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Coach
A surprise invitation for a vacation cruise risks exposing my biggest secret…
Pleasing the coach has always been very important to me. When I played football for him in college, I’d worked incredibly hard to earn his respect. But I didn’t have the guts then to tell him the truth. My personal infatuation with him had grown so intense that I didn’t want anyone else.
Now, to my complete surprise, the coach needs me for something that has nothing to do with playing ball.
Only hours before boarding a ship for vacation, his security guard canceled on him. His newfound fame in the pro league has brought with it the nuisances and perils of stalkers, irreverent reporters, gold diggers, and others trying to muscle into his privacy, which he fiercely protects.
The coach has asked me to be the stand-in for his safety and security. We’ll share a cabin on the ship, and even pretend to be boyfriends at formal cruise events, though in reality I’ll just be there to protect him.
The coach and I have unfinished business…
Saying yes to his offer at the spur of the moment is easy for me. This opportunity to be with him in such close quarters gives me the chance to do something I should’ve done years ago. Shouldn’t he know how I really feel about him?
Read now to see if I can lay bare the whole truth. If I can succeed in getting my coach to see me as something more than a football player — or pseudo bodyguard — then I’m inclined to reveal everything to him and let the chips fall where they may.
“Coach” is gay romance fiction and the second novel in the Fake Relationships, Real Secrets, Happy Endings book series. It can be read as a stand alone story without a cliffhanger.
Pleasing the coach has always been very important to me. When I played football for him in college, I’d worked incredibly hard to earn his respect. But I didn’t have the guts then to tell him the truth. My personal infatuation with him had grown so intense that I didn’t want anyone else.
Now, to my complete surprise, the coach needs me for something that has nothing to do with playing ball.
Only hours before boarding a ship for vacation, his security guard canceled on him. His newfound fame in the pro league has brought with it the nuisances and perils of stalkers, irreverent reporters, gold diggers, and others trying to muscle into his privacy, which he fiercely protects.
The coach has asked me to be the stand-in for his safety and security. We’ll share a cabin on the ship, and even pretend to be boyfriends at formal cruise events, though in reality I’ll just be there to protect him.
The coach and I have unfinished business…
Saying yes to his offer at the spur of the moment is easy for me. This opportunity to be with him in such close quarters gives me the chance to do something I should’ve done years ago. Shouldn’t he know how I really feel about him?
Read now to see if I can lay bare the whole truth. If I can succeed in getting my coach to see me as something more than a football player — or pseudo bodyguard — then I’m inclined to reveal everything to him and let the chips fall where they may.
“Coach” is gay romance fiction and the second novel in the Fake Relationships, Real Secrets, Happy Endings book series. It can be read as a stand alone story without a cliffhanger.
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 5, 2020
Can protecting the coach become so much more?
A rare opportunity knocked for Mike. Having feelings for your coach and keeping them under wraps for so long could not have been easy.
Craig needed a bodyguard as his initial detail backed out at the last possible minute.
Here they are in close proximity and nothing but time and opportunity to be open and honest. Mike is sweet, patient and takes his time. Craig begins to open up and let Mike into his personal side a little more each time.
Can love conquer all? I enjoyed these two as MCs and the supporting characters were a blast to read about. The banter and curiosity was well worth the time.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
A rare opportunity knocked for Mike. Having feelings for your coach and keeping them under wraps for so long could not have been easy.
Craig needed a bodyguard as his initial detail backed out at the last possible minute.
Here they are in close proximity and nothing but time and opportunity to be open and honest. Mike is sweet, patient and takes his time. Craig begins to open up and let Mike into his personal side a little more each time.
Can love conquer all? I enjoyed these two as MCs and the supporting characters were a blast to read about. The banter and curiosity was well worth the time.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
December 3, 2020
This is an interesting story with strong characters in Craig and Michael as well as the supporting characters. The author brings all the feels in this sweet romance with the two being able to communicate openly with each other. She paints her scenes perfectly and moves the story fluidly. Well done!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 3, 2020
I liked the cast of characters in this book. I really liked Michael, as he was such a sweet person. He was willing to do anything for his coach, the man he has secretly been in love with for years. But he doesn't force that love onto Craig and just waited for it to happen naturally. Craig was like a man with the world on his shoulders due to all he had going on. But he relaxed enough around Michael to get to know the him personally, not the football player he coached. The side characters were an interesting mix. The banter between John and Nicholas was so funny. They were both idiots if they thought they could get away with what they were planning. I could see though that something more would happen between them if only John pulled his head out of his backside long enough. I didn't like his personality one bit and he wound me up the wrong way. At times it was a bit odd how it constantly referred to their full names all the time and it drove me a bit crazy! It was a bit different as it has it from 4 different characters POV's so it takes a bit of getting use to. But once you get into reading the book you get use to it. Only downside of it is that it ruined some of the plot points early on. They had great communication between the two of them, which was amazing to see for one in a book. But Craig didn't communicate his feeling well at first when he started to like Michael and just seemed to go straight to the sex instead of speaking them. But as the book went on he learned to actually use his words properly. I also loved seeing John's plan backfire on him! The ending was really nice and wrapped up everything nicely.
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.
December 5, 2020
Michael and Coach Craig have history he was Michael's coach in college and also a mentor but above all that he was the first and only guy he ever loved but he could never tell him so when he graduated and Coach went off somewhere else they never saw each other again until he gets and email from him his Coach needs him. And Michael can't refuse even if hiding his feelings will be difficult.
Craig coaches in the major league now his life is craze he finally came out but it got him haters, threats and those looking to latch onto a meal ticket so his cruise to Hawaii is important he has a major decision to make about his future but his bodyguard bailed and he needs someone he can trust so he reaches out to Michael a former player but there's a catch hes going to have and fake a relationship with him. They haven't seen each other in years one is keeping a secret the other is trying to make a major decision what happens when Michael's feelings come out how will his coach handle it.
I'm torn about this review its a 4.5 for me it was written well but there wasn't enough chemistry in the beginning and I felt really bad for Michael hes understanding and sweet were as his coach came off as cold and closed off and then the weird creep of a has-been actor well the end with him was just uncomfortable. But what saved this book for me is when Coach finally saw Michael as a real person and a man that had value and when they finally got together that was really sweet and beautiful and I loved there ending.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Craig coaches in the major league now his life is craze he finally came out but it got him haters, threats and those looking to latch onto a meal ticket so his cruise to Hawaii is important he has a major decision to make about his future but his bodyguard bailed and he needs someone he can trust so he reaches out to Michael a former player but there's a catch hes going to have and fake a relationship with him. They haven't seen each other in years one is keeping a secret the other is trying to make a major decision what happens when Michael's feelings come out how will his coach handle it.
I'm torn about this review its a 4.5 for me it was written well but there wasn't enough chemistry in the beginning and I felt really bad for Michael hes understanding and sweet were as his coach came off as cold and closed off and then the weird creep of a has-been actor well the end with him was just uncomfortable. But what saved this book for me is when Coach finally saw Michael as a real person and a man that had value and when they finally got together that was really sweet and beautiful and I loved there ending.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
December 8, 2020
Can coach finally see what he’s missing
Coach Craig was going on a cruise he needed a vacation but as he had been Received hate mail and had death threats just because he had come out that he was gay he decide he needed protection. The only issue was there was no bodyguards allowed on the cruise so when he was let down by his usual bodyguard who was going to pretend to be his partner he was left with only one choice. And that choice was an ex student who he hadn’t seen in many years but had always stayed in touch. He knew Michael would keep him safe.
Michael had been in love with the coach for years but he never acted on it as the coach had a partner at the time. But now he knew Craig was single and he wasn’t sure if he could hide his feelings when he had to pretend that he was Craigs boyfriend.
What would really happen when these two spend time together. Getting to know one another again, finding they had so much in common. But there was also other issues, was Craig safe on this cruise?? And there’s a twist with an ex of Craigs well saying he’s an ex is an overstatement really when all they had was one weekend.
I just can put this book down and read it well into the night I absolutely adored the connection that Craig and Michael had. Michael was just so brave about his feelings and he didn’t wanna hide it. He have nothing to be embarrassed about and the way that Craig dealt with it was just Brilliant. But the turning point for me was when Craig finally saw him as a man and not Just an ex student.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Coach Craig was going on a cruise he needed a vacation but as he had been Received hate mail and had death threats just because he had come out that he was gay he decide he needed protection. The only issue was there was no bodyguards allowed on the cruise so when he was let down by his usual bodyguard who was going to pretend to be his partner he was left with only one choice. And that choice was an ex student who he hadn’t seen in many years but had always stayed in touch. He knew Michael would keep him safe.
Michael had been in love with the coach for years but he never acted on it as the coach had a partner at the time. But now he knew Craig was single and he wasn’t sure if he could hide his feelings when he had to pretend that he was Craigs boyfriend.
What would really happen when these two spend time together. Getting to know one another again, finding they had so much in common. But there was also other issues, was Craig safe on this cruise?? And there’s a twist with an ex of Craigs well saying he’s an ex is an overstatement really when all they had was one weekend.
I just can put this book down and read it well into the night I absolutely adored the connection that Craig and Michael had. Michael was just so brave about his feelings and he didn’t wanna hide it. He have nothing to be embarrassed about and the way that Craig dealt with it was just Brilliant. But the turning point for me was when Craig finally saw him as a man and not Just an ex student.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2020
Michael played football for Coach Craig back in his college days. They had great respect for each other, but Michael kept a big secret from him. He didn’t have the courage at that time of his life to speak truthfully about how he felt.
Then shockingly, Craig contacted Michael for a favor having nothing to do with their football days. Craig is now coaching in the pro league and the notoriety has brought out the stalkers, relentless reporters, gold diggers, and many others determined to invade his fiercely-guarded privacy. Craig was about to go on a vacation cruise when, only hours before they were to leave, his bodyguard bailed out on him. He has no time to hire another and asked Michael to fill in as his bodyguard – and to act as his boyfriend at any formal cruise event!!! They will be sharing the cabin.
Michael decides to say yes to the request. He will finally have a chance to say what he should have said years ago. Wherever it takes them, he wants Craig to know how he feels about him. He wants to open the lines of communication between them and find out the truth of their new relationship. Will Craig return Michael’s feelings? Was the foundation of care and respect established in their past strong enough to become more now? Or would Craig walk away when the cruise was over?
Then shockingly, Craig contacted Michael for a favor having nothing to do with their football days. Craig is now coaching in the pro league and the notoriety has brought out the stalkers, relentless reporters, gold diggers, and many others determined to invade his fiercely-guarded privacy. Craig was about to go on a vacation cruise when, only hours before they were to leave, his bodyguard bailed out on him. He has no time to hire another and asked Michael to fill in as his bodyguard – and to act as his boyfriend at any formal cruise event!!! They will be sharing the cabin.
Michael decides to say yes to the request. He will finally have a chance to say what he should have said years ago. Wherever it takes them, he wants Craig to know how he feels about him. He wants to open the lines of communication between them and find out the truth of their new relationship. Will Craig return Michael’s feelings? Was the foundation of care and respect established in their past strong enough to become more now? Or would Craig walk away when the cruise was over?
December 6, 2020
Somebody saved my life tonight. Michael was a jack of all trades on his Uncle Jasper's estate. He liked keeping busy working and the challenge of juggling jobs. Craig, his former coach called because his bodyguard had an emergency and was not able to work during the cruise the next day. He asked him to serve as a bodyguard and his pretend boyfriend. Craig was at a crosspoint in his life. He needed to make a career decision. And as the first openly gay pro head coach, he was getting homophobic threats. Craig, was usually cautious about who he selected as bodyguards to ensure his privacy. He trusted Michael, the man because he admired and appreciated his character traits.Michael fell in love with Craig during his senior year. Does the cruise to Oahu stay professional? Do moonlit nights and the flow and rhythm not relax Michael and Craig and open doors? It was nice meeting John and his publicist Nicholas. Their story was fun. The cast of characters in this story added a nice kick. A little mischief, a lot of growth. Good story! Well done. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2020
I did love this book. The relationship between Craig and Michael was a wonderful evolution. The history between them, the interactions between them, and things from the plot that carry them make for a compelling romance. Michael wanted things to evolve naturally which was really good to see, and Craig took a while but with everything he had going on, it’s understandable. The other characters were a DELIGHT. John and Nicholas - lol. Though maybe don’t have their POV so much it can ruin some of the surprise of the ending.
The flipping from POVs (first to third) can be quite jarring and sometimes I felt like the forays into Michael’s mind were a little wistful and went off on tangents that didn’t really do much for the story.
Overall I loved this and would definitely re-read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The flipping from POVs (first to third) can be quite jarring and sometimes I felt like the forays into Michael’s mind were a little wistful and went off on tangents that didn’t really do much for the story.
Overall I loved this and would definitely re-read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2020
This is the first book I've read from this author and I'm torn about the review. I liked the love story of an older, former mentor and a younger man hooking up years later. Michel was great as the athlete, who fell in love with his coach, and never asked for more. However, the reason for Michael accompanying Craig on the cruise was flimsy at best. He was to be a bodyguard posing as a lover. However, throughout the book, he often leaves Craig alone and there isn't a real dangerous threat ever mentioned. The story telling also seemed clinical at times and lacked warmth.
I did like the characters and would try more from the author as I easily finished the book. Possibly it may have been the basis of their being together that just didn't do it for me.
I did like the characters and would try more from the author as I easily finished the book. Possibly it may have been the basis of their being together that just didn't do it for me.
December 8, 2020
Coach
By Jaylen Florian
Main Characters: Craig and Michael
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
This was an extremely well-written book. Craig is a head coach for a football team and Michael is a jack of all things younger man. Craig is going on a comped cruise and needs a bodyguard and he asked Michael since he had been one of his football players in college and the only person he could find on this last-minute notice. Michael has loved the coach for years and jumps at the chance. This is the first book that I have read by this author and wow has he got a way with words especially with the descriptions of everything. Would love to read more by this author.
By Jaylen Florian
Main Characters: Craig and Michael
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
This was an extremely well-written book. Craig is a head coach for a football team and Michael is a jack of all things younger man. Craig is going on a comped cruise and needs a bodyguard and he asked Michael since he had been one of his football players in college and the only person he could find on this last-minute notice. Michael has loved the coach for years and jumps at the chance. This is the first book that I have read by this author and wow has he got a way with words especially with the descriptions of everything. Would love to read more by this author.
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December 9, 2020A fake to real boyfriends story
Craig was Michael's football coach in high school. Michael crushed huge on Craig in school and since, but teacher student taboos prohibited any possible relationship.. Years later, when Craig is booked on a cruise from LA to Hawaii his bodyguard has to cancel on short notice.So Craig asks Michael to be his plus one and be his fake boyfriend to keep attention seekers and other threats at bay. Of course this cruise is not all smooth sailing, with manipulative Hollywood types holding hidden agendas and underhanded schemes. Craig and Michael have to work together and find that they make a really great team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Craig was Michael's football coach in high school. Michael crushed huge on Craig in school and since, but teacher student taboos prohibited any possible relationship.. Years later, when Craig is booked on a cruise from LA to Hawaii his bodyguard has to cancel on short notice.So Craig asks Michael to be his plus one and be his fake boyfriend to keep attention seekers and other threats at bay. Of course this cruise is not all smooth sailing, with manipulative Hollywood types holding hidden agendas and underhanded schemes. Craig and Michael have to work together and find that they make a really great team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2020
Very enjoyable...
I tell ya...this story right here is way out of the norm for me. Where often do you read that the two main characters discuss their feelings right out . No second guessing, no misunderstandings...all truth. I loved it. Hardly no angst. Michael and his former Coach Craig slow burn romance was refreshing. The side story with the movie star and his publicist was a hoot. Their love/hate relationship kept me entertained. All in all this was an enjoyable read and I think others will think so too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I tell ya...this story right here is way out of the norm for me. Where often do you read that the two main characters discuss their feelings right out . No second guessing, no misunderstandings...all truth. I loved it. Hardly no angst. Michael and his former Coach Craig slow burn romance was refreshing. The side story with the movie star and his publicist was a hoot. Their love/hate relationship kept me entertained. All in all this was an enjoyable read and I think others will think so too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2020
I found this M/M story to be rather awesome. I couldn’t put it down. I found myself drawn into the story and enjoying the growth of the characters over the course of the story. The plot was well thought out and the writing kept to the story line. I found the main characters to be great, in a sense they were opposites but at the same time they were the same. Watching one slowly fall for the one that has loved the others for years was sweet. The whole work was awesome, making me look forward to more by this author.
I give this a five out of five for the characters and awesome plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I give this a five out of five for the characters and awesome plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2020
Fabulous!
I loved this book. The characters are down to earth and Michael is someone that is the perfect man. His sweetness, politeness and honor make him stand out. Craig is private, contemplates his choices, doesn't care what people say about him, but realizes his choices sometimes put a target on his back. Michael has been in love with Craig for literally years without the other man knowing. On this trip their "fake relationship" evolves into something else neither thought possible. I loved the honesty between Craig and Michael. I requested a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review.
I loved this book. The characters are down to earth and Michael is someone that is the perfect man. His sweetness, politeness and honor make him stand out. Craig is private, contemplates his choices, doesn't care what people say about him, but realizes his choices sometimes put a target on his back. Michael has been in love with Craig for literally years without the other man knowing. On this trip their "fake relationship" evolves into something else neither thought possible. I loved the honesty between Craig and Michael. I requested a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review.
December 2, 2020
I loved the way Craig and Michael had an open understanding to talk everything out together. The way they treated one another with respect and care. Michael's way of thinking and understanding with what Craig was trying to think about and witch way to go with it. That showed true love and devotion. A beautiful way to show the way they feel about one another. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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December 5, 20204.5....A 2nd Chance at Having/Finding Love - 4.5... This is a special romance novel. It actually has 2 in 1. There are the MC's Craig and Michael. In this former player Michael and former coach Craig get a chance at romance. Then you had a back story for John and Nicholas. I really enjoyed it and was so happy that all of them got the HEAs.
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.
December 7, 2020
This is the story of Craig and Michael. They have history as Craig was Michael football coach and Michael has been in love with Craig ever since. So when Craig needed Michael's help, he jumped at the chance. Their story flows well, their romance is a slow burn and when real feelings come into the pictures things exploded. Their journey to their happily ever after is a sweet one. A great read.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2020
Coach is a fake boyfriend story around a football coach and previous player, Michael that come together on a cruise ship after the coach needs him. The book was well written and contains some interesting side characters to keep it flowing. Nice twists and turns to the overall story.
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.
December 4, 2020
Michael used to play football for Craig and had feelings for him. Now Craig has asked him to go on a cruise with him as his bodyguard and act as his boyfriend. I loved this story! It was refreshing for two mc’s to have open communication. Michael and Craig’s romance were a sweet slow burn and low angst! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
December 5, 2020
This was my first read from this author. What happens when a football player falls for his coach? This is exactly what happens between Michael and Craig.
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.
December 7, 2020
Craig needs a bodyguard on a cruise he's going on so he asks Michael, who he coached in college. Michael has cared for Craig all this time and thinks maybe he can get Craig to care for him on the cruise. I really enjoyed this book.
December 10, 2020
Loved this m/m read. Michael has aways been in love with his football coach but never told him now years later his coach needs a favor. Will michael do it and convice craig to be a true love?
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.
December 10, 2020
ARC Review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This story is mm romance . Michael westholme gets a invitation to go on the Hercules legend cruise with his ex coach an biggest crush Craig Carrie to help him keep his privacy. Cute story.
December 11, 2020
This was n ok read for me the characters are interesting and well developed with a storyline that flowed easily throughout the pages.
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.
December 17, 2020
He is a coach and he will be drawn to them, life is about to get interesting between them. See just how they will get on
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.
May 9, 2021
The story set up on a cruise ship was different, and brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews