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Secrets of the Harper Sisters #1
The Coach
Love is all fun and games... until someone gets hurt.
I'm Andrea Harper, top striker for the LA Angels. I play hard, party hard, and I don't do relationships. I sleep with who I want, when I want. I'm out to have fun. The only important thing in my life is soccer. I have spent my entire life dedicated to the game. And I'm on track to be one of the best female soccer players in the country, if not the world. Being the best is the only thing that matters.
But life has a way of throwing you a curveball when you least expect it, and in my case, it was love.
One night with my childhood hero was all it took. Brad Swift. He's nearly ten years older and used to be one of the best professional soccer players in the world before he got injured. He was my childhood hero until we slept together and messed all that up. I thought I could put it down to just another stupid mistake, that he would go back to England and I would never see him again.
That was until he turned up at training as our new soccer coach.
The attraction we share is undeniable, but he's off limits. It's strictly forbidden for a coach to date a player. Too bad I've never been one to follow the rules and the temptation is just too much... So we slip up, make a pact to keep it fun. Nobody needs to know.
But secrets this good have a way of getting into the wrong hands. And when they do, danger is the name of the game.
* Content warning: contains elements of violence and self-harm.
I'm Andrea Harper, top striker for the LA Angels. I play hard, party hard, and I don't do relationships. I sleep with who I want, when I want. I'm out to have fun. The only important thing in my life is soccer. I have spent my entire life dedicated to the game. And I'm on track to be one of the best female soccer players in the country, if not the world. Being the best is the only thing that matters.
But life has a way of throwing you a curveball when you least expect it, and in my case, it was love.
One night with my childhood hero was all it took. Brad Swift. He's nearly ten years older and used to be one of the best professional soccer players in the world before he got injured. He was my childhood hero until we slept together and messed all that up. I thought I could put it down to just another stupid mistake, that he would go back to England and I would never see him again.
That was until he turned up at training as our new soccer coach.
The attraction we share is undeniable, but he's off limits. It's strictly forbidden for a coach to date a player. Too bad I've never been one to follow the rules and the temptation is just too much... So we slip up, make a pact to keep it fun. Nobody needs to know.
But secrets this good have a way of getting into the wrong hands. And when they do, danger is the name of the game.
* Content warning: contains elements of violence and self-harm.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2022
414 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Steel
17 books159 followersA. K. Steel is a steamy romance and romantic suspense author. She lives on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, Australia, with her partner and three pre-teens, a Cocker Spaniel, and a Lovebird. When she's not writing or daydreaming about new story ideas, you can find her playing with flowers at the local flower shop or kicking a soccer ball around with her team.
A. K. takes readers on thrilling escapes from reality into her captivating world. With an intoxicating blend of danger and desire, her stories plunge readers into unforgettable journeys where they surrender to the dangerous charms of irresistible heroes and the fierce heroines they love. Lose yourself in fiery chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat adventures that culminate in satisfying happily ever afters.
A. K. takes readers on thrilling escapes from reality into her captivating world. With an intoxicating blend of danger and desire, her stories plunge readers into unforgettable journeys where they surrender to the dangerous charms of irresistible heroes and the fierce heroines they love. Lose yourself in fiery chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat adventures that culminate in satisfying happily ever afters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 27, 2022
I started THE COACH and I couldn’t stop. I read well into the early morning hours, only to wake up the next day and devoured it until I was done. Who needs sleep when you have such a great book to keep you up?
I absolutely adored Brad and Andy in every possible way. I was seeking out ways they could make this work. Because they had to make this work. They needed to make this work. Their chemistry was instant and an absolute inferno whenever they were in the vicinity of one another. There was no stopping this once it started.
I wasn’t prepared for the suspense that followed them. I mean, I should have known better. This is one of Steel’s books after all. And if anyone writes romance and suspense in a beautifully and deliciously done up book, it’s this author. So everything that went down was yet another mystery I had to solve. So many questions!! And I had a feeling early on who may be behind the threats but not to that extent. I was blown away in that regard.
I can’t wait to get more stories out of these Harper girls because you can tell they have some goodies to tell. I am here for this ride. Like firmly seated and buckled in, give me more!! Forbidden romance, sizzling characters and threatening suspense had me deeply embedded in this story. 5 Stars!!
I absolutely adored Brad and Andy in every possible way. I was seeking out ways they could make this work. Because they had to make this work. They needed to make this work. Their chemistry was instant and an absolute inferno whenever they were in the vicinity of one another. There was no stopping this once it started.
I wasn’t prepared for the suspense that followed them. I mean, I should have known better. This is one of Steel’s books after all. And if anyone writes romance and suspense in a beautifully and deliciously done up book, it’s this author. So everything that went down was yet another mystery I had to solve. So many questions!! And I had a feeling early on who may be behind the threats but not to that extent. I was blown away in that regard.
I can’t wait to get more stories out of these Harper girls because you can tell they have some goodies to tell. I am here for this ride. Like firmly seated and buckled in, give me more!! Forbidden romance, sizzling characters and threatening suspense had me deeply embedded in this story. 5 Stars!!
January 16, 2022
The Coach by A.K. Steel, wow, this book blew me away! I freaking loved this book, and the best part was right from the jump; you're hit with a hot spicy scene! This book does touch on a sensitive subject involving self-harm, so please heed the warning.
Andrea "Andy" Harper lives and breaths soccer; she has been playing most of her life, and she is currently the top striker for the L.A. Angels.
She lives in L.A. with her two best friends, Darcy and Luna, and her sister Jasmine. One night out at the bar, the girls decide to play a game and see who can get a guy's number first. Andy is shocked when she sees that the guy picked for her is none other than her celebrity crush, Brad Swift! He is a soccer legend and her celebrity crush! Brad doesn't give Andy his number, but he asks if she will go back to his hotel with him for a night, she won't forget. Andy has the best sex of her life that night and wakes up to a shocking text from her sister saying that Brad is married! Angry, she storms out of his hotel room, hoping never to see him again. Only to her surprise, as Andy arrives at soccer practice, it is announced that her current coach is stepping down because of cancer, and Brad will be the new coach. After training, Brad pulls Andy aside and tells her that he isn't married and reveals that he is separated from his wife after finding out she was sleeping with his best friend for a year. Andy feels terrible for the way she left things, and over the next few weeks, they start to develop stronger feelings for each other, but Andy doesn't want to sleep with him again because she doesn't want him fired. Brad tells Andy that he can't take it anymore and wants to see her, so they sneak around. Andy starts having weird things happen to her, and she starts getting creepy texts from an unknown number. It's clear to Brad that she has a stalker, but who can it be? Brad tells Andy that he will protect her at all costs. Will Andy and Brad be able to overcome the obstacles they face? Or will the stalker win and finally break up Andy and Brad?
This book was a roller coaster ride, jam-packed with a ton of spice, and I'm here for it! I was shocked at that plot twist; I didn't see that coming at all!! The Coach is the first book I have read from A.K Steel but trust me, it will not be my last! I can't wait to read Jasmine's story, The Escape!
THANK YOU GIVE ME BOOKS FOR THE ARC!! ❤️
Andrea "Andy" Harper lives and breaths soccer; she has been playing most of her life, and she is currently the top striker for the L.A. Angels.
She lives in L.A. with her two best friends, Darcy and Luna, and her sister Jasmine. One night out at the bar, the girls decide to play a game and see who can get a guy's number first. Andy is shocked when she sees that the guy picked for her is none other than her celebrity crush, Brad Swift! He is a soccer legend and her celebrity crush! Brad doesn't give Andy his number, but he asks if she will go back to his hotel with him for a night, she won't forget. Andy has the best sex of her life that night and wakes up to a shocking text from her sister saying that Brad is married! Angry, she storms out of his hotel room, hoping never to see him again. Only to her surprise, as Andy arrives at soccer practice, it is announced that her current coach is stepping down because of cancer, and Brad will be the new coach. After training, Brad pulls Andy aside and tells her that he isn't married and reveals that he is separated from his wife after finding out she was sleeping with his best friend for a year. Andy feels terrible for the way she left things, and over the next few weeks, they start to develop stronger feelings for each other, but Andy doesn't want to sleep with him again because she doesn't want him fired. Brad tells Andy that he can't take it anymore and wants to see her, so they sneak around. Andy starts having weird things happen to her, and she starts getting creepy texts from an unknown number. It's clear to Brad that she has a stalker, but who can it be? Brad tells Andy that he will protect her at all costs. Will Andy and Brad be able to overcome the obstacles they face? Or will the stalker win and finally break up Andy and Brad?
This book was a roller coaster ride, jam-packed with a ton of spice, and I'm here for it! I was shocked at that plot twist; I didn't see that coming at all!! The Coach is the first book I have read from A.K Steel but trust me, it will not be my last! I can't wait to read Jasmine's story, The Escape!
THANK YOU GIVE ME BOOKS FOR THE ARC!! ❤️
Read
June 26, 2023DNF 5%. The dialogue is incredibly cliché and chock-full of cringy Not Like Other Girls nonsense. Please accept these quotes from the MC’s first conversation in lieu of further explanation.
• "You're not like the other girls hanging around here tonight."
• "I've been sitting alone at the bar for an hour, and so far, I've had a line-up of overdone girls asking for my autograph or a photo."
• He frowns. "No, not TV. You really don't know who I am?"
•He really is ticked off that I don't recognize him. It's hilarious.
• I'm sure most girls fall at his feet with such an offer, but I'm not most girls.
• "Does that line normally work on the overdone girls that were bothering you before?"
• I'm not like most of the girls in here. That's not going to work on me."
🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
• "You're not like the other girls hanging around here tonight."
• "I've been sitting alone at the bar for an hour, and so far, I've had a line-up of overdone girls asking for my autograph or a photo."
• He frowns. "No, not TV. You really don't know who I am?"
•He really is ticked off that I don't recognize him. It's hilarious.
• I'm sure most girls fall at his feet with such an offer, but I'm not most girls.
• "Does that line normally work on the overdone girls that were bothering you before?"
• I'm not like most of the girls in here. That's not going to work on me."
🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
September 1, 2023
Another disappointment brought to me by those gd Instagram reels.
Coach/player sounded like just what I needed, à la Bend it Like Beckham. But nope. Did not do it for me.
These characters are clichéd, "not like the other girls", and their whole thing is based on them having the hots for each other and the forbidden aspect of being coach and player, and nothing else.
I need more than a relationship based on physical attraction to each other. This one seemed to not hold any substance.
Dnf at 35%.
Coach/player sounded like just what I needed, à la Bend it Like Beckham. But nope. Did not do it for me.
These characters are clichéd, "not like the other girls", and their whole thing is based on them having the hots for each other and the forbidden aspect of being coach and player, and nothing else.
I need more than a relationship based on physical attraction to each other. This one seemed to not hold any substance.
Dnf at 35%.
October 31, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ i did get this book for free on a stuff your kindle event so i feel like my expectations weren’t too high. i feel like everything in this was super stereotypical. also the “stalker” wasn’t hard to figure out at all. also when andy says “ have no idea what to do here, but something is telling me I need to wrap her arms to stop the bleeding” like hello? isn’t that just like common knowledge? idk it made me roll my eyes.
April 8, 2025
Tjej gone psycho över hur hennes homo-erotiska relation med sin bästis slutar när bästisen blir kär i deras coach. Bestämmer sig för att stalka, utpressa, råna henne för att tillslut försöka ta sitt egna liv… gånger 2. ja mycket hände med denna lilla not like other girls huvudkaraktären.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2022
The Coach is the first book that I've read by A.K Steel and it certainly won't be the last. The moment I read the blurb, I knew this book is going to be as good as I imagine it would be. Nothing is more entertaining than reading a story with forbidden romance trope. I'm so happy that it turns out just like I was hoping for it to be and I enjoyed every minute of it.
A.K Steel has won me over with Andy and Brad story which I highly recommend everyone to read. The storyline was pretty engaging and even the twist was unexpected. The whole story is filled with suspense and intense chemistry between the main characters. It was totally worth a read!
A.K Steel has won me over with Andy and Brad story which I highly recommend everyone to read. The storyline was pretty engaging and even the twist was unexpected. The whole story is filled with suspense and intense chemistry between the main characters. It was totally worth a read!
January 16, 2022
The coach is a steamy forbidden romance about former soccer pro Brad and female soccer player Andrea. They meet one night in a bar and share a connection that quickly heats up. After that night their paths cross again when Brad is hired as her coach. Despite the club's rules prohibiting a relationship between the two they can resist the physical or emotional passion. Add on top of that a dangerous stalker threatening Andy at every turn and this book has a little bit of everything. I did enjoy this book and seeing that Andy's sisters would be getting their own books as well. Brad is really great as a hero, super supportive and protective of Andy while Andy seems to be a very modern and rebellious heroine that has a deep love for her friends and family. Together you get a lovely story about two people who resist love finding it with each other.
May 29, 2023
Look, since this story is about women's soccer, can i just tell my partner I read a book about women's soccer? Anyway, Darcy being the stalker of the pick me girl was just creepy. I hated Andy, but I kinda want to just shove Darcy down the stairs and out of the book. Or unlike Andy, I would've just let the crazy girl kill herself instead of scaring everyone and stabbing people. This book was so fucking stupid. Like I want to slam it into a fucking wall stupid. Especially in the second half of the book and the non-existent ending with her sister. First 1 star review.
At the start, the MC really pissed me off with the egotistical attitude when she said her older sister would be lost without her. "Stuck in her boring, goody-two-shoe life trying to please our parents, but because of me, she gets out and has a little fun. I'm good for her and she knows it."
AND SHE'S A PICK ME GIRL KILL ME
"You'd think I would be hurt by the way she says it, but nope. I look at my nails, and shrug. She's right, I'm not a girly girl at all. My nails are short. My waist-length, Viking-blonde hair hasn't been brushed in a couple of days and is in a messy bun held together loosely with a few bobby pins. I'm not like most of the other girls strutting around this club, or even my friends really, in their tight little dresses and high heels. I don't give a fuck about making myself up to attract the opposite sex—or the same sex, for that matter. I am who I am." (SHAMEFUL WRITING)
Favourite quotes:
- "I won't lose my job unless I get caught," he says, his other hand coming to my hip and tugging me down on top of him so I'm straddling his lap on the edge of the bed.
- So typical, he's the one who gets noticed. Not that I care, because I don't want Stefan to know who I am right now anyway. But Brad hasn't even played for two years and I'm literally the best striker for this dude's state's team. Just goes to show we have come a long way in women's sports but we're still not considered as good as the men, no matter how incredibly we play
- I wanted to scare you. That way you would stop being so stupid, so reckless with your life. Who walks home by themselves at that time of the night dressed like Wonder Woman? (The only smart thing Darcy said in the book)
At the start, the MC really pissed me off with the egotistical attitude when she said her older sister would be lost without her. "Stuck in her boring, goody-two-shoe life trying to please our parents, but because of me, she gets out and has a little fun. I'm good for her and she knows it."
AND SHE'S A PICK ME GIRL KILL ME
"You'd think I would be hurt by the way she says it, but nope. I look at my nails, and shrug. She's right, I'm not a girly girl at all. My nails are short. My waist-length, Viking-blonde hair hasn't been brushed in a couple of days and is in a messy bun held together loosely with a few bobby pins. I'm not like most of the other girls strutting around this club, or even my friends really, in their tight little dresses and high heels. I don't give a fuck about making myself up to attract the opposite sex—or the same sex, for that matter. I am who I am." (SHAMEFUL WRITING)
Favourite quotes:
- "I won't lose my job unless I get caught," he says, his other hand coming to my hip and tugging me down on top of him so I'm straddling his lap on the edge of the bed.
- So typical, he's the one who gets noticed. Not that I care, because I don't want Stefan to know who I am right now anyway. But Brad hasn't even played for two years and I'm literally the best striker for this dude's state's team. Just goes to show we have come a long way in women's sports but we're still not considered as good as the men, no matter how incredibly we play
- I wanted to scare you. That way you would stop being so stupid, so reckless with your life. Who walks home by themselves at that time of the night dressed like Wonder Woman? (The only smart thing Darcy said in the book)
January 7, 2025
2.1★
I almost DNFed a few pages in because I'm not fond of the writing style. I wouldn't have missed a lot if I did, to be honest.
They were tons of grammatical errors and I didn't like how the book is written using present-day English language. Moreover, since the narration is in first person, it would've been more believable if Brad's POVs were actually written in British.
As for the plot and the characters, it felt unsatisfactory since there were a lot of things that weren't explored properly. In addition, I absolutely hate it when characters were deliberately dumbed down for the sake of the plot and at a certain point, it happened to Andy in this book.
There were plot holes that were (I think) intentionally done that could've added more context and depth to the story. The twist was also predictable and the red herrings were so obvious.
That being said, I still finished the book so, it couldn't be that bad, right?
Theme: 2.5
Writing: 1.5
Plot: 2.5
Character/s: 2
Entertainment: 2
I almost DNFed a few pages in because I'm not fond of the writing style. I wouldn't have missed a lot if I did, to be honest.
They were tons of grammatical errors and I didn't like how the book is written using present-day English language. Moreover, since the narration is in first person, it would've been more believable if Brad's POVs were actually written in British.
As for the plot and the characters, it felt unsatisfactory since there were a lot of things that weren't explored properly. In addition, I absolutely hate it when characters were deliberately dumbed down for the sake of the plot and at a certain point, it happened to Andy in this book.
There were plot holes that were (I think) intentionally done that could've added more context and depth to the story. The twist was also predictable and the red herrings were so obvious.
That being said, I still finished the book so, it couldn't be that bad, right?
Theme: 2.5
Writing: 1.5
Plot: 2.5
Character/s: 2
Entertainment: 2
January 18, 2022
I need me a Brad. What a beautiful man 😍Andy is so special. I love both of them. That scene on the balcony 🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely loved this story. Really had no idea where it was going. Plot twist though....didn't see that coming!
Can't wait for Jasmine's book
I absolutely loved this story. Really had no idea where it was going. Plot twist though....didn't see that coming!
Can't wait for Jasmine's book
February 1, 2023
It was okay, scratched the sport/coach romance itch. But i called who it was from the beginning.
January 28, 2022
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance and a hot coach with a foreign accent makes me swoon. So why, oh why, did I not just fall completely in love with this book? Where do I begin? Sheesh!
Let's start with our heroine wearing soccer cleats, Andrea 'Andy' Harper. I really wanted to like her, but there is not one, and I mean one, likeable quality about this girl. She's selfish on the soccer field and off and treats her friends like accessories that could be dumped at any time. There were so many times I just wanted to stop reading this story so I could escape the mental torture it was to even be in Andy's self-absorbed world. I spent the majority of the book struggling to understand how a hot, successful man like Brad Swift could find anything interesting about Andy past her looks and soccer talent.
Do I need to go on? Alright, now to Andy's friends, or sisters, or sister friends... uh I don't know (sadly, nor did I care) because there was no real separation between her friends and siblings to even keep track of the details. Then when her friends (sisters) breezed through a scene it was with a personality that equalled wallpaper and with zero personal life beyond helping Andy through all of her personal crises. And this is the main issue that kept me from truly enjoying a storyline that would normally be a forbidden romance go-to read for me. Everything was unimportant to the story than making Andy's soccer skills and her hot connection with her highly forbidden coach the focal point. Sadly, I didn't like Andy enough to care.
3.5 stars
Let's start with our heroine wearing soccer cleats, Andrea 'Andy' Harper. I really wanted to like her, but there is not one, and I mean one, likeable quality about this girl. She's selfish on the soccer field and off and treats her friends like accessories that could be dumped at any time. There were so many times I just wanted to stop reading this story so I could escape the mental torture it was to even be in Andy's self-absorbed world. I spent the majority of the book struggling to understand how a hot, successful man like Brad Swift could find anything interesting about Andy past her looks and soccer talent.
Do I need to go on? Alright, now to Andy's friends, or sisters, or sister friends... uh I don't know (sadly, nor did I care) because there was no real separation between her friends and siblings to even keep track of the details. Then when her friends (sisters) breezed through a scene it was with a personality that equalled wallpaper and with zero personal life beyond helping Andy through all of her personal crises. And this is the main issue that kept me from truly enjoying a storyline that would normally be a forbidden romance go-to read for me. Everything was unimportant to the story than making Andy's soccer skills and her hot connection with her highly forbidden coach the focal point. Sadly, I didn't like Andy enough to care.
3.5 stars
July 4, 2022
Andrea (Andy) is a wild card, an athlete at the top of her game who works hard and plays harder. She likes fun so on a dare, she has to pick up her childhood crush Brad. He was once her favourite player but after a wild night together she later finds out he is her new coach.
The attraction was there from the start but along with his career being at risk, she is now being stalked and they will stop at nothing to get her
The stalker bit was obvious if I’m being honest and at parts I didn’t like Andy or Brad.
Xx
The attraction was there from the start but along with his career being at risk, she is now being stalked and they will stop at nothing to get her
The stalker bit was obvious if I’m being honest and at parts I didn’t like Andy or Brad.
Xx
dnf
November 15, 2022DNF @ 10%
This sounded so good, but it was actually pretty bad. The writing wasn't great - heroine and hero's meeting at the bar was so awkwardly described. And I wasn't a fan of any of them.
This sounded so good, but it was actually pretty bad. The writing wasn't great - heroine and hero's meeting at the bar was so awkwardly described. And I wasn't a fan of any of them.
May 18, 2023
3.5 stars
January 27, 2022
This was a really awesome story. I really enjoyed it and it has a bit of suspense as the main lead Andrea has a stalker throughout the story. Former soccer player, Brad is in the process of divorce, is Andrea's new coach, former one night stand, and is around 35 to her age 24. This is an extremely forbidden story but also a second chance at love.
Andrea is into one night stands and has no time for anything except her love of soccer and her best friends and family. She plays hard at soccer and at night she can be a very bad girl. Sometimes thats with men and sometimes it's with women. Though in this story we only see her with men.
All that changes when Brad enters her life. Brad is something that is extremely forbidden as he can lose his job if she dates him, or anyone finds out. So, they both try and deny how much they feel for each other. But the heart wants what it wants and when Andrea ends up facing danger and a stalker, he starts to see what she means to him.
The stalker angle of the story was not that complicated, and I figured it out. But Andrea and Brad had no clue, and it was fun watching these two trying to keep her safe while also juggling a very forbidden relationship.
It was an awesome story, and I loved the forbidden relationship. They stalker kept my interest, and I really enjoyed this story. I am looking forward to reading Jasmine's story next.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Andrea is into one night stands and has no time for anything except her love of soccer and her best friends and family. She plays hard at soccer and at night she can be a very bad girl. Sometimes thats with men and sometimes it's with women. Though in this story we only see her with men.
All that changes when Brad enters her life. Brad is something that is extremely forbidden as he can lose his job if she dates him, or anyone finds out. So, they both try and deny how much they feel for each other. But the heart wants what it wants and when Andrea ends up facing danger and a stalker, he starts to see what she means to him.
The stalker angle of the story was not that complicated, and I figured it out. But Andrea and Brad had no clue, and it was fun watching these two trying to keep her safe while also juggling a very forbidden relationship.
It was an awesome story, and I loved the forbidden relationship. They stalker kept my interest, and I really enjoyed this story. I am looking forward to reading Jasmine's story next.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2022
I originally started reading this book because it’s a forbidden age gap romance. And to my surprise and delight, there was suspense thrown in as well. I loved the extra twist to it and could not put this story down.
Andrea, also known as Andy, meets Brad one night when she’s out with her sisters and friends. The two have an incredible night together but Andy leaves before he wakes up the next day. Fast forward to a month later and Andy finds out Brad is the new coach for the professional soccer team she plays for, the Los Angeles Angels. The attraction is still there but they have to keep things professional. But one night when Andy comes home to find her room trashed, there’s someone who knows about their night together and they are not happy about it.
I’m so glad I picked up this story. It was action packed, suspenseful, sweet and steamy. I love that this had a women’s professional soccer team and they were the focus of the story. Andy is feisty and independent. Brad is sweet and protective. These two are a great couple and I loved reading their story. The adult times together are steamy and don’t skimp on the details. And I thought I had the plot twist figured out but was proven wrong. It shocked me and the events afterward were crazy good. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
Andrea, also known as Andy, meets Brad one night when she’s out with her sisters and friends. The two have an incredible night together but Andy leaves before he wakes up the next day. Fast forward to a month later and Andy finds out Brad is the new coach for the professional soccer team she plays for, the Los Angeles Angels. The attraction is still there but they have to keep things professional. But one night when Andy comes home to find her room trashed, there’s someone who knows about their night together and they are not happy about it.
I’m so glad I picked up this story. It was action packed, suspenseful, sweet and steamy. I love that this had a women’s professional soccer team and they were the focus of the story. Andy is feisty and independent. Brad is sweet and protective. These two are a great couple and I loved reading their story. The adult times together are steamy and don’t skimp on the details. And I thought I had the plot twist figured out but was proven wrong. It shocked me and the events afterward were crazy good. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
February 15, 2024
Does anyone get giddy and squeal when they start a new book and it’s already really good at the beginning? Crickets. Just me. Okay. Well, A.K. Steel’s “The Coach” did just that. Andy is a soccer player. She’s confident, athletic, and outspoken. Andy and her teammates/friends go out one night and have a bet to see who can get a guy’s number first. That’s how she ends up hooking up with Brad but doesn’t realize he’s to be the new coach for her team.
They try to avoid each other, but the attraction runs strong. In addition, Brad has a pesky ex, and Andy has a schmalker—who I kept trying to guess who it was throughout the story. In other forbidden stories with the characters attempting to keep their relationship on the down low, there is always a threat of the guy losing their job. What I loved about Brad was that he didn’t care. He cared more about Andy and their relationship. In “The Coach,” Brad was falling harder for Andy. It was Brad convincing Andy and proving their relationship could work. There were times I said out loud, “How romantic.” And no, there was no one around to hear it, but I do that a lot. I loved this story.
They try to avoid each other, but the attraction runs strong. In addition, Brad has a pesky ex, and Andy has a schmalker—who I kept trying to guess who it was throughout the story. In other forbidden stories with the characters attempting to keep their relationship on the down low, there is always a threat of the guy losing their job. What I loved about Brad was that he didn’t care. He cared more about Andy and their relationship. In “The Coach,” Brad was falling harder for Andy. It was Brad convincing Andy and proving their relationship could work. There were times I said out loud, “How romantic.” And no, there was no one around to hear it, but I do that a lot. I loved this story.
January 26, 2022
Arc for honest review ( I have to say that The Coach by A.K Steele might just be one of my very favorite reads this year . It did not take me long to find myself so very invested in this sexy and emotionally charged love story with characters that are just so likable , relatable and multi layered you won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with them . Two of my all times favorite tropes are forbidden and sports romances/ this is the perfect blend of both . I’m not sure I even have the right words to express all the different feelings this beautifully written story caused me to feel , love , happiness, joy , and so much more . Andy and Brad are just two of the most wonderful characters. Brad is so sweet and protective , and Andy is so feisty and independent . The Chemistry between them is just off the charts hot , the attraction is instantaneous. If you are a lover of sports romances then your not going to want to miss this one .
January 26, 2022
This is Brad and Andrea’s story. Brad is an ex professional soccer player who suffered a career ending injury, and Andy is a top striker for the LA Angels who is totally focused on her career. On a night out Brad and Andy cross paths in a bar and spend a steamy night together, until some news from her sister puts a damper on the evening, Now Brad is the new coach appointed for Andy’s team, and the chemistry is combustible and undeniable, but any relationship is forbidden. When Andy acquires a stalker Brad is determined to do whatever he must to protect and keep her safe. This is a well written story which is filled with challenges, secrets, danger, suspense, romance, mystery, and love, which leads to an all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
January 27, 2022
4.5 stars
The Coach put two of my favorite genres together and the results were pretty spectacular. I love sports romances and the fact that this one was soccer and a female player made it even better. I loved Andy’s sassy attitude and her drive. A lot of people who strive to be the best become very arrogant when they reach that level. I love that Andy is still down to earth and has that “I’m just human” kind of mindset. I also loved Brad because as arrogant as he is about once being the best, he also realizes his limitations when it comes to coaching and asks for help. The second part I loved about this was the mystery aspect. I love to solve things, and while I admit I had figured out who had a hand in it, I did not expect the extent of the involvement or the back story that came with it. If you’re into taboo, age-gap, sports, and mystery this book will be right up your alley.
The Coach put two of my favorite genres together and the results were pretty spectacular. I love sports romances and the fact that this one was soccer and a female player made it even better. I loved Andy’s sassy attitude and her drive. A lot of people who strive to be the best become very arrogant when they reach that level. I love that Andy is still down to earth and has that “I’m just human” kind of mindset. I also loved Brad because as arrogant as he is about once being the best, he also realizes his limitations when it comes to coaching and asks for help. The second part I loved about this was the mystery aspect. I love to solve things, and while I admit I had figured out who had a hand in it, I did not expect the extent of the involvement or the back story that came with it. If you’re into taboo, age-gap, sports, and mystery this book will be right up your alley.
May 24, 2023
3.5
At first I was a bit iffy because Andy was a “I’m not like other girls” character and I don’t particularly like that attitude, but if you can look past her wanting to label herself as “different” the storyline was super intriguing.
I liked the game behind what had Andy chatting up Brad at the bar and I was so keen for her to find about that he was about to be her new coach. This book is very anti-cheating and heavily expresses its hate for cheating, so big plus if you hate the cheating trope.
I do feel like the fact that he was her new coach was gotten over super quickly like neither of them cared THAT much, which honesty I didn’t mind because the stalker aspect had me wanting to finish this book in one sitting. And while I thought it was obvious who her stalker was I still sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for it to be confirmed.
At first I was a bit iffy because Andy was a “I’m not like other girls” character and I don’t particularly like that attitude, but if you can look past her wanting to label herself as “different” the storyline was super intriguing.
I liked the game behind what had Andy chatting up Brad at the bar and I was so keen for her to find about that he was about to be her new coach. This book is very anti-cheating and heavily expresses its hate for cheating, so big plus if you hate the cheating trope.
I do feel like the fact that he was her new coach was gotten over super quickly like neither of them cared THAT much, which honesty I didn’t mind because the stalker aspect had me wanting to finish this book in one sitting. And while I thought it was obvious who her stalker was I still sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for it to be confirmed.
January 20, 2022
Thank you A.K. Steele for the opportunity to review this book! This was the first book I have read by the author and I really liked it. I really like a sports romance and that’s what originally interested me in this book. I loved that the main female character is a professional soccer player (soccer is my favorite sport) and props to the author for using the names of real teams.
Andy and Brad have a forbidden love story..they met in a club and were immediately attracted to one another. This story had more than a typical romance with a few twists and turns in the plot which made it unpredictable. I liked a little mystery in with the spice.
The writing was good and the dual POV worked really well. I look forward to more Harper sisters!
Andy and Brad have a forbidden love story..they met in a club and were immediately attracted to one another. This story had more than a typical romance with a few twists and turns in the plot which made it unpredictable. I liked a little mystery in with the spice.
The writing was good and the dual POV worked really well. I look forward to more Harper sisters!
May 28, 2023
I thought this book was pretty good. I really love the coach/athlete trope and even more so when it’s the female character that is the athlete. I would’ve liked to have read more about the actual soccer practices and games as that’s what really makes it a “sports” romance to me, but overall, I liked the story. Absolutely loved that Andy didn’t “do” relationships and was more just in it for the physical aspects. Her chemistry with her coach, Brad, was awesome as well.
There was a mystery going on through the course of the book… I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I will say it wasn’t that twisty. I guessed what it was pretty easily. Still a good story though and it was very well-written.
There was a mystery going on through the course of the book… I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I will say it wasn’t that twisty. I guessed what it was pretty easily. Still a good story though and it was very well-written.
January 22, 2022
Okay I went into this thinking I’m just gonna get a sports romance with the player and the coach, and yes it’s very much that and very entertaining, but this took a dark turn I was not expecting. I appreciate that turn so much.
It did start off on a road bump because the first chapter had the “not like other girls” and just personally I hate when that’s tossed around, so that wasn’t a good start. But it definitely made it back up and sailed on through.
I did figure out who it was pretty early on because I paid close attention to certain bits, and when it was confirmed I felt very vindicated with it.
ARC Review
It did start off on a road bump because the first chapter had the “not like other girls” and just personally I hate when that’s tossed around, so that wasn’t a good start. But it definitely made it back up and sailed on through.
I did figure out who it was pretty early on because I paid close attention to certain bits, and when it was confirmed I felt very vindicated with it.
ARC Review
January 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book so much. It was a refreshing read because its been awhile since a read a good suspense romance around a stalker. We have soccer (football to am a Brit😆) thrown into the mix and it was tense. Not only do we have this tense and steamy romance of Andy & Brad we have creepy dark scenes that the stalker leaves behind
Andy is a independent women never did relationship until Brad came along. Brad is coming out of a cheating marriage and Andy brought fresh air to his life. They are the perfect team on pitch & off. OH and they can't get caught is a forbidden romance
Sport, forbidden, steamy romance and a hint of suspense. What more could you ask for😍
☆MUST READ &FAV☆
Andy is a independent women never did relationship until Brad came along. Brad is coming out of a cheating marriage and Andy brought fresh air to his life. They are the perfect team on pitch & off. OH and they can't get caught is a forbidden romance
Sport, forbidden, steamy romance and a hint of suspense. What more could you ask for😍
☆MUST READ &FAV☆
January 28, 2022
I loved Andy so much. I think her character is really cool and fun. And the fact that she doesn't do relationships. Heck yes! Until Brad came back to her life as her coach. They still have hot af and undeniable chemistry. But any relationship is forbidden.
I loved the storyline of their story. It's very interesting with the mystery aspect. I kept on turning the pages, just wanting to know what was going to happen next. Andy and Brad are great characters too. And Brad, I loved it when he gets all protective but sweet to Andy. I loved reading their story. I can't wait for more books in the series.
I loved the storyline of their story. It's very interesting with the mystery aspect. I kept on turning the pages, just wanting to know what was going to happen next. Andy and Brad are great characters too. And Brad, I loved it when he gets all protective but sweet to Andy. I loved reading their story. I can't wait for more books in the series.
April 23, 2022
WOW! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. The Coach is the first book in the Secrets of the Harper Sisters series. This story is about Andy and Brad. Brad is an ex professional soccer player who suffered a career ending injury. While Andy is a top striker for the LA Angels who is totally focused on her career. Their chemistry was off the charts. Andy is feisty and independent. Brad is sweet and protective. What happens when your one-night stand shows up at your practice? If you’re into taboo, age-gap, sports, and mystery this book will be right up your alley. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Keep up the amazing work! Highly recommend it!
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