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Coach

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A new town, a low-profile job, and a chance to finally breathe—that’s all she wants. But her “safe” gig cleaning a pool hall drops her straight into the middle of mafia business…and into the arms of a magnetic biker.

When the Bratva marks her as trouble, her carefully guarded past collides with a dangerous present, survival means trusting the man who would stop at nothing to bring to light every secret she’s kept shrouded in darkness to save her before it's too late...

Unknown Binding

Published September 24, 2025

71 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Gadziala

162 books5,395 followers
Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.



You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
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xx

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5 stars
298 (61%)
4 stars
124 (25%)
3 stars
54 (11%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Bozena.
1,050 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2025
I love this book.
Gripping, action-packed, and suspense-packed.
And the best part: an exciting, captivating, and scorching hot romantic love story.
This is a story that, in typical Jessica Gadziala style, will rock your romantic heart.

I don't know why I'm still surprised that I'm so completely captivated by her romances.
Her outlaw biker romances are unique, scorching hot, and full of criminal energy.
I love every one of them.

So far, Coach has been just someone who helped everyone.
Loves to party, but with personal boundaries.
Always balanced, with meditations and always good tips for health and sports.
Is that basically all there is to Coach?
Or is there much more hidden behind the carefully constructed wall than everyone sees?
Perhaps his reserve and precisely worked-out routine have something more than meets the eye?
I liked him in the other books in this series, but after this one, I love him.

Este is a woman with many secrets and layers.
She's strong and independent because she needs to be, at least on the outside.
She's a great creative person (in many ways) and has spent many years "on the road".
Her whole life has been a constant nightmare, watching over her back, being scared of her own shadows.

Then one day, she found her way to Shady Valley, and the adventure of a lifetime took a complete 180.
But before things got better, they got terrifyingly worse...
46 reviews
September 27, 2025
Excellent read

Always fun to catch up with the Henchmen, regardless of which chapter they call home. Great story lines and well written plots keep you flipping the pages!
105 reviews
September 26, 2025
I love this author! This book was good but Shady Valley is not my favorite spin-off of the original Henchmen.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,664 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2025
Saul & Este

Excellent story! I love Este & Saul! Getting to know our yoga loving Coach better was lots of fun. I really enjoyed the way they met, too. 😁

Este is so awesome! She & Saul both love building/renovating & seeing more of his woodworking projects was neat. I had a good chuckle at her clulessness about the area's criminal element & her reaction when she finally found out about it. I tend to identify with her personality a lot. And she has a super neat dog, Trixie, who also stole my heart. ❤️

There's steam (🌶🔥🌶🔥) & sweet, suspense & humor & it all comes together very enjoyably! I love the guys so much & seeing them fold others into the brotherhood brings me so much happiness!

😍😍😍
300 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2025
Wow, wow, wow! Yoga and meditation-loving Coach finds himself chasing the most intriguing woman he's ever met. He becomes an open book but she? not so much.

Add in the usual mix of mafia and MC drama in Shady Valley, an escaped convict, and an adorable dog and what do you get? Another stellar Jessica Gadziala story!

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Sarah Ross.
16 reviews
Read
September 26, 2025
Such a great plot

Honestly the plot is so very good in this one. Not that they aren't in the rest of the series but this one has some really nice little twists in there I didn't expect in such a great and captivating way. Really made it such a fun and engaging read. I love all of this author's books as they all feature great characters and great plots and this one is no different. Living for the two main characters here. You don't need to read the rest of the series to read this book but I would recommend it as the whole series is so very good. I also love Trix the dog in this one. It also gives us a much anticipated peek into the up coming Texas chapter.
Profile Image for Lisa.
128 reviews
September 27, 2025
Coach and Este was such a good read.  The story flowed and you'll find yourself rooting for them both.  I love how club members come to help and support each other, no questions asked.  Shady Valley doesn't seem like a place you'd want to live but I'm finding with these stories that there is more going on and definitely not boring.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,349 reviews172 followers
September 22, 2025
The newest entry in the Shady Valley Henchmen series delivers a blend of suspense, slow-burn romance, and emotional depth. Este, a fiercely capable woman with a shadowy past, lands in Shady Valley hoping for anonymity—but fate has other plans. Her handyman skills earn her a spot with the local Russian mob, and her path collides with Coach, a man whose own demons run deep.

From their first encounter, the chemistry between Este and Coach is front and center. But this isn’t just a love story—it’s a tale of survival, redemption, and the haunting weight of history. As Este’s past creeps closer, the stakes rise, and the emotional tension builds to a shocking yet satisfying ending.

If you’ve followed the Henchmen series, this story adds emotional complexity without losing the raw edge fans love.
Profile Image for Danielle Reid.
54 reviews
Read
September 26, 2025
5 Meditative Stars for Coach

I really loved Coach and Este. Coach has intrigued me for a while now, as a fellow meditation/yoga lover. I really enjoyed getting to know him more and I think Este was a good match for him. I particularly appreciated her home improvement skills and her love for Trix. I always love coming back to Shady Valley.
11 reviews
September 26, 2025
It’s always a great read from a great Author!

Loved Coach’s story! Jessica Gadziala never misses! I read everything she writes the day it releases and I have never been disappointed! Who can do that! She is phenomenal! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Crystal LoCicero.
1,018 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2025
4.5

This was fun and sexy. I loved the mcs. The new characters were interesting. I am intrigued by the Russians. And the Texas chapter. I will read as many more of this series as the author will write.
Profile Image for Debbie.
749 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2025
Coach

I will admit to having high expectations for this author so I guess I'm more easily disappointed. First, spoiler, her stalker ends up being her coach and she falls for a guy named Coach? Really?

Second, their relationship moves fast which is okay but I felt like I wanted more internal thoughts for them, or more dialogue getting to know each other. Why does she trust him? I also get aggravated when a MFC has so many secrets and then uses sex as a distraction.

“One thing about a budding relationship with someone new is that you can always use your body to distract them from pressing you for information.”

And the MMC lets himself be distracted by it. He knew someone had hurt her and didn't insist on knowing who?

“I was honestly too intrigued by the idea of getting her alone and naked to pay close enough attention to her tone or unspoken clues.”

Big fail on his part. Not believable to me.

Also, when the neighbor is renovating all night long, neither of them goes over to request they stop? Why not? How is that believable? And then they decide to keep the house even with the creeper having lived there?

“The basement that had once served as my prison was now a space we all enjoyed as a family.”

No, just no.
Profile Image for AnotherRomanceReader.
261 reviews72 followers
September 28, 2025
Book Name/Series: Coach (Shady Valley Henchmen #8)
Author: Jessica Gadziala
Standalone?: Can be read as a standalone, but includes characters from other books.

3.5 Stars

My Opinion: While this book had a couple of issues, I still found it to be an enjoyable read. I really liked both main characters and I thought they made a great couple and complimented each other so well. The found family and the way the Henchmen family supported each other was also a highlight for me.

That said, I did unfortunately feel like the story lacked depth. It all felt a bit superficial and surface-level which meant that I didn’t feel fully invested in the story. I also wished we had gotten some more background on the hero. Parts of his past is sort of mentioned in passing, but that was it, and it just wasn’t enough for me.

Hero: 4/5. Coach is a of the Shady Valley Henchmen and had a criminal record for assaulting a man that hurt his sister. In the past he had had trouble controlling his anger in situations like that, so he had started doing yoga and meditating in prison, and once he got out of prison, he started woodworking as well. He was a great guy, and I really liked him. He felt an instant connection with Este, and he was certain that she was the one for him. He was an absolute sweetheart, and he was so patient with her, but he also very possessive and protective.
Heroine: 4/5. Este had been on the run from a stalker for a long time when she found Shady Valley and decided to make it her next home. She found a job doing repairs and cleaning a pool hall. I really liked her as well. She was definitely a strong and capable woman and needed to be to get through everything she had experienced, but she also had moments where she seemed incredibly fragile, which I felt made her really relatable and well-rounded as a character. I also loved how much she loved her dog Trix. I did get a little frustrated with how reluctant she was to share her past with Coach.

POV: 1st person POV (Este and Coach).

Push/Pull:

Sadness: 0/5.

Explicit Sex and Spice Level: Yes. 2/5.

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) Drama: No.

Separation:

Cheating: No.

Closure/Ending: HEA.

Possible Triggers:
40 reviews
October 2, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Coach’s story since his name first popped up, and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. Who wouldn’t want to read about a seriously hot, yogi and meditation-loving biker who’s capable, thoughtful, and protective? Jessica Gadziala always delivers when it comes to her MC books, and this one had plenty of the grit, loyalty, and found-family vibes I love.

Este was a solid character, and her dog kind of stole the show for me. That said, I was surprised by how naive she seemed about Shady Valley, especially given her circumstances. You’d think someone in her position would’ve done a bit more research before landing in a town with such a well-known criminal undercurrent. The delayed reveal of why she was running felt unnecessarily drawn out, and the lack of honesty between her and Coach—plus him not pushing for it—was frustrating.

What really took me out of the story, though, was the mob element. I know her mob books tend to lean darker, but I wish that tone hadn’t bled into this one. It felt jarring in a romance that was otherwise grounded in the MC world. The whole Russian mob kidnapping plotline was brushed aside too easily, especially considering Este got roughed up. It didn’t sit right that the club—whose top rule is protecting women—just let it slide to “keep the peace.” That contradiction, paired with how much it tied into Este’s past and present, made the mob subplot feel underdeveloped and out of place. It pulled focus from the romance and made the stakes feel muddled.

Also, the lack of communication between the main characters was a recurring issue. And once again, no “I love you” declarations. I know it’s obvious they love each other, but when I’m reading a romance novel, I want to read those words. That, along with the mob storyline, took a star off for me.

Still, the epilogues were epic as always. I’m excited about the new bikers introduced and really hoping we get a story about the Texas sister chapter soon. All in all, a solid read—just not my favorite of hers. But I’d still recommend it. I always enjoy a Jessica Gadziala novel and start reading as soon as I see a new one drop, especially her MC ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kodie Mackay.
1,203 reviews68 followers
September 25, 2025
I do so love me a woman who just does it herself. Something needing built? She got it. A leak? If she doesn't know she's find out how... a fence to build.. Este is your gal.

Jessie has a way of creating these characters and making them so easy to relate to but also just likeable. Especially her women. No one is the same but they all hold their own sense of self and I just love it.

Coach the cool calm and meditated one is most definitely a carefully constructed persona. That being said its also very much essential to him keeping his shit together. I appreciate that and him. The raw realness behind the cool calm. The sweet and spicy. The protective and the reasonable. He's just a delightfully well rounded man.

Este is our independent can do it herself woman. That being said she isn't afraid to not know nor to learn. But she most definitely had her own secrets that left me super curious. She was sweet and easy to relate to and just all round very likeable.

Them two together are pure cookies and cream. So perfectly suited and balanced it was easy to understand the immediate chemistry and the quick connection. It was easy to see how they could fall into a situationship even when they didn't have eachothers full picture because they just got one so well and bounced off eachothet very naturally.

As per the secondary characters are always a main. Lots of new faces that left me oh so curious and even new worlds within this established one!. I'm excited to say the least. Especially when one is a female mafia baddy by the looks. Baby I cannot wait!.

Anywhoo.... we have sweet, spice, tension suspense and a little action plus Lots of character and world building. What's not to love.
Profile Image for Margaret Mary James.
116 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
First off: I will *always* read what this author writes. I love her books. This one, though, may have been one of my least favorite in her catalogue. Shady Valley has always been missing the motorcycle part for me (they ride bikes, but even that is only mentioned once or twice in each book). So I usually start these with hesitance anyway, because they just don’t compare to the Navesink Bank men, or even the Golden Glades men.

Neither Coach or Este did much for me, sadly. We knew nothing about Este until the very end of the book, which made it so hard for me to care about her story. And Coach… For me, he was way too passive. He did nothing about the asshole neighbor. He did nothing about her face being beat up, even when he knew it was the Russian brothers who did it. He got distracted by her kiss, instead of following through on her being literally physically hurt. I was actually shocked by that scene (or lack thereof).

I know so much of his story was about burying his anger, but that really just translated into him being too laid back/nonchalant. Even when the anger finally came out, it felt very anticlimactic to me. :(

I didn’t love the parallels between the baddie’s role in Este’s past and Coach’s road name. And lastly, the final act reminded me too much of Cash’s book and what happened to Lo (a built-in house in a basement meant to be the bad guy fulfilling his fantasy is pretty specific…), and Cash’s book is probably my all-time favorite by this author.

All that being said, I am excited for the next installment, and I really hope I connect with it better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,699 reviews49 followers
October 4, 2025
Coach is book #8 in the Shady Valley Henchmen series by Jessica Gadziala. This is Coach and Este’s story.

Coach is a great guy. He’s pretty easy going, reads and does his meditation/yoga to keep his temper in check. He’s one of the guys who is always in for a good time, no strings attached. He falls for Este pretty much the moment he sees her.

Este is full of secrets and is running from something/someone from her past. She’s sweet but guarded and is attracted to Coach. He makes Este feel safe, but she’s scared to trust that feeling.

I enjoyed this book and thought Coach and Este’s journey to their HEA was good. I did however, want Este to open up to Coach a little quicker, but understood her being hesitant.

We are introduced to some of the members of the Russian mob in this book, so I’m hoping we get their stories at some point. We also meet one of the ex-cons (Deacon) who was friends with Coach in prison. I’m thinking he’ll be a new prospect to the Club. Also, I think there might be a new Henchmen series based in Texas.

I love the Henchmen books and always look forward to seeing who will get their story told next.
393 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2025
The oh-so-careful new girl in town, Este, is cautious for a reason, a very good reason. But somehow, she not only manages to find an affordable fix-‘er-upper to rent with her man-hating dog, but she lands a job doing maintenance work at the local poolhall, which happens to be owned by Russian mobsters. When she comes across bundles of cash partly blocking the air conditioning vent, she simply moves it out of the airflow and screws the vent back into place. Este’s sense of self-preservation tells her not to rock the boat or to snitch – first rules of dealing with mobsters.

Invited to one of the infamous Henchmen parties at the Shady Valley clubhouse, Este’s defenses get lowered by Coach’s solid calmness and his ability to make it seem like everything was going to be ok. But of course, in the land of Henchmen and their women, things do not go smoothly. Indeed, some serious stuff hits the fan, exposing soft underbellies and the attributes that make us all love the Henchmen.

Another wonderful addition to this brilliant series!
Profile Image for Jen ME Warrior.
128 reviews
September 28, 2025
Este and Coach, the new Shady Valley dream team.

I've been (not so) patiently waiting for Coach's story since he nicked the wood from the his old prison officers house.

Known as the 'yoga' guy, he has learned to keep a cool head. Which bodes well for when sparks fly when he meets Este.

She's been moving around for years, trying to outrun her past. But when she accepts a cleaning job at the pool hall, it is much more risky than she knows.

Coach and Este are drawn to each other from first glance, but with a complicated past, Este is reluctant to trust him.

With the found family vibe, with the protective men and another strong women, this has all the hallmarks of Jessica's Henchmen series. Can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Krystyn.
161 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2025
Right time, right place

Coach our inner peace, yoga loving, ex-convict biker. He brings calm to the club and amazing handmade furniture. He watches his club brother one by one find their forever and he'd one day like to find that too. He does have a darker side, obviously he was in prison but he finds his peace to stay out of that dark place.

In walks Este..... she has herself and her man hating dog Trixi, her protector. People have failed her and she is on the move. She comes across the small town of Shady Valley and decides to stay a bit. She gets a job at a local bar, where she literally falls into arms of a dreamboat.
So many secrets but so much heat!
I loved watching Coach get his HEA!
Plus, we are introduced to a few new prospects, yay!
218 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2025
Coach is another fantastic part to the Shady Valley Henchmen! Este is running from her past, and trying to stay under the radar as much as possible. She finds herself getting a job as a maintenance worker at the pool hall. This is where she has an adorable meet-cute with Coach. From there the story is a great read. Definitely some suspense, mystery, a few laughs, and lots of s*xy time!
I also loved that this story introduced some new characters. I’m definitely hoping to meet the new Texas chapter of the Henchmen, along with the Russian mob. I love how the story is ever continuing, and always leaving you wanting for more!
Profile Image for K.
477 reviews14 followers
September 30, 2025
Este is the definition of independent! She’s got the skills to handle anything, but she’s also not afraid to learn.

Coach is the calm, cool guy with a lot of depth. His protective side and sweet moments balance out his tough exterior, making him so easy to appreciate.

Together, Este and Coach are a perfect match, instant chemistry, easy connection, and plenty of tension. The secondary characters always add so much intrigue. Can’t wait to see more, especially with a potential female mafia baddie on the horizon!
Profile Image for Eleanor.
1,196 reviews29 followers
October 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 — 4.5 Stars

Coach by Jessica Gadziala

Coach and Este were so good together—this was such a solid, heartfelt read. Their story flowed naturally, and you can’t help but root for them both the entire way through. As always, I love how the club members step in to help and support one another, no questions asked—it’s one of the things that makes Jessica Gadziala’s worlds feel so real and connected.

The secondary characters, as always, were fantastic and added so much depth. Jessica has a real talent for making every story feel whole and full of heart.
Profile Image for Megan.
169 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2025
Another great read from Jessica Gadziala! Coach was fun, spicy, and fast-paced with just the right amount of heart. I loved Coach and Este together—their chemistry was instant and adorable. Coach’s protectiveness and Este's journey made their story so engaging, and the cameos from other characters were the perfect bonus. Quick, steamy, and satisfying—I devoured it!
Profile Image for Chrissy Broccolino.
513 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2025
Coach’s story was way overdue and it did not disappoint. I don’t think Jessica Gadziala could write a bad book for me.
Profile Image for Jill Oates.
965 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2025
I did wonder what Coach would be like and this book didn't disappoint - loved it
124 reviews
September 30, 2025
Aaaaahhhh

So good so good. Love everything about this book. I love the Henchmen and their old ladies are always so perfect for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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