Leave Me Breathless

Dirty Elite Academy #5

by Kate J. Blake

She barely looks at me, but the blood begins pulsing in my veins. She turns me on by simply passing by.

So many women are throwing themselves into my arms, but I don't even look at them. For some unexplained reason, I want the only girl I'll never have.

Gabrielle Marcos. My student. A girl I have to coach. To see everyday but never touch. A girl who scared me to death and then saved my life after waking me up from the nightmare I was living in.

A girl who made me feel alive again...

But what do they say: the strongest passion burns the most?

Yeah, now I'm sure about that.

"Leave Me Breathless" is a forbidden high school age gap romance between a coach and his student. It is extremely HOT with no cliffhanger and a HAPPILY EVER AFTER GUARANTEED!

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Novella, Teachers, Contemporary, Forbidden Love, High School

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2021

About the author

Kate J. Blake writes spicy romance novellas for naughty readers who love hot heroes and happily-ever-afters.

Originally from Ukraine, Kate currently resides in Southern California, enjoying the warm weather all year round.

Kate used to work as a stylist, and loves everything about fashion. She's a fan of online shopping, and buys tons of useless stuff, trying to convince her husband that she possibly can't live without all of that.

Kate reads 100+ books a year, but still orders many more titles than she could ever possibly read. She loves binge-watching romance TV shows and always misses her writing deadlines.

Kate has visited 30+ countries, and is not planning to stop travelling any time soon. You can find out more about her trips through her social media accounts.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came across this book by chance and since it has one of my favorite tropes (teacher-student) I thought I should give it a chance.

I don’t like comparing books to each other but since I’ve read a few novellas with that trope I think that’s inevitable. I guess it wasn’t that bad, but the writing style definitely didn’t work for me.

I well aware that when you write a novella it’s not easy to fully develop the story but this one is not well executed imo. The beginning was slow but then everything happened too fast. I didn't like the main characters, and I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. Some parts felt really rushed to me and, I’m not sure why, but even the sweet things the H whispered to the h made me cringe.

Overall, I didn’t like it but maybe I’ll give the author another chance in the future. 2 ⭐

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

TROPES:
~coach/student
~small age gap
~instalove
~anxiety/panic attack rep!

I really enjoyed this novella! I love forbidden romances so I ate this one right up! This is about a swim coach and his student. They have great chemistry together and the spice was great. I do wish there was a little more background history on why the heroine's parents aren't around.

SAFETY:
Ages: 18h, 27H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, celibate hero (2 years)
OM/OW drama: slight OW
Cheating/sharing: none
Triggers: anxiety/panic attacks
HEA?: yes

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spicy quick read. Not a big fan of this trope but decent story.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I actually liked the book a lot. The story never got boring, it was finished quickly and fit well into the Dirty Elite Academy book series.
I found Gabi and Aley's love story engaging and heartwarming, especially that they save each other (both literally and figuratively).
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was my first read from this author. I absolutely loved the dual,l first person, point of view of the story, this is always a deal breaker for me. This was a good, short steamy age gap romance. I will be reading more from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable steamy age gap romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/3/2022)! 🎁

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gripped by the beginning of this book, but then I wasn’t so much, because the characters weren’t very well fleshed out. I preferred other books in the series.

Thanks to Kate J. Blake.

3 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read was emotional and full of angst that I really enjoyed. Even if it was quick it felt like a full story that took me on an emotional ride. Alex has secrets so when he sees his neighbor about to dive off a cliff into cold water he reacts without thought and this leads him to meeting Gabi. Gabi likes to escape her life at times by jumping cliffs in seek of that rush it gives her. These two are caught in a trance by each other but their age difference isn’t the only thing that keeps them apart, he is now her new swim coach. This taboo age gap read had me devouring it because I wanted to know Alex’s secret and see if his attraction to Gabi would bring him back to life and I wanted to see Alex give everything Gabi deserves to her. I loved them, their story, and their fight for what they wanted. I also can’t wait for the next read about Dom and Serena!!

[Danelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodread

This was a sweet (& short) romance of a teenager & her swim coach, who later turned into her husband. I liked the way the story continued all the way through with the epilogue taking the reader 11 years later.

[Karen Sedgman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave Me Breathless was a short, quick read as was Gabi and Alex's journey to true love and a wonderful HEA! Both have had a bit of heartache, also had all the feels forbidden, age gap, and steamyness! A fantastic read!

[colelovesreading_nz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read. It had a quick burn vibe going with it being a short read.
There were a few moments I’d liked to have read more content - purely because I didn’t want it to end.
Overall an enjoyable read.

[BookLover1990 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was totally amazing! The storyline interesting, the characters even more interesting. I would recommend

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abby J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex has moved to Malibu and rented a house on the water to escape the pain of his past and take over a swim coach position from his old mentor. Gabi's parents have left her home alone yet again to go to a medical function abroad. When Alex spies her about to cliff dive he races to save her. They have an (almost) instant connection but are shocked when it turns out that Alex is Gabi's new HS swim coach. Their relationship is love-hate and deliciously slow burn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ARC Review]
I have enjoyed the Dirty Elite Academy series from the start and I've got to say that Leave Me Breathless doesn't disappoint!
This was a short steamy student-teacher age-gap romance, where Alex & Gabi had an instant connection, there was no denying it.
I only wish that the grammar and editing had been a little better, otherwise, the book was really enjoyable.

[caffe.and.books (Aimee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a quick and steamy age gap romance featuring Alex and Gabi.

It’s a good read even though it’s a quick read it doesn’t feel terribly rushed, this couple has an instant chemistry and what that connection does for them as individuals is well written. The author is successful in creating an enjoyable storyline with authentic characters. Throw in some steamy scenes and you’ve got yourself a good read.

I would recommend not only this story but this series overall.

[Kaitlyn (heartoflane) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Gabi and Alex is a steamy and passionate romance. A forbidden romance that turned into a lifetime of happiness.

Leave Me Breathless is a fun and entertaining short read. I enjoyed their story and both perspectives throughout the book.

I love forbidden romances and this was such a sweet story showing two characters destined to bring each other back to life.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Gabi meet in quite an unusual way, but the chemistry between them just sizzles. Then they discover that Alex is Gabi's new swimming coach and definitely off limits! As these two sort out their feelings, and Alex's past, they will need to overcome other challenges as well I thought this fast-paced romance was cute, a tad angsty and a lot sweet.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.

[H.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two were so cute. Meredith was low-key insane. Why are you so satisfied that you’ve almost made a 19-year-old cry when you’re in your like late 20s? That’s so weird.

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabi feels loneliness everywhere, ever since she told her parents that she wanted to be a professional swimmer and not follow in their footsteps and be doctors she’s been forgotten. Now old enough to be left alone she’s about to turn nineteen and the only thing that makes her feel alive is diving from the cliffs near her home. But this is a jump that is going to change her life when her neighbour thinks he is rescuing her, it’s a shared moment that ends with them in each other’s arms only for her to discover he is her new swim coach and none other than Olympic gold medalist Alexander Meyers. Will she be able to fight the attraction that she has for him or when she learns his secrets will she be the one to reject him?

Alexander Meyers has been hiding from the limelight after suddenly retiring from his world class swimming career, he has spent the past few years dealing with his guilt over a tragedy. He never thought he’d be able to feel anything again after what happened but all that changed the day that Gabrielle Marcos dove heading into his life and he’s faced with feelings he thought were gone forever. But when he discovers that she is his new star student he knows he doesn’t have a choice but to ignore how she had brought him alive. However when things between them heat up he knows he can’t let her go but will she want him when she discovers his past, will she reject him leaving him broken forever or heal and love him?

This was a sweet, steamy read which I have come to expect from this author each book in the series I have loved. Highly recommended 4.5* read.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave Me Breathless is
Book 5 of the Dirty Elite Academy series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, forbidden, girl gets her teacher romance. Alex is a hunky, grumpy, reclusive, 30 year old former Olympic swimming champion who left the sport after a tragedy. Gabi is an 18 year old swimming student at the Elite Academy. When Alex first sees her from the house he is renting about to jump off a cliff, he runs to save her, thinking she is committing suicide. She's not, but he has a cut after jumping in. She runs to get her first aid kid and help him, but he's having a panic attack. She grabs him, and he ends up kissing her only to yell at her and kick her out. She doesn't expect to see him again but turns out he is the new swim coach at her school. These two have quite the push and pull relationship, but the school forbids students and teachers to date. What happens when they finally act on their feelings? These two really had great chemistry, and we got an amazing HEA after the drama. My heart broke for Alex, but I'm happy Gabi could make him feel again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Gabi and Alex had me keen and intrigued in the beginning.
By starting off slow, it allowed a foundation to be laid out, before building upon from learning bits and pieces about the two individually. To then show how they meet and where it leads to.

However after all that was said and done, it seemed to just kick into high gear with how quickly everything moved after.
While I get it is a novella, so the story won’t be fully thorough with detailed exploration when it comes to the development of the story. Unlike in a full length novel.

Yet what was showcased was not enough. It was a little too choppy for my liking, given the quick jumps.
The rushing through resulted in Gabi and Alex lacking any chemistry within their relationship. Particularly due to them hardly having any development showing from the in between stage that took them from being single to them becoming a couple.
To me, it made their relationship not feel genuine or realistic, given how fast they moved and jumped into it all.

In the end, despite its shortcomings Leave Me Breathless made for a decent read. Especially if you’re looking for a short and easy, quick read that has steam.

[RxReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave Me Breathless is a steamy, forbidden love story that had me hooked from the very first page! The intense chemistry between the coach and his student is off-the-charts, and every glance, every near-touch between them had my heart racing. The age gap and forbidden nature of their relationship only make the tension between them even more electric.

The way Gabrielle helps her coach reclaim his life and feel alive again is beautifully written, making their connection deeper and more emotional than just physical attraction. The author does a great job of exploring the push and pull between them—his fear of crossing the line versus his overwhelming need to be close to her.

With a no-cliffhanger, happily-ever-after ending, and plenty of heat, Leave Me Breathless is the perfect choice for readers who love a daring, passionate romance with a touch of sweetness. If you’re a fan of forbidden love and spicy age-gap romances, this one is a must-read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Come_read_with_me_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I love Kate J. Blakes books, however, I will admit this short story could benefit from a little bit more editing. There were a few inconsistencies and also the same phrases and dialogues were repeated.

As for the storyline, I really enjoyed the concept of this book. The background to each of the characters was very well thought out, I enjoyed the environment created however if I am completely honest I found the emotions of the characters a little too extreme. For example, one sentence would state they hated each other and the next sentence they were lusting after each other. In my opinion, I would have liked to have seen a gradual growth of feelings.

Overall I did enjoy the storyline but as previously stated I would recommend more editing.

Thank you to the author for a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tehteh · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading two thirds of the Dirty Elite Academy series, I must say this is getting a bit old. Wvery triplet cycles through the same tropes and the characters always have a certain appearance.
This one is the forbbiden-love-age-gap novella of the triplet, with a touch of damaged guy vibes. A heavy one.
Alex is a former Olympic champion and Gabi is a jopeful at the Elite Academy. They are neighbors, and he is her new coach. The attraction is strong, but they are both broken in different ways - Alex especially.
I like the swimming setting and the cultural references of this book. And also that it had a bit more emotional depth than others. And the hot scenes? Boy are they hot.
It's great, hust not my favorite

[An Epilogue a Day Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabi is an 18 year old girl, training to be a swimming champion and in her last year as a high school student. Alex is a hurt and broken former Olympic medalist who came to Malibu to substitute his former coach as the swimming teacher.
This book is a romance between a coach and a student, with an age gap, and part of the Dirty Elite Academy Series by Kate J. Blake.
It is a love story where the two main characters are both emotionally hurt and in the verge of desperation when they meet. She is trying to escape all the pain and he sees his worst nightmares coming to life through her actions.
It is a fast, explicit and forbidden story of salvation.

[Brooke Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

possible spoilers ahead

That forbidden romance that some of us really did dream about. Gabi and Alex meet after a daring stunt and immediately fall for each other. Each stolen glance and touch only adding fuel to the fire, until another teacher catches them and uses it to her advantage. It all turns out for the best in the end.

I wish there was more detail in the plot and information on the characters, even for a novella this story seemed rushed and the steamy scenes felt like an afterthought leaving much to be desired.

Overall it’s a decent quick read that’s fairly mild on the 🌶️ scale

[QueenMum1]

Gabi is a high school student and an accomplished swimmer. She is sassy and a dare devil.
Alex is a former two-time gold medal Olympian in swimming and has a secret to his past.
Coach-Teacher/athlete, high school, off-limits, age-gap, virgin heroine, HEA romance.

Thank you to Kate J Blake and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Polli.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

New coach of the swim team, Alex, just happens to live next door to Gabi, a student in the team he coaches. Gabi and Alex become an item after fighting their feelings for months.

This is well written, easy to read, has a full story and nice characters. It is a low spice, virgin student/teacher taboo novella great for livening up work tea breaks or boring lunch hours.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book really sucked me into the story. Alex and Gabi were neighbors, and had a history, when they realized he was her school coach. The dynamics between them weren't simply straight forward, and for the most part I enjoyed that aspect. There was a bit of a mystery that ran underlying the romantic storyline, and it kept me reading to determine the solution.

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provide this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚.

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