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Coach is the fourth novel in the Heartstrings of Honor series by award-winning author Casey Morales, in which men who serve are honored through the written word.
Stay tuned for details about this heartwarming classic.
Stay tuned for details about this heartwarming classic.
- GenresRomanceM M RomanceLGBT
481 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
86 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Casey Morales
51 books410 followersCasey Morales is an LGBT storyteller and the author of multiple bestselling MM romance novels. Born in the Southern United States, Casey is an avid tennis player, aspiring chef, dog lover, and ravenous consumer of gummy bears.
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dnf
July 18, 2025ARC Review - No Rating - DNF @ 60%
I tried, I really, really did. I knew it wasn't exactly my cup of tea from the beginning with the non-stop metaphors and the never-ending processing of the current state of the relationship with relative friend groups (even though there was absolutely nothing to process, because it was moving at a snail's pace). But, I tried to stick it out for the sake of seeing it through.
Then, the MCs finally start to pick things up and, it just got...weird. First, they've been moving at an excruciatingly slow pace for the entire book. I mean there's slow burn, and then there's...this. But, in the very first sexual encounter they have, (1) the MC who is constantly putting the breaks on things because he is oh so complicated (even tough his backstory doesn't seem to support his level of emotional unavailability) just swallows the other MC's dick. Um, what? We go from literally TWO CHAPTERS of processing what it might mean that he kissed other dude's forehead to "I'm just gonna lean over and swallow your dick now with absolutely no lead in? And THEN (2) it just fades to black. He stands up, takes his shirt off, and they're staring at each other, and we get NOTHING ELSE. We've been TORTURED for WEEKS of brunches where they dissect every single angle of a forehead kiss for what?
Okay, then comes the first time they actually have sex. Now, you need to know that in a previous chapter, Mateo has describe Shane's dick as a softball bat. So, now they're going to have sex, and Mateo is bent over the couch. Shane tells him to not move, and he returns and "SLIDES HIS DICK INTO MY ASS." No prep, no lube. WHAT?
Then Shane morphs into some kind of daddy dom out of NOWHERE. He's barely said 3 words to Mateo the entire book, and all the sudden, he's pinching Mateo's nipples to the point Mateo is screaming out in pain and telling Mateo, "My nipples, get over it," and "You're my boy, say you're my boy, say it!" Mind you, there has been ZERO lead up to either of these men having any interest/inclination of Db dynamics. It comes out of NOWHERE.
And the tortured metaphors follow us into the bedroom. And this is where I gave up:
"You feel that?" he asked, as if I couldn't feel the orca who'd just flapped against my colon.
"You took all of me, and I'm a big boy. That's my Mateo. Good boy."
I'm sorry. I just couldn't continue. I liked the premise. Mateo was likable enough. If he stopped reminding everyone he was Italian every other paragraph, I'd like him more. There was nothing likable at all about Shane. He had no personality. He came across as a creeper with all the staring and no talking and fucking weird ass bedroom antics because they had absolutely zero context. The friend groups could have been enjoyable if they spoke in something other than metaphor all the time. It just wasn't for me.
I tried, I really, really did. I knew it wasn't exactly my cup of tea from the beginning with the non-stop metaphors and the never-ending processing of the current state of the relationship with relative friend groups (even though there was absolutely nothing to process, because it was moving at a snail's pace). But, I tried to stick it out for the sake of seeing it through.
Then, the MCs finally start to pick things up and, it just got...weird. First, they've been moving at an excruciatingly slow pace for the entire book. I mean there's slow burn, and then there's...this. But, in the very first sexual encounter they have, (1) the MC who is constantly putting the breaks on things because he is oh so complicated (even tough his backstory doesn't seem to support his level of emotional unavailability) just swallows the other MC's dick. Um, what? We go from literally TWO CHAPTERS of processing what it might mean that he kissed other dude's forehead to "I'm just gonna lean over and swallow your dick now with absolutely no lead in? And THEN (2) it just fades to black. He stands up, takes his shirt off, and they're staring at each other, and we get NOTHING ELSE. We've been TORTURED for WEEKS of brunches where they dissect every single angle of a forehead kiss for what?
Okay, then comes the first time they actually have sex. Now, you need to know that in a previous chapter, Mateo has describe Shane's dick as a softball bat. So, now they're going to have sex, and Mateo is bent over the couch. Shane tells him to not move, and he returns and "SLIDES HIS DICK INTO MY ASS." No prep, no lube. WHAT?
Then Shane morphs into some kind of daddy dom out of NOWHERE. He's barely said 3 words to Mateo the entire book, and all the sudden, he's pinching Mateo's nipples to the point Mateo is screaming out in pain and telling Mateo, "My nipples, get over it," and "You're my boy, say you're my boy, say it!" Mind you, there has been ZERO lead up to either of these men having any interest/inclination of Db dynamics. It comes out of NOWHERE.
And the tortured metaphors follow us into the bedroom. And this is where I gave up:
"You feel that?" he asked, as if I couldn't feel the orca who'd just flapped against my colon.
"You took all of me, and I'm a big boy. That's my Mateo. Good boy."
I'm sorry. I just couldn't continue. I liked the premise. Mateo was likable enough. If he stopped reminding everyone he was Italian every other paragraph, I'd like him more. There was nothing likable at all about Shane. He had no personality. He came across as a creeper with all the staring and no talking and fucking weird ass bedroom antics because they had absolutely zero context. The friend groups could have been enjoyable if they spoke in something other than metaphor all the time. It just wasn't for me.
July 15, 2025
When Basketball Coach Matteo Ricci needs a new piece of furniture his BFF teacher Mike (see earlier book in this fabulous series) takes him to an Antique Fair where he meets Woodwork Wizard Shane Douglas. On first sight both Matteo and Shane’ eyes meet and both find it impossible to speak. When Shane delivers the item to Matteo home sometime later an hilarious incident occurs that had me laughing out loud. Let me tell you that this was the first of many times I laughed while reading this story.
Matteo and Shane are so different, Matteo is an Italian whose accent thrills Shane as much as his beautiful smile and sunshiny character. Shane is a 6’6 mountain man, who barely speaks more than 5 words when he opens his mouth. Life goes on, both busy with their work but Matteo slowly gets Shane introduced into his groups of friends, usually hosted by the ‘crazy Scottish lady’, Mrs. H and her penchant for hilarious double entendres, some very embarrassing to Mike, Elliot’s, Sisi, Matty, Omar, Dane and Patrick. Matteo worries how Shane will react to the humour of this bunch that he calls ‘his family’.
Author Casey Morales has continued to deliver another very entertaining read in the ‘Heartstrings of Honour’ series, each one a little gem. He also introduces the character Jeremiah who will feature in the next book ‘Letter Man’.
I received an ARC copy of this book via author and I am voluntarily leaving my unbiased review.
Matteo and Shane are so different, Matteo is an Italian whose accent thrills Shane as much as his beautiful smile and sunshiny character. Shane is a 6’6 mountain man, who barely speaks more than 5 words when he opens his mouth. Life goes on, both busy with their work but Matteo slowly gets Shane introduced into his groups of friends, usually hosted by the ‘crazy Scottish lady’, Mrs. H and her penchant for hilarious double entendres, some very embarrassing to Mike, Elliot’s, Sisi, Matty, Omar, Dane and Patrick. Matteo worries how Shane will react to the humour of this bunch that he calls ‘his family’.
Author Casey Morales has continued to deliver another very entertaining read in the ‘Heartstrings of Honour’ series, each one a little gem. He also introduces the character Jeremiah who will feature in the next book ‘Letter Man’.
I received an ARC copy of this book via author and I am voluntarily leaving my unbiased review.
August 4, 2025
I received a free copy of this book. The following review is not influenced by the author, the publisher or by Book Sirens.
This author Casey Morales has caught my eye before, but for some reason I've never bought it. When I realised that I had a chance to see what I thought of the author through a proof, I knew I had to take it. So, I requested a copy and thankfully it was granted. So, I sat down to read a romance book that looked like it had a great plot between the strong and silent type, and a very exuberant basketball coach.
And oh God, I fell in love with the pair of them. I was cheering them on, the entire time. Nothing they did put me off them. This wasn't a romance where one of them does something that would break a relationship apart, and no matter what the idiot did, would make me like them again. Or, want them to get together again.
This is a lovely, warm, cosy romance between Mateo and Shane. I loved their love story, and hope that they will pop up in other stories written by the author.
The only thing I'd like to note is that I did not like the secondary characters, and that is completely do to my own preferences. They were too loud, too over-the-top and made me think more of stereotypes than actual people. I didn't like when they popped up, as while I loved the banter between all of them, I found myself cringing more than laughing. I understand that this is all down to me, and others might find them perfect. This isn't enough for me to take it down a Star or anything.
The only note I would like to make to the author, is that I wish there was more of Shane's friend. I know that they weren't close, it was more of a 'you deserve a kick up the ass' friendship, but I would have still preferred if there were more interactions between Shane and his friend.
A solid 3 Stars for me.
This author Casey Morales has caught my eye before, but for some reason I've never bought it. When I realised that I had a chance to see what I thought of the author through a proof, I knew I had to take it. So, I requested a copy and thankfully it was granted. So, I sat down to read a romance book that looked like it had a great plot between the strong and silent type, and a very exuberant basketball coach.
And oh God, I fell in love with the pair of them. I was cheering them on, the entire time. Nothing they did put me off them. This wasn't a romance where one of them does something that would break a relationship apart, and no matter what the idiot did, would make me like them again. Or, want them to get together again.
This is a lovely, warm, cosy romance between Mateo and Shane. I loved their love story, and hope that they will pop up in other stories written by the author.
The only thing I'd like to note is that I did not like the secondary characters, and that is completely do to my own preferences. They were too loud, too over-the-top and made me think more of stereotypes than actual people. I didn't like when they popped up, as while I loved the banter between all of them, I found myself cringing more than laughing. I understand that this is all down to me, and others might find them perfect. This isn't enough for me to take it down a Star or anything.
The only note I would like to make to the author, is that I wish there was more of Shane's friend. I know that they weren't close, it was more of a 'you deserve a kick up the ass' friendship, but I would have still preferred if there were more interactions between Shane and his friend.
A solid 3 Stars for me.
July 17, 2025
Casey Does it Again!
I thought Casey couldn't possibly do a sweeter or funnier story than "The Lineman", the prior book in this series. But, voila, Coach is sweeter and funnier with lovable characters in Mateo and Shane and visits by all of the players in the first three books!
Mateo is a high school basketball coach and history teacher and Shane builds beautiful handmade furniture. Definitely a mismatched pair, but one you find yourself rooting for an HEA. I love Casey's ability to write really interestingly descriptive sentences. You will love this book! Enjoy!
I thought Casey couldn't possibly do a sweeter or funnier story than "The Lineman", the prior book in this series. But, voila, Coach is sweeter and funnier with lovable characters in Mateo and Shane and visits by all of the players in the first three books!
Mateo is a high school basketball coach and history teacher and Shane builds beautiful handmade furniture. Definitely a mismatched pair, but one you find yourself rooting for an HEA. I love Casey's ability to write really interestingly descriptive sentences. You will love this book! Enjoy!
August 5, 2025
This is a book about Mateo, an Italian basketball couch with a rowdy gang of friends, friends which anyone would be lucky to have as they're hilarious and love Mateo, who unsuspectingly mets a man who ends up becoming more to him than just a fun time and some good sex when all he was looking for was a stand for his enormous tv. Shane, a quiet, stoic mountain of a man who builds beautiful pieces of furniture for all kinds of clientele also doesn't see Mateo coming. Who would have thought the beautiful man with the sexy accent would burrow his way into his heart in a way that no one ever has because of the emotional wall he puts up with everyone but his lesbian work wife Stevie. These two were as awkward as teenagers at times but man were they cute. It was nice to see the confident Mateo who coaches teens full of hormones to victory go nervous and rambling whenever he was around Shane. And the way the intimidating Shane who doesn't talk much but makes his words count try for Mateo. They were everything. I really liked this book but there was times throughout the book that took me out of it because of inconsistencies in events that happend or things one character says. It didn't put me off completely but I feel like some parts of the book could be more flushed out. Especially how often the author seems to use Shane's stoic face and quiet demeanor as a problem that causes some doubts for Mateo which at first could be seen as true yet Shane very clearly starts trying more and expresses himself well about what he wanted and how he felt about Mateo so those kind of irked me a bit. Besides the lovable main characters there was also Mateo's friends and some characters from the other books before this one. That group was hilarious and it was like being a part of their group which was fun and made me laugh out loud plenty of times. Though I felt it was odd that we never got to read about Mateo and Stevie meeting and Stevie not being involved as much and instead were told that they interacted before. Mateo and Shane were sweet and spicy (although I feel the spicer scenes could use a bit more work) and they fell for each other in a beautiful way. Fast when they felt it and slow when they dealt with life and work yet always they did it together. This wasn't a perfect book but it was one I enjoyed and would love to read more especially from this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2025
I started out liking the book. But around 75% there was a huge editing error that figuratively ejected me from my immersion in the story.
It (or I) never really recovered.
Not only because of the error but also because an MC began behaving very inconsistently with his previously established personality and character. If it was intended as character development… well, it was lacking a connection between how that MC was for the beginning/middle of the book and how he was in the latter part.
Other issues: daddy/boy language is used in one scene in a way that suggests this will be a thing… but never mentioned again. The MC who is stoic and quiet and says very little and was clearly nervous multiple times… at 87%, says getting nervous isn’t in his DNA. Oh, and use of the word “member” in a bit about dick pics was a little jarring.
Ultimately, by the end the book was boring.
A note about this book being part of a series. That last 25% is where it became most obvious that reading the previous books would have been a good idea. (My bad, no blame to the author. The blurb didn’t say “can be read standalone.”) I happened to run across this one, it sounded good, and when I glanced at the first 3 books they all had different couples, so I figured it would be ok. Reading this one solo isn’t terrible, but there are definitely places where the lack of backstory is noticeable.
Details below on the editing error and the character “development” below if you feel like reading it. There’s no major spoilers (it’s a romance, not surprising that one MC asks the other MC for a date), but if you haven’t read it yet and want things to unfold without being biased by my disgruntlement, skip that part.
The major editing error:
In a cute-enough-to-be-memorable scene, Shane asks Mateo to an event. There’s a whole thing about Mateo having practice with Shane assuring him the show starts late enough. And that he (Shane)“already got tickets for Tuesday night.”
Then… it’s Saturday. Mateo is having lunch with 2 friends and tells them he has a date with Shane that night… to that event. Which these three (Mateo & friends) had planned to go to; one couldn’t and so Mateo offered Shane the extra ticket.
Um… what? (Cue record scratch sound effect.)
I get that editing is hard and mistakes slip through. But this isn’t a typo. It reverses an entire scene - if Shane had asked Mateo when Mateo already had plans to go with his two friends, totally different conversation. Not to mention, a Tuesday event happen on Saturday. And “I already got tickets” implies something very different from “Mike and I have an extra ticket.” And on top of THAT, if you’re making plans with someone who has previously been shown to have significant difficulty peopling, you let them know if it’s going to be anything other than just the two of you.
Which brings me to the inconsistent character “development.” Around the same time, Shane is shown to have no real problem being out among people once he’s there. The nervous-beforehand and doesn’t-say-much-in-texts remain. But other than that Shane is no longer a man of few words… and somehow doesn’t need any time to replenish his energy levels after extensive peopling. It’s not that this could never happen. But it’s unusual enough that it should be addressed.
It (or I) never really recovered.
Not only because of the error but also because an MC began behaving very inconsistently with his previously established personality and character. If it was intended as character development… well, it was lacking a connection between how that MC was for the beginning/middle of the book and how he was in the latter part.
Other issues: daddy/boy language is used in one scene in a way that suggests this will be a thing… but never mentioned again. The MC who is stoic and quiet and says very little and was clearly nervous multiple times… at 87%, says getting nervous isn’t in his DNA. Oh, and use of the word “member” in a bit about dick pics was a little jarring.
Ultimately, by the end the book was boring.
A note about this book being part of a series. That last 25% is where it became most obvious that reading the previous books would have been a good idea. (My bad, no blame to the author. The blurb didn’t say “can be read standalone.”) I happened to run across this one, it sounded good, and when I glanced at the first 3 books they all had different couples, so I figured it would be ok. Reading this one solo isn’t terrible, but there are definitely places where the lack of backstory is noticeable.
Details below on the editing error and the character “development” below if you feel like reading it. There’s no major spoilers (it’s a romance, not surprising that one MC asks the other MC for a date), but if you haven’t read it yet and want things to unfold without being biased by my disgruntlement, skip that part.
The major editing error:
In a cute-enough-to-be-memorable scene, Shane asks Mateo to an event. There’s a whole thing about Mateo having practice with Shane assuring him the show starts late enough. And that he (Shane)“already got tickets for Tuesday night.”
Then… it’s Saturday. Mateo is having lunch with 2 friends and tells them he has a date with Shane that night… to that event. Which these three (Mateo & friends) had planned to go to; one couldn’t and so Mateo offered Shane the extra ticket.
Um… what? (Cue record scratch sound effect.)
I get that editing is hard and mistakes slip through. But this isn’t a typo. It reverses an entire scene - if Shane had asked Mateo when Mateo already had plans to go with his two friends, totally different conversation. Not to mention, a Tuesday event happen on Saturday. And “I already got tickets” implies something very different from “Mike and I have an extra ticket.” And on top of THAT, if you’re making plans with someone who has previously been shown to have significant difficulty peopling, you let them know if it’s going to be anything other than just the two of you.
Which brings me to the inconsistent character “development.” Around the same time, Shane is shown to have no real problem being out among people once he’s there. The nervous-beforehand and doesn’t-say-much-in-texts remain. But other than that Shane is no longer a man of few words… and somehow doesn’t need any time to replenish his energy levels after extensive peopling. It’s not that this could never happen. But it’s unusual enough that it should be addressed.
July 18, 2025
ARC review.
Brilliant. I've been giggling and swooning through this book with all the spectacular language and metaphors. I had the best time reading and I love Mateo and Shane, what a pair. The way Mateo understand Shane so well even if he is bad at expressing his feelings, they complement each other perfectly. What a chemistry they have and not to mention the sexual tension all through the book. Their friends were an hilarious sassy bunch of people which I loved. They brought so much extra to the story. I absolutely want to recommend this book, don't let it escape.
Brilliant. I've been giggling and swooning through this book with all the spectacular language and metaphors. I had the best time reading and I love Mateo and Shane, what a pair. The way Mateo understand Shane so well even if he is bad at expressing his feelings, they complement each other perfectly. What a chemistry they have and not to mention the sexual tension all through the book. Their friends were an hilarious sassy bunch of people which I loved. They brought so much extra to the story. I absolutely want to recommend this book, don't let it escape.
August 8, 2025
Shance has to be one of the cutest characters ever. He may have himself all walled off, but he has heart.
Mateo is full of determination and not one to give up, ever. And of course, the whole gang of Mateo's friends comes along for the ride into this story also.
There are parts of this story that had me seriously laughing. It has wonderful characters and the world building is done well. A fast paced romance that keeps you reading to the last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mateo is full of determination and not one to give up, ever. And of course, the whole gang of Mateo's friends comes along for the ride into this story also.
There are parts of this story that had me seriously laughing. It has wonderful characters and the world building is done well. A fast paced romance that keeps you reading to the last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2025
Another great story from Casey Morales - Read this book on a Friday, it will make you smile the whole weekend! The story is all about the characters, not a tortured plot line - no angst over family, history or 'gay-ness' - just people living life like we people do. Similar to many of Casey's stories, this one feels authentic, almost autobiographical, except he's already done that series and it should be on your must-read list (Raised by Wolves.) If you are like me, you will probably read this one in one sitting. Enjoy.
July 23, 2025
I received an E-book ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to put out a disclaimer that I went into this ARC Industry knowing I was not going to enjoy every book, even from favorite authors. I made a promise to myself to always be honest with my thoughts WITHOUT being a cut-throat queen about it, so if something comes across in that way in my writing, it was never my intention! No author should go through that EVER.
2 Stars.
It didn't jive for me... but it wasn't because of Casey Morales writing per se. It had more to do with the whiplash from going from book 2 & 3 to COACH. One of the MCs was really really hard to connect with. So hard that the other main character struggled throughout the whole book as well. That hard MC also wasn't consistent with his personality. His character development progression was choppy and made you question if you missed something to trigger the switch.
and talking about missing something....
SPOILER ALERT
the first spice scene CUT TO BLACK.... ummm....
I did have an ARC so maybe the continuity was all fixed during an edit. But going to super high Rom-Com to screeching to a full stop with the introduction of Shane really changed the speed of everything. He did try to combat it with the friend group, who were rowdy as ever!
Even with this, I'm still looking forward to the next in the series about a Postman! Eggs were dropped to get ready for a clothes strength big package deliverer!
I would like to put out a disclaimer that I went into this ARC Industry knowing I was not going to enjoy every book, even from favorite authors. I made a promise to myself to always be honest with my thoughts WITHOUT being a cut-throat queen about it, so if something comes across in that way in my writing, it was never my intention! No author should go through that EVER.
2 Stars.
It didn't jive for me... but it wasn't because of Casey Morales writing per se. It had more to do with the whiplash from going from book 2 & 3 to COACH. One of the MCs was really really hard to connect with. So hard that the other main character struggled throughout the whole book as well. That hard MC also wasn't consistent with his personality. His character development progression was choppy and made you question if you missed something to trigger the switch.
and talking about missing something....
SPOILER ALERT
the first spice scene CUT TO BLACK.... ummm....
I did have an ARC so maybe the continuity was all fixed during an edit. But going to super high Rom-Com to screeching to a full stop with the introduction of Shane really changed the speed of everything. He did try to combat it with the friend group, who were rowdy as ever!
Even with this, I'm still looking forward to the next in the series about a Postman! Eggs were dropped to get ready for a clothes strength big package deliverer!
August 14, 2025
Hmmmm.
Even though this book was an enjoyable read and there were many laughable parts in it, it didn't pull me into it. I found myself skimming over the chapters because they were too long. Mateo is cute or beautiful, and Shane is a mountain of a ruggedly handsome man; their characters didn't pull me in. I think most of the problem was that there was way too much inner mind thinking and self-doubt. I read it and I had my laughs.
Even though this book was an enjoyable read and there were many laughable parts in it, it didn't pull me into it. I found myself skimming over the chapters because they were too long. Mateo is cute or beautiful, and Shane is a mountain of a ruggedly handsome man; their characters didn't pull me in. I think most of the problem was that there was way too much inner mind thinking and self-doubt. I read it and I had my laughs.
July 29, 2025
Coach by Casey Morales is the 4th book in his Heartstrings of Honor series. I suggest that you read the others first as they introduce characters that play a major role in this one. This is a laugh out loud funny story about two men who are opposites yet have a major attraction from the first time they meet and one of them has things in his past that he has to overcome to find love. Mateo Ricci is Italian and is the varsity head basketball coach and history teacher at Mt. Vernon High School in Atlanta. He loves his job coaching but makes deprecating comments about his hormonal students yet they all love him and want to please him, especially since they could win state this year. He has a motley crew of friends who meet up for brunch and play trivia with all the nosiness and invasive questioning that they can possess which makes for some very interesting and hilarious conversations when they are together. Mateo’s best friend Mike, who is an English teacher at the school, and shares his disdain for some of his students. One day after tryouts he takes him to the Arts Festival where they have antique furniture to try to get him to buy something to replace the cardboard box that is currently holding up his TV. It’s there that they meet woodworker Shane Douglas who creates and repairs wooden masterpieces and is getting known for his amazing work. When Mateo sees all 6 feet 4 inches of him, he about loses his mind and reverts to his 5 year old self by not being able to form a complete sentence. He is so attracted to Shane that he isn’t sure what to do but he does find a sideboard that he likes and Shane says he will bring it to him. Meanwhile Mateo has a conversation with his friends that includes “sideboarding” and embarrasses him to no end but makes everyone else crack up. When Shane delivers the sideboard Mateo asks him to go out to dinner which they do, again with some funny results. Mateo tells him about growing up in Italy and Shane tells a little about himself and growing up in Ohio. But Mateo realizes that Shane is really quiet and doesn’t say much and wonders why especially when he says things like “wood doesn’t lie or leave you”. Yet both men have a big attraction and want to see each other. Shane has things in his past that have brought him to the place he is at and he doesn’t date or have much contact with others except for his business. But he really likes Mateo and pushes himself to continue to see him and meets his friends at trivia where he holds his own, but he places a kiss on Mateo’s forehead, panics, and leaves. Mateo goes to his friends to ask what it means, which again is a funny conversation, yet they encourage him to keep trying with Shane, who comes to a scrimmage, goes to Mateo’s house for dinner, and they both say they can’t stop thinking about each other. Shane tells him what happened early in his life that made him who he is today and this leads to a hot love scene that both enjoy but they don’t go very far. They continue to see each other at games, a raucous night where they get singled out by a comic, and staying overnight whenever they can where they have more hot love scenes. Both get busy between games and more commissions for Shane and they miss each other when they aren’t together and Shane realizes that Mateo is everything to him. The final basketball games before state lead to the ending of the story where they say I love you and you’re mine and become boyfriends, although Mateo says they have been for a while. I really enjoyed this story. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that made me laugh so hard I was crying and my stomach hurt at least once in almost every chapter. Mateo’s friends and Shane’s best friend, Stevie, are absolutely crazy and cause nothing but hilarious chaos whenever they are together. Mateo is a great guy, friend, and coach and everyone likes him, yet he also loses his ability to speak when he first meets Shane, but it gets better the longer they know each other! Shane is a very quiet mountain main who wears flannel but is able to hold his own with Mateo’s friends. His background led him to believe that he couldn’t love or be loved but Mateo showed him he could. The students and basketball players also played a part in the story that showed that Mateo was a great coach and teacher. I highly recommend this story, especially if you like to laugh at on page antics, and like an opposite attracts story between two men who are immediately attracted to each other but have to take time to build their relationship and finally find love.
August 31, 2025
Mateo is an Italian living in America who spends his days coaching basketball, teaching history, and having boozy brunches with his group of close friends. He isn't looking for romance when he meets Shane, a quiet woodworker, at an antique fair. The men are instantly taken with each other, but they are SUPER awkward, leading to a series of dates where Shane grunts monosyllabically and Mateo literally trips over his feet. Thankfully, they both seem to be into the awkwardness and begin a relationship.
Mateo is a stereotypical Italian, charismatic and amazing in the kitchen. He has a large group of friends (too numerous and stereotypical to keep track of) who act as his found family and sounding board as he navigates the early days of dating a man of few words. He is something of a father/old brother figure to the players on his team, beloved by players and parents alike. It seems that everyone who meets him loves him, which makes it easy to see why he is the man Shane trusts to let it.
Shane doesn't believe that he is the type of man who could be loved enough to stick around for. He carries guilt for leaving home after graduation and never returning, feeling that he owes more to his mother, who worked herself to the bone trying to make their house feel like home. I wish the story went deeper into why Shane feels like he will be left behind, thus cautious about starting a new relationship (maybe an ex who abandoned him?). I didn't feel like I got as good a sense of who he was as I did with Mateo. His interactions with BFF/employee Stevie didn't seem to add much to the development of his character.
I was hoping to see Mateo and Shane's relationship progress further by the end of the book. I would have preferred that scenes with the secondary characters be cut (especially the trivia night and Christmas Eve scenes) to devote more pages to Mateo and Shane being vulnerable with each other, which would have lent the story greater emotional depth. The last scene was a fake-out that left me feeling kind of cheated and frustrated, not a great way to end a book.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the humor early on in the book, but there wasn't enough of Mateo and Shane's relationship shown for me to recommend the book to others. 2.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mateo is a stereotypical Italian, charismatic and amazing in the kitchen. He has a large group of friends (too numerous and stereotypical to keep track of) who act as his found family and sounding board as he navigates the early days of dating a man of few words. He is something of a father/old brother figure to the players on his team, beloved by players and parents alike. It seems that everyone who meets him loves him, which makes it easy to see why he is the man Shane trusts to let it.
Shane doesn't believe that he is the type of man who could be loved enough to stick around for. He carries guilt for leaving home after graduation and never returning, feeling that he owes more to his mother, who worked herself to the bone trying to make their house feel like home. I wish the story went deeper into why Shane feels like he will be left behind, thus cautious about starting a new relationship (maybe an ex who abandoned him?). I didn't feel like I got as good a sense of who he was as I did with Mateo. His interactions with BFF/employee Stevie didn't seem to add much to the development of his character.
I was hoping to see Mateo and Shane's relationship progress further by the end of the book. I would have preferred that scenes with the secondary characters be cut (especially the trivia night and Christmas Eve scenes) to devote more pages to Mateo and Shane being vulnerable with each other, which would have lent the story greater emotional depth. The last scene was a fake-out that left me feeling kind of cheated and frustrated, not a great way to end a book.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the humor early on in the book, but there wasn't enough of Mateo and Shane's relationship shown for me to recommend the book to others. 2.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2025
Mateo is the basketball coach and teacher we've met in previous Heartstrings books, now he gets to share the story of his love life! It's hilarious, passionate, packed with sport and some other, less PG activities! His love interest is the grouchy Shane who is utterly adorable, a woodworker whose long buried heart is beating hard for the gorgeous Italian, honestly, I can't say I blame him at all!
They meet, if you can call a business transaction that, when Mike drags Mateo to look around an arts and antique fair. For Matteo the sideboard Mike suggests he really, really needs to finally buy for his TV is the initial draw. Then Shane appears from behind it and quite frankly I'm surprised Mateo stayed on his feet...
From there the story doesn't unfold as any typical love story might, oh no, this one is utterly hilarious, keeps all the actors on their toes, including Mike and the motley crew that are Mateo's best friends. Shane is a touch one to crack and yet when Mateo does break through what he finds is astonishing, a caring, loving, passionate man but also a man who really doesn't know how to navigate relationships. That could make two of them but, with the help of friends, students and a variety of other characters who love to share their (helpful) ideas, the two might be able to find their way to finally communicate in a language they can both understand...
A passionate story about two tough men with squishy hearts discovering that when they are with one another nothing else in the world matters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They meet, if you can call a business transaction that, when Mike drags Mateo to look around an arts and antique fair. For Matteo the sideboard Mike suggests he really, really needs to finally buy for his TV is the initial draw. Then Shane appears from behind it and quite frankly I'm surprised Mateo stayed on his feet...
From there the story doesn't unfold as any typical love story might, oh no, this one is utterly hilarious, keeps all the actors on their toes, including Mike and the motley crew that are Mateo's best friends. Shane is a touch one to crack and yet when Mateo does break through what he finds is astonishing, a caring, loving, passionate man but also a man who really doesn't know how to navigate relationships. That could make two of them but, with the help of friends, students and a variety of other characters who love to share their (helpful) ideas, the two might be able to find their way to finally communicate in a language they can both understand...
A passionate story about two tough men with squishy hearts discovering that when they are with one another nothing else in the world matters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2025
3.75 stars
This is book four of the author’s Heart Strings of Honor series featuring everyday heroes—men who, though we might not always notice their contribution, our lives wouldn’t be the same without them. In this one, we get Mateo, a high school boys basketball coach, a hot ITALIAN basketball coach, (did you SEE that cover??!!!) making a difference in his players’ lives, one practice/game at a time.
Don’t go thinking this is all about this inspiring do-gooder… it’s most DEFINITELY not! The entire gang from the previous three books in the series, including Mrs. H, is back with all the hilarity and raunchiness (plus a few eww moments) that have made this series so much fun.
I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong, I laughed my butt off but this one was a much slower burn than the others and the way it ended wasn’t as satisfying as the others; it was left more open ended and I was left wanting more than I actually got. There was one thing that I really didn’t care for though, and I don’t remember this happening in the previous books—the guys seemed to be WAY too appreciative of the way some of the other guys in the group looked, remarking about their bodies and making speculations and such. They were all supposedly in committed relationships but the book made it sound like any man would do. That’s not what I read romances for.
Overall, I liked it; I loved the author’s dry wit and his colorful descriptions but the previously mentioned ‘appreciation’ cost it. It took it from a 4.5 to 3.75 stars. I’m hoping Jeremiah’s actual book isn’t like that.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book four of the author’s Heart Strings of Honor series featuring everyday heroes—men who, though we might not always notice their contribution, our lives wouldn’t be the same without them. In this one, we get Mateo, a high school boys basketball coach, a hot ITALIAN basketball coach, (did you SEE that cover??!!!) making a difference in his players’ lives, one practice/game at a time.
Don’t go thinking this is all about this inspiring do-gooder… it’s most DEFINITELY not! The entire gang from the previous three books in the series, including Mrs. H, is back with all the hilarity and raunchiness (plus a few eww moments) that have made this series so much fun.
I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong, I laughed my butt off but this one was a much slower burn than the others and the way it ended wasn’t as satisfying as the others; it was left more open ended and I was left wanting more than I actually got. There was one thing that I really didn’t care for though, and I don’t remember this happening in the previous books—the guys seemed to be WAY too appreciative of the way some of the other guys in the group looked, remarking about their bodies and making speculations and such. They were all supposedly in committed relationships but the book made it sound like any man would do. That’s not what I read romances for.
Overall, I liked it; I loved the author’s dry wit and his colorful descriptions but the previously mentioned ‘appreciation’ cost it. It took it from a 4.5 to 3.75 stars. I’m hoping Jeremiah’s actual book isn’t like that.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2025
In Casey Morales's latest gem, Coach, part of the Heartstrings of Honor series, you are treated to a delightful mix of compelling characters. From the high school basketball coach, Mateo, to the hulk of a furniture maker, Shane, the story is peppered with crazy antics and sharp wit. You won't just read about their lives; you'll feel like you're right there alongside them, catching every snappy comeback and witnessing every sweet moment.
This fourth installment beautifully portrays the blossoming romance between Mateo and Shane, capturing the essence of modern relationships. Their narrative evolves through an awkward first meeting and a series of hilarious misunderstandings. Ever wonder how to define what you're doing when it feels like more than just hanging out but less than committed? Morales expertly navigates these relatable stages, making you root for them at every turn.
As Coach Mateo and Shane embark on their quest for happiness, they are not alone. The supporting cast of characters, filled with their quirks and sass, ensures that laughter is never far away. It's a testament to the power of friendship and camaraderie that enriches the story, balancing the romantic tension with moments of joy. With each chapter, you'll experience not only the rollercoaster of emotions that love brings but the warmth of a community that celebrates all its triumphs.
Coach is a delightful tale of love and friendship, promising to tug at your heartstrings while leaving you with a grin.
This fourth installment beautifully portrays the blossoming romance between Mateo and Shane, capturing the essence of modern relationships. Their narrative evolves through an awkward first meeting and a series of hilarious misunderstandings. Ever wonder how to define what you're doing when it feels like more than just hanging out but less than committed? Morales expertly navigates these relatable stages, making you root for them at every turn.
As Coach Mateo and Shane embark on their quest for happiness, they are not alone. The supporting cast of characters, filled with their quirks and sass, ensures that laughter is never far away. It's a testament to the power of friendship and camaraderie that enriches the story, balancing the romantic tension with moments of joy. With each chapter, you'll experience not only the rollercoaster of emotions that love brings but the warmth of a community that celebrates all its triumphs.
Coach is a delightful tale of love and friendship, promising to tug at your heartstrings while leaving you with a grin.
August 31, 2025
Mateo and Shane . . .
(The author’s writing is really uplifting as I noticed I couldn’t seem to stop smiling or outright laughing!) Mateo Ricci is an Italian high school coach who still has his 70” TV sitting on a heavy-duty cardboard box. When his friend, English teacher Mike, talked him into dinner and a visit to an arts festival where he can check out the antique furniture which Mike defines as “treasure hunting”, he suggests Mateo might even find a real TV stand. Instead of a “formal” dinner, they both preferred the deep-fried food at the festival. Corn dogs and funnel cakes put a huge smile on Mike’s face. They wandered around and finally got to some old but quality-made items. When a man who had been working on something out of their sight stood up, Mateo forgot to breathe! Mike made a snorting sound as Mateo stumbled over his words when the guy asked if he saw anything he liked and Mateo stuttered, “Yeah, the piece. The furniture piece. This thing. The, uh . . . sideboard.” He said his name was Shane Douglas and he could answer his questions (if Mateo ever got his voice back). So Mike teased him even more after he bought the sideboard, perfectly aware of Mateo’s reaction to the carpenter.
The characters are wonderful, their friendships strong and supportive of each other. Will they encourage Mateo to follow his feelings this time? It seems that the two of them are exceptionally good together and both deserve the happiness they generate as they get to know each other better.
(The author’s writing is really uplifting as I noticed I couldn’t seem to stop smiling or outright laughing!) Mateo Ricci is an Italian high school coach who still has his 70” TV sitting on a heavy-duty cardboard box. When his friend, English teacher Mike, talked him into dinner and a visit to an arts festival where he can check out the antique furniture which Mike defines as “treasure hunting”, he suggests Mateo might even find a real TV stand. Instead of a “formal” dinner, they both preferred the deep-fried food at the festival. Corn dogs and funnel cakes put a huge smile on Mike’s face. They wandered around and finally got to some old but quality-made items. When a man who had been working on something out of their sight stood up, Mateo forgot to breathe! Mike made a snorting sound as Mateo stumbled over his words when the guy asked if he saw anything he liked and Mateo stuttered, “Yeah, the piece. The furniture piece. This thing. The, uh . . . sideboard.” He said his name was Shane Douglas and he could answer his questions (if Mateo ever got his voice back). So Mike teased him even more after he bought the sideboard, perfectly aware of Mateo’s reaction to the carpenter.
The characters are wonderful, their friendships strong and supportive of each other. Will they encourage Mateo to follow his feelings this time? It seems that the two of them are exceptionally good together and both deserve the happiness they generate as they get to know each other better.
August 23, 2025
Sometimes the sweetest romances are the ones that don’t try too hard, and that’s exactly how Coach felt to me. This is a slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine story that pairs Shane, a quiet, strong woodcrafter who barely strings together more than a few words, with Mateo, the ever-expressive Italian coach who communicates as much through body language as he does with words. On paper, it sounds like an odd couple—but in practice, it’s utterly heartwarming.
The chemistry between Shane and Mateo is tinged with a touch of awkwardness, which only makes their connection feel more authentic. Watching Shane gradually open up to Mateo felt like witnessing sunlight breaking through clouds. Their dynamic perfectly captures how love doesn’t always need grand speeches—sometimes small gestures, presence, and slow dancing can say more than words ever could.
What I appreciated most was how the book highlights that people who aren’t naturally talkative can still find ways to express affection and build deep, meaningful relationships. As someone who’s not very talkative myself, Shane’s character really resonated with me. Mateo, with his warmth and energy, balances him beautifully. Together, they create a romance that’s tender, believable, and quietly powerful.
Coach is a story that doesn’t need to be overanalyzed to be enjoyed. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and leaves you smiling long after the last page.
The chemistry between Shane and Mateo is tinged with a touch of awkwardness, which only makes their connection feel more authentic. Watching Shane gradually open up to Mateo felt like witnessing sunlight breaking through clouds. Their dynamic perfectly captures how love doesn’t always need grand speeches—sometimes small gestures, presence, and slow dancing can say more than words ever could.
What I appreciated most was how the book highlights that people who aren’t naturally talkative can still find ways to express affection and build deep, meaningful relationships. As someone who’s not very talkative myself, Shane’s character really resonated with me. Mateo, with his warmth and energy, balances him beautifully. Together, they create a romance that’s tender, believable, and quietly powerful.
Coach is a story that doesn’t need to be overanalyzed to be enjoyed. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and leaves you smiling long after the last page.
July 18, 2025
Sisi strikes again! And Jessica makes a comeback! I know, they are “side characters” but you can tell they’re worth it when I read about Jessica’s attitude or read Sisi’s comebacks, and I know exactly who they are, what book they’re from, and what they did in the other books. I was super happy having Elliot and Mike back as well, specially since “The Lineman” is one of my favorite books by Casey Morales. Anyway, we’re talking about “Coach”, and it’s another jewel. I had a headache when I started reading it, and I only made it worse by finishing the book in one sitting, but the characters suck you in within seconds! You want to know everything about them, and with the awesome cameos, who can blame me for not stopping until I finished it? Casey writes realistically. The “meet cute” stories are embarrassing at times, but that’s what makes them more relatable. And you’re rooting for the characters to get together, to see each other as we see them. I just love this author, and I love how he paints imperfect pictures of imperfect people so perfectly. Finishing this book was sad, it was like I left my friends behind once again, but I will reread (minus headache) because the humor is incredible, their blundering is adorable, and I just can’t get enough of Flannel Daddy and “Marco”.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2025
Coach (Heartstrings of Honor 4) is Mateo Ricci’s turn in the limelight. We met him in ‘The Lineman’ as a fellow high school teacher and coach at the same school as Mike. Mateo is a very dedicated coach and a good friend to Mike. Mike drags him to an arts festival to get him to buy something better than the cardboard for his tv to sit on. That brings them into Shane’s orbit. Shane is a wood worker who makes and restores furniture as well as being a silent giant of a man.
What follows is a slow dance as they circle each other. Mateo is a chatterbox and Shane makes it sound like it hurts for him to speak. Both are afraid to commit and then get hurt. They are more than just attracted to each other and cannot stay away from each other even if they know the risk. What you get is a beautiful but drawn out love story with a bunch of great characters thrown into the mix as well. I say great with reservations as some are a bit much to take but I’m learning to sort of love them as the series grows. We also get to meet a new character who is getting his own story very soon in ‘The Postie’. It all goes to make for great main characters and a heart warming love story that may or may not reach a happy ever after. You’ll just have to read it to see for yourselves.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What follows is a slow dance as they circle each other. Mateo is a chatterbox and Shane makes it sound like it hurts for him to speak. Both are afraid to commit and then get hurt. They are more than just attracted to each other and cannot stay away from each other even if they know the risk. What you get is a beautiful but drawn out love story with a bunch of great characters thrown into the mix as well. I say great with reservations as some are a bit much to take but I’m learning to sort of love them as the series grows. We also get to meet a new character who is getting his own story very soon in ‘The Postie’. It all goes to make for great main characters and a heart warming love story that may or may not reach a happy ever after. You’ll just have to read it to see for yourselves.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2025
sorely in need of an editor
This book does not need to be almost 500 pages long. I’ve read his other books and not long ago said he desperately needs and editor. Not every thought in his head is a pearl and what is up with the endless similes and metaphors? I checked and he uses the work “like” 848 times! Sometimes he uses it twice in a single sentence and they are mostly so absurd that I have no idea what they even mean.
Example: “Crusty like an emotionally stunted badger,” I said. “He builds furniture. He glowers. He wears boots like he’s planning to fight God in an alley.” OMG.
And the back and forth endless bantering which might be funny if we were drunk and actually hanging out with the characters. We don’t need to read every word they ever uttered to each other. It’s a novel not a courtroom transcript.
Nor do we need the exact same scene replayed with the exact dialogue just to get the other character’s POV on the interaction.
The book started out well but got worse and worse as I went along. What happens is you end up skimming most of it just to see if there is anything worthwhile. Whatever good there is gets lost in oodles of verbiage. As one of the many needless characters shrieks, “Focus!”, I couldn’t help but think that Casey should heed her advice.
This book does not need to be almost 500 pages long. I’ve read his other books and not long ago said he desperately needs and editor. Not every thought in his head is a pearl and what is up with the endless similes and metaphors? I checked and he uses the work “like” 848 times! Sometimes he uses it twice in a single sentence and they are mostly so absurd that I have no idea what they even mean.
Example: “Crusty like an emotionally stunted badger,” I said. “He builds furniture. He glowers. He wears boots like he’s planning to fight God in an alley.” OMG.
And the back and forth endless bantering which might be funny if we were drunk and actually hanging out with the characters. We don’t need to read every word they ever uttered to each other. It’s a novel not a courtroom transcript.
Nor do we need the exact same scene replayed with the exact dialogue just to get the other character’s POV on the interaction.
The book started out well but got worse and worse as I went along. What happens is you end up skimming most of it just to see if there is anything worthwhile. Whatever good there is gets lost in oodles of verbiage. As one of the many needless characters shrieks, “Focus!”, I couldn’t help but think that Casey should heed her advice.
August 19, 2025
Sweet Slow Burn
Mateo – seen before in ‘The Lineman’ as that book's MC Mike’s best friend – is a high school teacher and coach of the basketball team. His circle of friends take him to a high end craft fair, where he finds the perfect furniture piece for his house – a handcrafted sideboard. He pays for the item, and a few days later the carpenter, Shane, calls to arrange for delivery.
It’s insta lust for both Shane and Mateo, though Shane is nearly paralyzed by shyness and Mateo can’t figure out if Shane is attracted to him or not. Slowly, they learn to understand each other. While Mateo is occupied with basketball season, Shane is working overtime to complete a big order for handcrafted furniture – but he makes time for home basketball games to see Mateo coach.
Couples from previous books appear – Matty and Omar, Mike and Elliott, Dane and Patrick, as well as the indomitable and bawdy Mrs. Henderson. There are some laugh out loud scenes, particularly when Shane has too much to drink while attending a comedy concert at a club. I especially like that Morales doesn’t have any of the characters’ personalities undergo a magical transformation. Rather, the couples deal with each other as they are, with all their human imperfections. Good story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mateo – seen before in ‘The Lineman’ as that book's MC Mike’s best friend – is a high school teacher and coach of the basketball team. His circle of friends take him to a high end craft fair, where he finds the perfect furniture piece for his house – a handcrafted sideboard. He pays for the item, and a few days later the carpenter, Shane, calls to arrange for delivery.
It’s insta lust for both Shane and Mateo, though Shane is nearly paralyzed by shyness and Mateo can’t figure out if Shane is attracted to him or not. Slowly, they learn to understand each other. While Mateo is occupied with basketball season, Shane is working overtime to complete a big order for handcrafted furniture – but he makes time for home basketball games to see Mateo coach.
Couples from previous books appear – Matty and Omar, Mike and Elliott, Dane and Patrick, as well as the indomitable and bawdy Mrs. Henderson. There are some laugh out loud scenes, particularly when Shane has too much to drink while attending a comedy concert at a club. I especially like that Morales doesn’t have any of the characters’ personalities undergo a magical transformation. Rather, the couples deal with each other as they are, with all their human imperfections. Good story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2025
'I stood there, hands hovering somewhere between my front pockets and my sides, frozen with the worst indecision tree of all time.
My mind reeled.
Do I hug him?
Is a handshake weird? Too formal?
A kiss? Too much? Are kisses a thing we do now? Did we ever do kisses?
He reached out slightly.
So did I.
We both hesitated.
I stepped forward at the same time he shifted to the side.
And then—
“TONGUE! TONGUE! TONGUE!” The blond shrieked a chant like a frat boy possessed by the ghost of a Vegas showgirl. The others joined in, slamming the table in time with their words. Before I could think, tables around us filled with guys began doing the same.
The whole bar had turned to watch.
Mateo turned bright red. Even his ears glowed like Rudolph’s nose.'
“They’re so freakin’ adorable,” I heard the blond whisper. “And so doomed.”
Omg that was my favorite scene! I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Shane and Mateo. These two were so opposite in personality and yet matched so perfectly. They were both completely adorable together- cute and awkward, and I just couldn't get enough! I loved the supporting characters. The story also had a lot of humor. And it was overall a balanced and beautiful slice of life romance. I would love to listen to this in audio one day! 5 stars
My mind reeled.
Do I hug him?
Is a handshake weird? Too formal?
A kiss? Too much? Are kisses a thing we do now? Did we ever do kisses?
He reached out slightly.
So did I.
We both hesitated.
I stepped forward at the same time he shifted to the side.
And then—
“TONGUE! TONGUE! TONGUE!” The blond shrieked a chant like a frat boy possessed by the ghost of a Vegas showgirl. The others joined in, slamming the table in time with their words. Before I could think, tables around us filled with guys began doing the same.
The whole bar had turned to watch.
Mateo turned bright red. Even his ears glowed like Rudolph’s nose.'
“They’re so freakin’ adorable,” I heard the blond whisper. “And so doomed.”
Omg that was my favorite scene! I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Shane and Mateo. These two were so opposite in personality and yet matched so perfectly. They were both completely adorable together- cute and awkward, and I just couldn't get enough! I loved the supporting characters. The story also had a lot of humor. And it was overall a balanced and beautiful slice of life romance. I would love to listen to this in audio one day! 5 stars
October 10, 2025
Coach is the 4th book in the HeartStrings of Honor series by Casey Morales, a series of MM romance.
With the romance being between Mateo Ricci an Italian high school basketball coach and Shane a quiet carpenter.
With this being the fourth book in this series, the plot of the novels are much the same, where the jobs of the two main characters form a major part of the plot line.
As Mateo and Shane work hard in their own fields, this really helps to ground the romance as each character is given enough page time to really flesh out their own character.
So while Mateo is in the previous book of the series and needed less time on the page if you have read those books, however no matter if you have read those books ot this is the first book as a reader you will get to now and to care for the individual character.
While Coach is the least spicy novel of the series this is definitely not a closed door romance.
Having said that this is definitely a novel that allows the tension between the two main characters to build up throughout the novel.
Added to that the secondary characters throughout the novel really add a depth to the story making Coach by Casey Morales worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With the romance being between Mateo Ricci an Italian high school basketball coach and Shane a quiet carpenter.
With this being the fourth book in this series, the plot of the novels are much the same, where the jobs of the two main characters form a major part of the plot line.
As Mateo and Shane work hard in their own fields, this really helps to ground the romance as each character is given enough page time to really flesh out their own character.
So while Mateo is in the previous book of the series and needed less time on the page if you have read those books, however no matter if you have read those books ot this is the first book as a reader you will get to now and to care for the individual character.
While Coach is the least spicy novel of the series this is definitely not a closed door romance.
Having said that this is definitely a novel that allows the tension between the two main characters to build up throughout the novel.
Added to that the secondary characters throughout the novel really add a depth to the story making Coach by Casey Morales worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2025
Coach is an adorable grumpy / sunshine mm romance by Casey Morales that absolutely pulls at your heartstrings.
Mateo is an Italian transplant with all the wonderful mannerisms we associate with Italians. It was mentioned a few times that he was Italian and i initially thought it was a lot, but it matches Mateo’s personality. So, it makes sense. He’s a high school basketball coach with a found family that supports him unconditionally.
Shane is your stereotypical loner with his heart shut off from the world. He’s built a life for himself so he doesn’t have to interact with the world around him. Then Mateo comes into his life and disrupts everything.
I didn’t buy the reason Shane was emotionally shut off. The author hints at more, but it’s not full my fleshed out. Why does he need to see the exits at all times? Who told him he was too much? It was never fully explained, and i feel like the author could have delved more into his past.
The story also ended rather abruptly, but on a sweet note.
It was a sweet story, but i feel like it could have been explored more. There was so much that Casey Morales starred, but didn’t finish in the story.
I liked it overall, would have liked a bit more. The spice doesn’t hit until 50%, but once it does it hits!
Mateo is an Italian transplant with all the wonderful mannerisms we associate with Italians. It was mentioned a few times that he was Italian and i initially thought it was a lot, but it matches Mateo’s personality. So, it makes sense. He’s a high school basketball coach with a found family that supports him unconditionally.
Shane is your stereotypical loner with his heart shut off from the world. He’s built a life for himself so he doesn’t have to interact with the world around him. Then Mateo comes into his life and disrupts everything.
I didn’t buy the reason Shane was emotionally shut off. The author hints at more, but it’s not full my fleshed out. Why does he need to see the exits at all times? Who told him he was too much? It was never fully explained, and i feel like the author could have delved more into his past.
The story also ended rather abruptly, but on a sweet note.
It was a sweet story, but i feel like it could have been explored more. There was so much that Casey Morales starred, but didn’t finish in the story.
I liked it overall, would have liked a bit more. The spice doesn’t hit until 50%, but once it does it hits!
August 18, 2025
This is book 4 of the Heartstrings of Honor series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Matteo Ricci and Shane Douglas. Matteo is a burst of sunshine with an appealing Italian accent. Matteo is a teacher and Mount Vernon High and the school basketball coach. He loves teaching and helping kids gain confidence and skills. When his best friend Mike Albert takes him to an antique fair he finds the perfect piece for his television to sit on. Finally his current cardboard box table can go. What he finds even more appealing, is the 6'6" lumberjack that designed the table. Shane is a master of woodworking. He prefers wood to people. That is why he has a friend work the front of the shop. He does all his creativity at the back. Matteo is so overwhelmed by Shane, he is actually speechless. For a man who talks all day, that is impressive. Even more so than Shane. Shane on the other hand, is slow to trust people. From the first time they meet, the chemistry is off the charts. This is a sweet and fun book to read. I really enjoyed it. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2025
Another excellent addition to the series
I have so much appreciation for authors like Casey Morales who continue to bring stories like Coach to life. There is nothing more important than recognition — and writers like Morales are on the front line, offering that recognition to characters like Mateo and Shane.
Finding your “one” and being able to share that part of your life with the people who matter most is a tale as old as time. Morales could easily have leaned into heavy angst around Mateo, a high school teacher and coach, introducing his boyfriend Shane into his professional world — especially given the subtle fears about how parents might react. Instead, those moments are handled with care and restraint, with zero unnecessary drama.
It’s perhaps a more utopian view of where we are as a society, but it offers a glimpse of what could be if we rose above our own shortsightedness. My only criticism is that I would have loved more depth into Shane’s backstory — it feels like there’s more there waiting to be explored — though that in no way diminishes the warmth or quality of the novel Morales has crafted.
I have so much appreciation for authors like Casey Morales who continue to bring stories like Coach to life. There is nothing more important than recognition — and writers like Morales are on the front line, offering that recognition to characters like Mateo and Shane.
Finding your “one” and being able to share that part of your life with the people who matter most is a tale as old as time. Morales could easily have leaned into heavy angst around Mateo, a high school teacher and coach, introducing his boyfriend Shane into his professional world — especially given the subtle fears about how parents might react. Instead, those moments are handled with care and restraint, with zero unnecessary drama.
It’s perhaps a more utopian view of where we are as a society, but it offers a glimpse of what could be if we rose above our own shortsightedness. My only criticism is that I would have loved more depth into Shane’s backstory — it feels like there’s more there waiting to be explored — though that in no way diminishes the warmth or quality of the novel Morales has crafted.
July 18, 2025
Coach is a laugh-out-loud romantic gem begins with a simple quest for furniture and spirals into a delightfully quirky, deeply charming love story that had me absolutely hooked.
Basketball coach Matteo, bubbly and sun-bright, accompanies his bestie Mike (from a previous book that I now need to read immediately!) to an Antique Fair—and that's where sparks fly. Literally. When he locks eyes with Shane, the impossibly tall, rugged woodworker with a heart as solid as oak and a vocabulary as sparse as fallen leaves, silence speaks volumes. From that electric moment to a hysterical furniture delivery scene that had me cackling like Mrs. H after a third glass of wine, the tone is set for a comedy-laced slow burn that never skimps on warmth.
Shane’s intro to Matteo’s tight-knit gang of misfits (including the fabulous and risqué Mrs. H) is both tender and hilarious. If you like your love stories full of quirky characters, heart-melting moments, and unexpected belly laughs, you’ll want to cozy up with this one.
Basketball coach Matteo, bubbly and sun-bright, accompanies his bestie Mike (from a previous book that I now need to read immediately!) to an Antique Fair—and that's where sparks fly. Literally. When he locks eyes with Shane, the impossibly tall, rugged woodworker with a heart as solid as oak and a vocabulary as sparse as fallen leaves, silence speaks volumes. From that electric moment to a hysterical furniture delivery scene that had me cackling like Mrs. H after a third glass of wine, the tone is set for a comedy-laced slow burn that never skimps on warmth.
Shane’s intro to Matteo’s tight-knit gang of misfits (including the fabulous and risqué Mrs. H) is both tender and hilarious. If you like your love stories full of quirky characters, heart-melting moments, and unexpected belly laughs, you’ll want to cozy up with this one.
July 18, 2025
Coach by Casey Morales is the chaotic gay romcom I didn’t know I needed but now want framed on my wall. It stars Mateo—an Italian coach with big clipboard energy, sass for days, and zero tolerance for teenage drama (even though he's surrounded by it). Enter Shane: quiet, broody, hot-as-sin furniture builder who can probably lift both a sideboard and your emotional baggage. The moment they meet—over a hunk of wood, naturally—it’s awkward, adorable, and absolutely unhinged in the best way.
The banter? Chef’s kiss.
The side characters? Hilarious.
The sexual tension over a piece of antique furniture? A true work of art.
Between gym chaos, antique fairs, accidental flirting, and a best friend who stirs the pot like it’s his full-time job, this book had me grinning like an idiot. It’s steamy, it’s sweet, it’s the perfect mess—and yes, I’ll never look at a sideboard again without wondering if love might be hiding behind it.
The banter? Chef’s kiss.
The side characters? Hilarious.
The sexual tension over a piece of antique furniture? A true work of art.
Between gym chaos, antique fairs, accidental flirting, and a best friend who stirs the pot like it’s his full-time job, this book had me grinning like an idiot. It’s steamy, it’s sweet, it’s the perfect mess—and yes, I’ll never look at a sideboard again without wondering if love might be hiding behind it.
July 29, 2025
Yes, Coach!
I adore Casey Morales’s stories! His characters are real, and wonderful, and flawed, and hilarious. The banter is next level and relationships are nuanced and varied…and not just between the MCs! If you haven’t already, start at the beginning and read the whole series. SO fun! This book has all the great stuff, but was just not quite as polished as the previous ones. The silliness was almost distracting in the first half (though everyone deserves friends like these!), and there were some minor inconsistencies and repetitive bits that threw me off just a bit. I would’ve liked to get to know Shane a little better. He was delicious in his grumpy sweetness, but his personality wavered and felt kind of incomplete sometimes. Maybe because we got to see Mateo so clearly in comparison? Four stars, but only because the other books were so great…can’t wait for Jeremiah’s story!
I adore Casey Morales’s stories! His characters are real, and wonderful, and flawed, and hilarious. The banter is next level and relationships are nuanced and varied…and not just between the MCs! If you haven’t already, start at the beginning and read the whole series. SO fun! This book has all the great stuff, but was just not quite as polished as the previous ones. The silliness was almost distracting in the first half (though everyone deserves friends like these!), and there were some minor inconsistencies and repetitive bits that threw me off just a bit. I would’ve liked to get to know Shane a little better. He was delicious in his grumpy sweetness, but his personality wavered and felt kind of incomplete sometimes. Maybe because we got to see Mateo so clearly in comparison? Four stars, but only because the other books were so great…can’t wait for Jeremiah’s story!
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