart and soul into these characters because their stories are ones I will never forget.
Read if you like: - sports romance ( college football) - forbidden love - reverse age gap (4-5 yrs) - found family - athletic adviser x football player - he falls first and hard
#Review: *Teach you to love me* - B Celeste - ARC [18+] 4.9/5✨ 2.5/5🌶️
I was super excited when I found out that B Celeste accepts sign ups for this book! I was elated to find out that I was accepted for one e-copy, so I really need to thank her for this amazing opportunity!🤗
Matt Clearwater is part of college football team. He instantly fixated on the new athletic adviser, Rachel Holloway. Unfortunately, these feelings will only grow bigger, for him especially. He, kind of, becomes obsessed with Rach and even convinces his teammates to go to the same places where she was having dates. Even though it sounds creepy, it was really sweet how he followed her, but he did it to take care of her and to listen to her wherever she felt down.
This whole obsessing part happened because Rachel needed to keep her professional relationship with him, being forbidden for them to fraternise. On top of that, there is an age gap between them, Rach being older than him by 5 years. But Matt will not give up that easy and will continue to insist on being close to her.
I liked that this story had a more profound meaning, not only the physical relationship. It touched sensitive subjects, which can affect a person for a long time: like loosing a parent, sickness, uncertainty about future, changes regarding family members. The forbidden love was everything though. I liked that angst which was reaching new highs with every chapter it passed. The fire was obviously there, but Rach kept her position pretty well, which made Matt to be the one who fought for both of them.
This book did not disappoint me at all and I will definitely be reading many more books by her🥰.
Tropes: 💜college age 🩶sports romance 💜small reverse age gap 🩶he falls first 💜interconnected stand alone 🩶found family 💜dual pov 🩶 student x faculty
Teach You to Love Me is book 4 , it is an interconnected standalone set in the Lindon U world, by Author B Celeste . This is Matt and Rachel’s book.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge B Celeste fan bc she always seems to write the books I like, the ones that pull at your heart. I have loved all the previous Lindon U so when I saw this new one I jumped on it.
I devoured Matt and Rachel s book. Rachel was employed by Lindon as an athletic advisor and as much as the attraction on both sides is there, being employed by Lindon and being with Matt, would not be allowed.
Matt is such a golden retriever. He supports her in EVERY aspect of her life and work. And when Rachel is falling apart, who is there to pick her up…Matt. Matt is there when she needed him the most.
Matt and Rachel slowly start building a relationship, which doesn’t happen overnight, but they build on for a couple years and Matt becomes everything to Rachel.
What made this book for me was the ending it was just everything.
If you enjoy the rest of the Lindon U books, give this a read.
Teach you to love me tells the long awaited story of Matt and Rachel -- a forbidden romance between athlete and advisor. B Celeste dives into the real life complexities of relationships in such a beautiful way. It's not always a simple as getting to be with someone just because you like them. Rachel and Matt's story navigates the uncertainty of life after college graduation, grief, and new adult life. The only thing I was left wanting was a longer book about them! The Lindon U series never fails.
This one got me in the feels! You know a book is phenomenal when you find yourself sobbing multiple times throughout the book. Rachel is dealing with a lot over the loss of her mom and her dad moving on. She also finds herself walking a fine line as the newly hired athletic advisor for the Dragons football team and her feelings for Matthew. Matthew is all in and willing to to do whatever Rachel needs. It was so nice to be back at Lindon U!
*If you haven't read the rest of the Lindon U series you may see a few spoilers in this one.
I really enjoyed this sports romance! The author did a good job of balancing the romance with the topics of mental health rep., grief, loss, adjusting to life changes, & forgiveness. I liked the characters & loved the focus on found family! I enjoyed seeing how the football team was able to come together to support one another. I also loved seeing Matt & Rachel grow closer & develop their connection. Definitely recommend it for romance readers & sports romance lovers!
This was a decent read. I liked the characters and the story I do feel like it was a bit rushed. I wish the connection could have been deeper between the two main characters. I think if the book was longer it would have been better.
💜Small reverse age gap 💜Faculty/student 💜College football romance 💜Forbidden love 💜He falls first and hard 💜Dual pov 💜Found family 💜Interconnected standalone
It was so fun getting back into the Lindon U universe and seeing all of the previous characters interacting with the new ones, Matt and Rach! I loved Matt from the beginning, he is such a cinnamon roll who cares for his friends and his family. Rachel was also sweet and funny, but is dealing with person issues and loss and is trying to navigate that while also trying to keep her feelings for Matt at bay. This book was a quick read for me, however I do wish there was a trigger warning for parental loss because it is mentioned in 95% of the story. From someone who lost their mom 11 months ago, it was very hard to read some of those parts and I found myself skipping most of them.
Overall I loved the story and I can’t wait to see what else B. Celeste writes for Lindon U! 🤍
"You're an amazing person, Rach. I aways thought that. So, yeah. One night i sometime all it takes. Pretty sure that's all it took for me."
Rachel takes a job as an athletic advisor while finishing her degree. As she gets to know the men in the football team, she feels an instant spark with the charming playboy, Matt. Despite her efforts to maintain a professional distance, Rachel gives into some drunken temptation one night, leading to some forbidden fun. Though she tries to keep things strictly professional, Rachel finds herself struggling to resist Matt's flirtatious advances. Fortunately, Matt proves to be a patient man, and I love me a patient man.
Teach You to Love Me shows us Rachel's personal struggles with trying to find herself and allowing herself to be happy after the loss of her mother. Matt, being the observant man he is, understands that Rachel needs time to heal before they can fully explore their feelings for each other. The novel beautifully captures Rachel's journey towards self-discovery and the impact of her relationship with Matt on that journey. The happy ending is satisfying, but the epilogue leave us on a cliffhanger that had me yelling "ARE YOU FREAKING KIDING ME". B has expertly crafted a storyline that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' lives. Im excited for what comes next in the Linon U Series.
Tropes: Forbidden love College football romance Reverse Age Gap He falls first and hard
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Back to Lindon U getting Matt's story was bittersweet. He is such a golden retriever over Rachel. Due to her position on the team, these two can't be together, but Matt is nothing if not patient. He is there for Rachel when she feels like her entire world is crumbling around her, and he just stays. He is there for her in any capacity that she allows. It takes years for the timing to finally align for these two, but they build a beautiful relationship in the process.
Let me preface by saying I've read all of B.Celeste's books. I love her books.. but this was so lackluster. There was very minimal romance in the book and when it was there is was always one sided.
Tbh i find myself feeling like this book was pointless, and that hurts me to say that. Everything that "builds" this book are copy and pasted from the other books. The troubles with Aiden? .. read all about it in book one. DJ's injury? .. book two. Caleb's problems? yeah you guessed it, book three.
In all of those books you hear about Rachel and Matt through out all of them. I felt like i was constantly putting this book down and skimming a lot. I wish this book wasn't so rushed and had the same gut wrenching emotions as all of her other books. I was so let down as i was most excited to read about these two..
This book was unfortunately my least favorite in the series. I couldn’t connect with Matt and Rachel. Not because of the (reverse) age gap, but because their relationship felt unnatural and poorly developed. The introduction of their characters felt weak, and the storyline lacked excitement as well.
I believe what also made it hard to enjoy was how little Matt was featured in the previous 3 books. Without any buildup or hints about his story, it felt abrupt to suddenly have a book about him. It’s unfortunate this book didn’t meet the expectations set by the previous books of the series.
I think I am just completely broken when it comes to contemporary romance. This book was way too long and had way too much inner monologue for no reason. I loved the characters, didn't love the story.
Rachel is Matt's adviser for college. From the moment he saw her, he was attracted. Rachel knows that this is forbidden, but he is determined to win her over. After one night of too many drinks, they hook up. They have to keep that night under wraps so they don't get in trouble. But what happens when the attraction and memories of the night they shared become too much?
As soon as I found out about this book I've been looking so forward to it! Having read the three previous installments in this series, I was so glad that we were getting more. I picked it up and got right back into the Lindon U world! I enjoyed this story so much!
Rachel and Matt's journey had my attention quickly! Rachel is an athletic adviser at Lindon U and Matt is the wide receiver on the football team at Lindon U. As it brings these two souls into each other's lives, so much more blooms between them. Will they take a chance, together or is there too much at stake?
I was instantly curious about Matt and Rachel from the get go and both of them got me into their story. I so enjoyed the whole athlete and athletic adviser aspect of it all. From things at Lindon U, personal stuff, and their feelings, I couldn't wait to see how Rachel and Matt would tackle everything between them.
Rachel and Matt were both so relatable to me. I was so glad I got to dive into both of their minds. I truly felt for Rachel. Matt had me falling with how he was with Rachel! Both Matt and Rachel had me feeling many things with them while reading! I so enjoyed getting to see how it'd all unfold for them. These two had such great chemistry and they connected in so many ways.
It was so wonderful being back in the Lindon U world!
With Teach You To Love Me, Ms.Celeste has created such a good read that brought depth, the forbidden, and feels that kept me turning the pages! This author's words always get to me and Rachel and Matt's story so did that! So can't wait to read what she brings our way next! If you haven't read the Lindon U books yet, be sure to check them out! 💜🏈
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Oh my god B you’ve done it again. Made me fall for yet another fictional man, and I’m not mad about it 😮💨
Matthew Clearwater everyone 👏👏👏
This man understands the importance of patience and space, especially why it comes down to Rachel. And with the StudentXFaculty situation, this man understood and, much to his disgruntled beliefs, held the respects for Rachel’s job and gave that distance… with a bit of shit stirring along the way let’s be real.
And well Rach from the very beginning was a feisty thing, and I loved it. Setting the ground rules and boundaries, even if she eventually caved, it was the best, she’s the best.
Their relationship build up was raw and emotional, seriously the best. ARGH, this series is incredible and I can’t wait for the fifth book!!!
Quotes, and scenes that I absolutely adored: ⚠️(Warning could be spoilers)⚠️
Page 11:
She hums and leans back in her chair. “I might have believed you if you brought me a goodie basket and delivered it without staring at my ass or flirting.”
Page 123:
"I know, I know." I stand, looking down at where she remains behind her desk. "I'm a student. You're faculty." She draws her bottom lip into her mouth. "But you know what, Rach?" She still stares. "We both deserve to be happy too."
Page 205:
"You were right," I tell him, his lips hovering over mine. "About?" My fingers curl into his shirt. "You didn't need to teach me how to love you. It just...happened. Before I could even stop it. Before I ever had the chance to."
This was a sweet addition to the Lindon U series! In this story we have Matt and Rachel who have an undeniable attraction to one another. But they can't be together since Rachel is a faculty member and Matt is a student/football player. I admired Rachel for doing her best to stay professional and for how much she cared about her career. At first, I wasn't so sure if Matt would be the best person for Rachel because her career would be on the line if they tried to have a serious relationship and he didn't seem to care, which was true at first. But Matt did stay respectful whenever Rachel was firm on where they stood. These two had mutual respect for one another, but Matt still wanted Rachel and was waiting for his chance that may have never come. But Matt proved that he loved Rachel by being there for her whenever a serious situation in her life came rolling in. Rachel does her best to be an independent woman and handle troubles on her own. But Matt is like that Disney prince in her life reminding her that she doesn't have to go through these situations alone. And he proves it even more by remembering what she likes in and outside the bedroom (wink wink). I also enjoyed seeing how all of the first three Lindon U books tied into this one so we could see some of our favorite characters even more. If you enjoy the Lindon U series, do not miss picking this one up!
Matt and Rachel were everything and more. I have been waiting for this book for so long and boy did it deliver. But the ending, oh my gosh B how can you do this to me? It leaves me wanting so much more.
I found B with Lindon U book 1 and fell in love with her writing. I have read a good majority of her back log and will read anything she put out from now to forever!
The patience of Matt and his unwavering want/need for Rachel was to die for. He was constantly there for her even when it was just as friends, he let her know that he was there. While Rachel stood firm to holding her professional boundaries, Matt accepted this but didn't give up.
I thouroghly enjoyed these characters and their story. I was so happy to be back at Lindon U, this world has been created in such a way that you feel as if you are there and could have real convorsations with the characters.
Thank you B. Celeste for allowing me to get an e-copy ARC of this book. I will be purchasing the physical copy to add to my shelf with the other beautiful books of yours.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Tropes: -College Football -Forbidden Love -Small Reverse Age gap -Football Romance -Dual POV -He falls first/Harder
I've been wondering what was going on with Matt and Rachel and couldn't wait to read their story. I will say, it did not disappoint! These two had a lot stacked against them as they battled their own personal dilemmas of what they wanted for their futures while the odds were stacked against them to be together. There's a small age gap, a forbidden romance, and strong characters.
If you're a fan of B. Celeste, you probably appreciate how her characters face tough issues and are so well-developed. I really appreciated how Matt and Rachel formed their bond by being there for each other and helping each other through the tough times even if they couldn't embrace things on a romantic level. Their relationship develops over the span of a few years, with this book managing to touch on all the key points without making you feel like there was either too much filler content or not enough depth to the story.
I'm so glad I had a chance to dive into their story and with that epilogue, I really hope there is more to come in future Lindon U novels!!
If you haven't read any of the other Lindon U books, I definitely recommend reading the first even though this could technically be a standalone. And if you have read them.....here's the story you have been waiting for!
Matt and Rachel were at the same university, Rachel as adviser and Matt as member of the school's football team. I enjoyed how these two communicated so effortlessly, and the chemistry they had was amazing. The relationship wasn't rushed as it was a relationship that was forbidden due to their roles.
Matt was such a great character who couldn't hide his feelings for Rachel. He seemed to enjoy interacting with her and getting to know her. Rachel seemed to care about the athletes she gave advice to, even if she may have overstepped on occasion. I feel she had strong feelings for Matt, but she was determined to make sure acting on them wouldn't have a negative impact on both their careers.
This was the first book I have read written by B. Celeste and i will definitely be reading more. This book had me hooked, and I couldn't wait to see if Matt and Rachel get their happy ending.
Matt and Rachel’s story is absolutely everything. I enjoyed this book so much and every moment between the characters was so intriguing. This author never fails to deliver a great story with characters that have you rooting for them through it all. From the emotional moments to the ones that are intense, each of them had me wanting to keep reading more. A book that easily captivates you from the beginning to the end is always one that I will forever remember. Not only are Matt and Rachel amazing together but even as individuals they are so intriguing and I loved reading their povs. The chemistry in this book is also INSANE… I love when characters have a great connection that keeps building the more you read!
We are back at Lindon University for Matt's story. I would advise reading the previous books first as there are spoilers for the other books throughout this one. Matt meets Rachel and is immediately smitten but they can't be together because Rachel is a member of staff. I liked the spice, the drama and the sexual tension between Rachel and Matt. I loved how supportive Matt was, he was a great listener at a time when she really needed someone to be there for her. If you have been waiting to read about a man who is willing to wait for his girl then Matt is your man, he gives new meaning to the word patient. I do like seeing previous situations through the different friends eyes. The ending and epilogue is satisfying because they both deserve so much happiness but then the author throws in a little something extra that had me literally screaming cause I need to know more.
4⭐️ i will eat up a B. Celeste book every. damn. time. “Because love isn’t just a feeling— it’s a decision. A judgement. Right or wrong, I’ll keep choosing the girl in front of me.”
First off, I want to thank B and her team for this ARC!! I was so excited when it hit my kindle and I just couldn’t wait to start it🫶🏻
I absolutely LOVED Matt and Rachel’s story. It overlaps the other love stories in the Lindon U series which I thought was so fun to revisit all the characters I have fallen in love with (especially my baby DJ🤭) Matt and Rachel both went through a lot, individually and together, throughout the story and it made them that much stronger in the end.
I adore B’s writing style and the way she can break my heart and put it back together with words on paper. Thank you B for these characters, these books, and these raw and real love stories! ——— This is a must read if you like: 🏈 college football romance 💙 reverse age gap 🤝🏻 found family 📚faculty member x student athlete
I’m sorry. I just couldn’t make myself read anymore. I’m usually the type to finish a book no matter what. But 30% through I had to stop and sadly write a bad review. The biggest factor being that there was hardly any meaningful interactions between the main characters at this point. There was also way too much side conversations about other characters who have their own books or will have their own books. The author spent way too much time tying their other stories in this series to this one and hardly any storyline of the main characters. I will be returning to kindle.
TROPES: 💜 Small reverse age gap 💜 Faculty/student 💜 College football romance 💜 Forbidden love 💜 He falls first and hard 💜 Dual pov 💜 Found family ✨Interconnected standalone✨
Welcome back to Lindon U! And what a welcome it was. It was so good seeing all of the previous characters interacting with the new ones, Matt and Rach!
Matt from the very beginning had my heart. I just loved him.
I also felt for Rachel having to deal with the things she had to and loss while still navigating life while still being her self and try to live life to the fullest. My heart goes out to her.