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Straight Men #2
The Coach
Falling for a straight guy is never a good idea—especially when he’s your ruthless, married coach.
Wrestling is hard enough for Tyler without the distraction of Blake, the team’s hard-ass new coach. Blake is infuriating, impossible to please, and, unfortunately, the hottest man Tyler has ever seen. Too bad he can’t stand him.
For Blake, this job was supposed to be a fresh start. He’s here to rebuild his life, not to be challenged by a cocky, insufferable athlete who pushes all his buttons. There’s just something about Tyler that makes him lose all self-control.
They clash. They push. They swear they hate each other.
But hate has a way of igniting into something else, something neither of them is ready for. And once the line is crossed, walking away won’t be so easy.
This is the second entry in the Straight Men series, but each story can be read as a stand-alone with no cliffhangers. Themes include age gap, first time, bi awakening, straight-to-gay, and gay-for-you (with some superhero references sprinkled throughout).
Wrestling is hard enough for Tyler without the distraction of Blake, the team’s hard-ass new coach. Blake is infuriating, impossible to please, and, unfortunately, the hottest man Tyler has ever seen. Too bad he can’t stand him.
For Blake, this job was supposed to be a fresh start. He’s here to rebuild his life, not to be challenged by a cocky, insufferable athlete who pushes all his buttons. There’s just something about Tyler that makes him lose all self-control.
They clash. They push. They swear they hate each other.
But hate has a way of igniting into something else, something neither of them is ready for. And once the line is crossed, walking away won’t be so easy.
This is the second entry in the Straight Men series, but each story can be read as a stand-alone with no cliffhangers. Themes include age gap, first time, bi awakening, straight-to-gay, and gay-for-you (with some superhero references sprinkled throughout).
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2025
24 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Azanon
11 books60 followersSebastian Hayden Azanon is a worst-selling author of thrilling, emotionally charged MM romances steeped in smoke, shadows, and moonlight. He likes his smut extra spicy, full of complex characters, dangerous desires, and choices that only make sense after midnight. When not immersed in worlds of seduction and intrigue, he can be found hiking, working up a sweat at the gym, or arguing with his cat about life, the universe, and everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 3, 2025
I loved this story so much. Blake and Tyler are so much fun with their initial push/pull dynamic that quickly escalates into such a steamy and amazing forbidden romance that I could not get enough of. Their relationship has so much heart, and I loved how much they both grew as their relationship deepened. This is such a great romance, and I look forward to the next entry.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
December 26, 2025
This one had me hooked fast. The writing was solid, the emotional tension sharp, and the pacing spot on. I loved the age gap and bi-awakening element here, especially paired with the coach/athlete dynamic — definitely forbidden, definitely messy, and very compelling.
The push-and-pull between Blake and Tyler was one of the highlights for me. Their animosity turning into something much more intense felt organic, and the internal conflict on Blake’s side added just the right amount of angst. The power imbalance and secrecy gave the story real emotional weight without tipping into unnecessary drama.
This book stood out for how well it balanced desire, emotional vulnerability, and tension. Between this and The Neighbor, I’m genuinely curious to read more from S.H. Azanon — the writing, character work, and pacing really work for me.
The push-and-pull between Blake and Tyler was one of the highlights for me. Their animosity turning into something much more intense felt organic, and the internal conflict on Blake’s side added just the right amount of angst. The power imbalance and secrecy gave the story real emotional weight without tipping into unnecessary drama.
This book stood out for how well it balanced desire, emotional vulnerability, and tension. Between this and The Neighbor, I’m genuinely curious to read more from S.H. Azanon — the writing, character work, and pacing really work for me.
April 15, 2025
I normally hate dead ex books, but it didn’t really bother me in this book at all. Maybe because Tyler didn’t have a problem with it or maybe because she really wasn’t mentioned in an overwhelming way like normal dead ex books. I do wish Blake had taken off his ring sooner, but since we got his pov and we could see he cared for Tyler I didn’t let it bother me. The only reason for four stars instead of five is the lack of epilogue
May 2, 2025
These characters touched my soul in a way I’ll NEVER NEVER NEVER forget.
March 4, 2025
This was a good story! I was expecting something that I would roll my eyes at but the story had depth. I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next book!
March 12, 2025
85% smut, 15% plot (if I’m being generous).
It was still super cute. Low angst. Age gap. All of it. 🖤
It was the perfect follow up to the first book and I just love Tyler and Blake.
It was still super cute. Low angst. Age gap. All of it. 🖤
It was the perfect follow up to the first book and I just love Tyler and Blake.
October 30, 2025
great writing, extremely steamy (in a not everyone's cup of tea way), and well developed characters.
I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two...I didnt fully buy into the romance. the lust? yes. romance? not really. we were told about their 'deep' conversations but witnessed very little interactions besides sex.
I found Blake's acceptance to his bisexuality with very little self reflection to be unrealistic.
but the writing flowed very well. The sex scenes were HOT. but I did feel like there was something lacking... genuine chemistry or emotion maybe? I felt like most of the emotion was told to the reader and the only chemistry was sexual.
*sorry for typos and such, writing on my phone.*
I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two...I didnt fully buy into the romance. the lust? yes. romance? not really. we were told about their 'deep' conversations but witnessed very little interactions besides sex.
I found Blake's acceptance to his bisexuality with very little self reflection to be unrealistic.
but the writing flowed very well. The sex scenes were HOT. but I did feel like there was something lacking... genuine chemistry or emotion maybe? I felt like most of the emotion was told to the reader and the only chemistry was sexual.
*sorry for typos and such, writing on my phone.*
February 6, 2025
The Coach by S.H. Azanon is a heart-pounding mix of passion, perseverance, and sizzling chemistry. With a coach who knows how to play hard both on and off the field, this story delivers all the feels—plus a few perfectly timed pep talks. If you love romance with grit, heart, and a dash of locker-room tension, this one’s a touchdown!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
4 stars for the smut, 2 stars for the romance. This was a pretty predictable gay-for-you college wrestling coach v student athlete romance. Heavy on the physical attraction and sexual obsession, it failed to sell the romance to me at all. Other than being compatible horizontally, these two don't really have much else to recommend them as a couple, and so I wasn't really all that invested. It's a quick, spicy read, but I don't think I'll remember much by next week.
February 8, 2025
After reading Tyler’s dad’s book I was really wanting Tyler’s. Tyler and Blake have got so much chemistry! Blake definitely struggled for a bit, but super glad he came around and found love with sweet Tyler.
February 9, 2025
The writing style in this book is absolutely outstanding. The dialogue flowed so naturally. The banter between the characters was incredibly sharp and witty, that I often forgot I was even reading. The spice was raw and almost animalistic – truly captivating. While the character development was definitely a strong point, I would have loved to see more of Blake's journey coming out to his family. This was my first experience reading this author's work, and it definitely won't be my last! My TBR list just grew exponentially.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2025
“I was trying to prove myself to you for weeks. And you didn’t even notice.”
“But you’re wrong. I did notice. It was hard not to.”
Tyler Davidson, 21, is a junior at Williams College. He’s a computer science major who’s passionate about wrestling. Very pale with short, dark brown hair, brown eyes. Masculine but…pretty.
Blake Hudson, 36, is the new wrestling coach at the university. Tall and muscular, with light brown hair, a short beard, and green eyes.
Tyler is basically closeted; only his best friend and roommate, Finn, knows he’s gay.
Despite him being a gruff asshole, Tyler is irresistibly attracted to Blake.
A moment in the communal showers is a turning point for both men.
The charged athletic setting further enhances the lust buildup.
Hamstring injury. Massage. Mutual appreciation.
Beautiful depiction of their first encounters.
The wrestling is portrayed effectively. It’s a sports love story that doesn’t skimp on the sports side.
Blake’s sobriety is refreshing.
Descriptive detail, anatomy, and physiology are excellent. Pain, discomfort, pleasure—all done right. Very Male Gaze Verbiage. 👏🏻
The match in Gettysburg leads to another pivotal moment… 🥵
If I could, I would never move. I would stay attached to him, soaking up his DNA into me until I became an extension of him.
Wrestling together is steamy.
Coach Blake’s Gay Awakening is done super well. 🙌🏻
“Do you think people ever really change?”
“Well, sometimes change is less about becoming someone new and more about admitting who you’ve always been.”
Blake’s damage. 😔
Growing closer. Competitions. Secret trysts.
It’s nice to see Danny and Jeff together. 👍🏻
Some angst. Nothing unearned or excessive.
Strong emotional work.
Solid ending. Not doing an epilogue is always a bold choice; it absolutely works here.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy, Blake. Even with everything we’ve been through, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Neither would I. You’ve changed everything for me, Tyler. And I’m never letting you go.”
“But you’re wrong. I did notice. It was hard not to.”
Tyler Davidson, 21, is a junior at Williams College. He’s a computer science major who’s passionate about wrestling. Very pale with short, dark brown hair, brown eyes. Masculine but…pretty.
Blake Hudson, 36, is the new wrestling coach at the university. Tall and muscular, with light brown hair, a short beard, and green eyes.
Tyler is basically closeted; only his best friend and roommate, Finn, knows he’s gay.
Despite him being a gruff asshole, Tyler is irresistibly attracted to Blake.
A moment in the communal showers is a turning point for both men.
The charged athletic setting further enhances the lust buildup.
Hamstring injury. Massage. Mutual appreciation.
Beautiful depiction of their first encounters.
The wrestling is portrayed effectively. It’s a sports love story that doesn’t skimp on the sports side.
Blake’s sobriety is refreshing.
Descriptive detail, anatomy, and physiology are excellent. Pain, discomfort, pleasure—all done right. Very Male Gaze Verbiage. 👏🏻
The match in Gettysburg leads to another pivotal moment… 🥵
If I could, I would never move. I would stay attached to him, soaking up his DNA into me until I became an extension of him.
Wrestling together is steamy.
Coach Blake’s Gay Awakening is done super well. 🙌🏻
“Do you think people ever really change?”
“Well, sometimes change is less about becoming someone new and more about admitting who you’ve always been.”
Blake’s damage. 😔
Growing closer. Competitions. Secret trysts.
It’s nice to see Danny and Jeff together. 👍🏻
Some angst. Nothing unearned or excessive.
Strong emotional work.
Solid ending. Not doing an epilogue is always a bold choice; it absolutely works here.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy, Blake. Even with everything we’ve been through, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Neither would I. You’ve changed everything for me, Tyler. And I’m never letting you go.”
February 5, 2025
At this point, S.H. Azanon is an auto-buy author for me, and I fully expected to love this one as much as the first book in the series—or any of his stories, for that matter. What I didn’t expect was 1) that this would be a full-length novel, and 2) that it would be his best one yet! (I know I say that with every new release, but dude just keeps raising the bar!)
After The Neighbor, the first installment in the Straight Men series, my expectations for this sequel were already sky-high. But while book one was all about steam and sexual discovery, book two dives deeper, unraveling a story rich with angst, tension, internal struggle, and pure eroticism. The writing is as strong, immersive, and compelling as ever, but Azanon’s sense of humor really shines in this one—sly, wicked, and brimming with personality.
This time, we follow Tyler, a junior at Williams College, and his new wrestling coach, Blake. Their connection is electrifying—emotionally charged, complex, and intensely sensual, with a push/pull dynamic that feels achingly real. I loved how their relationship unfolded, striking the perfect balance between raw heat and deep emotional intimacy. Their conflicting desires felt visceral and authentic, making every moment between them pulse with tension. The wrestling action is also impressively detailed, adding to the realism and heightening the stakes.
The ending was everything I hoped for—beautiful, deeply satisfying, and full of heart. It brought the story full circle, with Blake finally finding a true home, embracing his future with Tyler, and letting go of his past in a way that felt natural and well-earned. The blend of emotion, humor, and spice was just right. It’s a powerful, captivating journey, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
After The Neighbor, the first installment in the Straight Men series, my expectations for this sequel were already sky-high. But while book one was all about steam and sexual discovery, book two dives deeper, unraveling a story rich with angst, tension, internal struggle, and pure eroticism. The writing is as strong, immersive, and compelling as ever, but Azanon’s sense of humor really shines in this one—sly, wicked, and brimming with personality.
This time, we follow Tyler, a junior at Williams College, and his new wrestling coach, Blake. Their connection is electrifying—emotionally charged, complex, and intensely sensual, with a push/pull dynamic that feels achingly real. I loved how their relationship unfolded, striking the perfect balance between raw heat and deep emotional intimacy. Their conflicting desires felt visceral and authentic, making every moment between them pulse with tension. The wrestling action is also impressively detailed, adding to the realism and heightening the stakes.
The ending was everything I hoped for—beautiful, deeply satisfying, and full of heart. It brought the story full circle, with Blake finally finding a true home, embracing his future with Tyler, and letting go of his past in a way that felt natural and well-earned. The blend of emotion, humor, and spice was just right. It’s a powerful, captivating journey, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
May 5, 2025
Tyler is a junior on his college wrestling team. Blake is is new coach. Despite getting off to a rocky start, there is an attraction that has them focusing on each other more than they probably should considering their working relationship. In fact, the first time they cross the line, the situation is questionable at best. But they quickly sort things out.
Though keeping things quiet is definitely necessary if Blake wants to keep his job, that doesn’t seem to be the biggest conflict or obstacle for him and Tyler. That as a conflict has to get in line behind a bi-awakening, addiction recovery, and grief. These topics are handled pretty well. Blake is a widower and it has been long enough since his wife died that he’s not overwhelmed with grief, but as with all grief, it’s still there. He’s still clinging to his memories.
The one thing that could maybe have been given more space is the addiction recovery. Blake seems to have leaned on alcohol after his wife’s death, but has been a year sober when the book begins. It is acknowledged when he eschews drinking in social situations, but he doesn’t seem to have any difficulty in staying sober. So in the end, it almost seems like he was given that background for plot reasons more than character reasons.
There were some editing things, like if Tyler’s childhood neighbor is a year older than Tyler’s brother, then how come they both graduated from college the same year? Is that resolved in the neighbor’s story?
But all in all, I really enjoyed Blake and Tyler’s story. At first, their attraction was purely physical, but over time I could see that they were bonding over more than just good bedroom times.
I’m super curious about Tyler’s dad and the neighbor—that sounds like it will be a fun story.
Though keeping things quiet is definitely necessary if Blake wants to keep his job, that doesn’t seem to be the biggest conflict or obstacle for him and Tyler. That as a conflict has to get in line behind a bi-awakening, addiction recovery, and grief. These topics are handled pretty well. Blake is a widower and it has been long enough since his wife died that he’s not overwhelmed with grief, but as with all grief, it’s still there. He’s still clinging to his memories.
The one thing that could maybe have been given more space is the addiction recovery. Blake seems to have leaned on alcohol after his wife’s death, but has been a year sober when the book begins. It is acknowledged when he eschews drinking in social situations, but he doesn’t seem to have any difficulty in staying sober. So in the end, it almost seems like he was given that background for plot reasons more than character reasons.
There were some editing things, like if Tyler’s childhood neighbor is a year older than Tyler’s brother, then how come they both graduated from college the same year? Is that resolved in the neighbor’s story?
But all in all, I really enjoyed Blake and Tyler’s story. At first, their attraction was purely physical, but over time I could see that they were bonding over more than just good bedroom times.
I’m super curious about Tyler’s dad and the neighbor—that sounds like it will be a fun story.
February 9, 2025
I don't think I was expecting this book to be as good as it turned out to be. I was intrigued by the blurb, but thought perhaps I'd just be getting an OTT trashy (in a good way... I mean look at that cover!) erotic story, and I was absolutely pleasantly surprised by how well-written, sweet, relatable, realistic, and lovely this whole story was. There is emotion and connection and a little bit of tabooness because of the coach/player dynamic, but the author builds a solid, relatable relationship between Tyler and Blake and I loved the entire story from beginning to end. I was intrigued out the repeated references to the situation with Tyler's dad and neighbor Danny, so I definitely want to go back and read their story as well, but this one was top notch. It was DEFINITELY erotic and there is a lot of steam on these pages, but it's also just a really good story with great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Tyler and Blake. I like how their relationship developed, how feelings got involved. The chemistry between them sizzled. (That first massage scene in the locker room! The office scene started good..)
And the almost forbiddeness of a coach/student dynamic added some suspense. I liked that I really got a sense of who they both were and thought the overall pacing was good.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I will be reading more. 5 stars.
And the almost forbiddeness of a coach/student dynamic added some suspense. I liked that I really got a sense of who they both were and thought the overall pacing was good.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I will be reading more. 5 stars.
November 18, 2025
!RECCOMMEND!
I enjoyed this beauty. ❤️🏳️🌈📚
Tyler is a college student and wrestler for his college team.
Enter new coach...
Blake needed change after his drinking problem and constant memories of his late wife. He was never attracted to men but something about Tyler changes that.
Despite an age gap they fit together.
✓ coach/student
✓ wrestling
✓ college setting
✓ steamy
✓ age gap
✓ lgbt
✓ bi-awakening
✓ HEA
I enjoyed this beauty. ❤️🏳️🌈📚
Tyler is a college student and wrestler for his college team.
Enter new coach...
Blake needed change after his drinking problem and constant memories of his late wife. He was never attracted to men but something about Tyler changes that.
Despite an age gap they fit together.
✓ coach/student
✓ wrestling
✓ college setting
✓ steamy
✓ age gap
✓ lgbt
✓ bi-awakening
✓ HEA
February 12, 2025
The cover got me.... so hot, am I right? I do love a good bi-awakening and especially when it is a sport-themed book. This one was a relationship between a new college coach and one of his wrestlers (a junior). No real drama with the bi-awakening or GFY (coach) but it was a secret relationship, so a tiny bit of angst there. Definitely want to read more by this author!
February 12, 2025
Loved this!
I read book 1 of this series and absolutely loved it so I had high hopes for this and it did not disappoint.
Blake and Tyler are so perfect together.
The storyline is interesting and the spice was perfect!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read book 1 of this series and absolutely loved it so I had high hopes for this and it did not disappoint.
Blake and Tyler are so perfect together.
The storyline is interesting and the spice was perfect!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2025
The Coach is the second book in the Straight Men series, each are standalone and though I didn't read the first book, I don't feel like I missed anything. This is a sexual awakening, age gap, student/coach read about Blake and Tyler. I loved this book and will be going back and reading the first book and hope there are many more to come.
February 19, 2025
Tyler and Blake and two guys who are attracted to each other, with off the charts chemistry. For the student and his coach there is push and pull, hate to love, bi awakening and plenty of sizzle. A hot read with some drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2025
Hot damn. This is my first book with this author, and I really enjoyed it.
The tension was there, and Tyler was not letting Blake go...
I did not enjoy Blake's, almost hook up with Mandy(fellow teacher). He did stop it before it got too far. I also found it weird that he went to her after that for advice on his sexuality.
The tension was there, and Tyler was not letting Blake go...
I did not enjoy Blake's, almost hook up with Mandy(fellow teacher). He did stop it before it got too far. I also found it weird that he went to her after that for advice on his sexuality.
June 4, 2025
An H with an alcoholic past, a dead wife he can’t overcome and a bad temper? What a catch!
But in all honesty this book’s downfall is it’s writing. You can tell the author is still amateur, specially when it comes to fleshing out realistic characters and emotions. It’s okay though, the series (and her writing) gets much better in the next one (I’ve already read it)
2 stars
But in all honesty this book’s downfall is it’s writing. You can tell the author is still amateur, specially when it comes to fleshing out realistic characters and emotions. It’s okay though, the series (and her writing) gets much better in the next one (I’ve already read it)
2 stars
February 24, 2025
Tyler is working hard at wrestling but can't help but be distracted by his coach Blake. Blake has never been attracted to men before but something about Tyler calls to him. What will happen between Tyler and Blake?
February 5, 2025
Available on KU as of today!!! 🥵🥵🥵
April 13, 2025
tyler & blake - 3.5 stars 🤍
April 16, 2025
*2.5 stars
April 20, 2025
Slam dunk premise but really inadequate writing style, if not downright terrible. Definitely not for me. I’ll check out the sequel but I don’t have much hope that I’ll finish it either.
July 11, 2025
2.5 stars
July 31, 2025
DNF 50% it feels like a Wattpad story I really tried to get into it but I really can’t
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews