The Coach

by Alexandra Shaw, Roxanne Taylor (Editor)

I’m the head coach of the Seattle Steelhead NFL football team, but first and foremost, I’m a dad to twin girls. After a painful divorce, I’ve decided to focus on my children and career. However, this season, the challenges on the field pale in comparison to those off it—especially when my nanny has a family emergency and has to leave unexpectedly.

Balancing the pressures of leading my team to the playoffs while managing my personal life is no easy feat. This year is make or break for me if I want to remain a head coach in the NFL, so I’ve put my love life on the back burner, dedicating all my energy to football and family.

But that all changes when I meet her…

Gabriella (Ella): As a child psychologist, I’ve dedicated my life to supporting the mental health of young people. My past trauma has cast a long shadow over me, shaping the way I navigate the world. I find solace in helping others—but the same pain that drives me toward my work has also caused me to steer clear of men and relationships.

Now that I’ve earned my PhD, I’m ready to build my new business in Seattle.

Then I meet him. Thoughts and feelings I’ve never allowed myself to experience hit me with the force of a wrecking ball—tearing down every wall I’ve ever erected around my mind, my heart, and straight to my soul.

Somehow (I blame my cousin Gary), I find myself stepping in to help Travis and his daughters when his nanny has a family emergency. Of course, this all happens after I’ve promised myself I would stay away from him!

But the thing is… what I was so sure could never happen, does. I never saw coming the drastic changes Travis would bring to my life.

Genres: Sports Romance

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2025

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

I would give this story a solid 4.5. This story brought humor, spice, hurt & past trauma while also dealing with such a serious topic throughout. Alex truly had me laughing out loud so many times during this one!

This follows Gabriella who doesn’t necessarily have the highest confidence and she doesn’t trust many people easily or open up quickly due to a past situation. Now, Gabriella has her PHD. She knows you need to talk through things and she does have Jenny that she has confided in.

But she meets Travis through her cousin who is really like a brother to her which Gary was there the night something happened to her and he’s never spoke about this either. Gray struggles with this past issue as well and carries guilt.

Now cue Travis nanny leaving and Gary pretty much volunteering Gabriella to watch his daughters while the nanny is gone (whom you will more than like despise) because for some reason the nanny doesn’t like Gabriella. Despite the age gap between Travis and Gabriella there is an instant lust there and once they begin to explore things they can’t keep their hands off each other.

The story is wrapped up beautifully in the end with Gabriella reclaiming her power and getting justice. No complaints other than for me personally I felt there was more spice than the story needed. Alexandra’s writing pulls me and keeps me engaged from beginning to end. I would definitely add this one to your TBR if you are looking for age gap, emotional moments, humor, past trauma and reclaiming power and a happy ending!

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am gonna have to read more football romances !!
I absolutely enjoyed this book !! You have age gap, he falls fast , and dark emotional pasts. Check your triggers and enjoy !!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me in my feels. I teared up. I giggled. I’m not a fan of sports so I skimmed some of the football talking but I loved the plot to the book. Travis is such a good listener. Where can I find one? 🤭

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.75)
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I went into this one excited, especially with all the tropes I love—age gap, single dad, nanny/boss, plus-size FMC, AND a football romance. But Travis gave me more of a “horny old man” vibe than a daddy vibe… sorry to everyone else who loves him. Honestly, I found myself more interested in Gary (the hot cousin) than the actual love interest.

Gabriella is a newly graduated PhD psychologist trying to start fresh while staying with her NFL-playing cousin. Travis is the team’s head coach, a dedicated single father, and trying to prove himself on and off the field. Their attraction is instant, and if you’re a fan of insta-lust/insta-love, this book delivers that spark right away. Personally, I’m not a fan of insta-love, and for someone like Gabriella—with her past and inexperience—it felt a little fast for her to trust a near-stranger that deeply. I would’ve loved to see their emotional and physical trust develop more gradually.

Gabriella’s trauma is handled with care, and Chapter 23 really hit me. That’s where I felt the deepest emotional connection—I appreciated the honesty in her story and the way those quieter, meaningful moments were written. The mental-health representation and communication between characters were standout elements for me.

As a sports romance, I would’ve liked to see more football woven into the plot, but Travis’s role as a coach and single dad still adds heart and depth to his character. The book felt a touch long in places, but Alex’s writing style is smooth, easy to follow, and packed with emotion, which kept me invested.

The audiobook is fantastic. Aiden Snow and CJ Bloom deliver in duet narration—their voices really brought the characters to life and made the story even more engaging.

Overall, if you enjoy a book that delivers spice, humor, and emotion, this one is for you. Alex truly gives readers heat, heart, and healing all in one.

Also… fuck Alisa.

Favorite quote:
“I’m not thanking you for fucking me. I’m thanking you because you helped me get my power back.”

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

~The Coach~The Seattle Ironback Series Book 1~Alexandra Shaw~

~Duet Narration~Aiden Snow & C.J. Bloom~

~Production~High Gravity Productions~

"I know that talking about your feelings is important, healing, healthy, but yesterday, all I wanted to do was hide in my room and cry. I wanted to be alone with my thoughts and give myself the mental space and the ability to feel sorry for myself. A little wallow for a short time never hurt anyone. So, that’s exactly what I did. I allowed myself time to grieve."

♡This was my first read by Alexandra & it was age gap perfection with a trauma healing arc that was executed perfectly! This story follows Gabriella our brilliant & strong FMC on her journey to help heal her traumatic past & push towards the future she wants. Travis our patient & caring MMC is a single dad & the assistant coach for his dream team & is down a nanny due to unforseen circumstances. These two are everything they didn't know the other needed!

The duet narration for this audiobook was perfection! Aiden & C.J. did a phenomenal job bringing every character in this story to life. The amount of emotion & depth they poured into each character in this story was a true masterpiece & had me feeling every emotion during my listen!

This story is packed full of love, banter, spice, emotion & a found family like no other. If those are things you look for in a story look no further!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

[Ivy ofori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book ❤️For someone who doesn’t watch sports or pay attention sports news I love reading sports romances. And This is the best sports romances I have read in long time. Alexander Shaw. wrote a golden story. Travis is an example of a man I want marry someday someone who loves his woman regardless of the struggles and traumas .I want be able to speak up just like Gabriella and have the courage to speak.
These beautiful characters taught me so much about how the sporting world have predators like Patrick, who used his his power as a football star for evil to hurt woman. It’s on right now people who have that much power in Hollywood or sports use their power to hurt people who have more disadvantage..
The spice level of this book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wish I could read this book more than five stars
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alexis Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing!!! I ate up every single page in this book. The drama was so freaking good and I was dying during those scenes. I loved seeing the relationship grow and loved how fast they fell for one another. The past trauma was very emotional and had me in my feelings. I enjoyed all the people that showed up throughout the book and I loved the ending so so much

[Natasha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story we are introduced to Travis and Gabriella.
Ella, is a victim of rape when she was in college and the guy got away with it because of who he is, a football player. She doesn’t tell many people, including her sister but her cousin Gary, he was the one who found her and has always felt responsible.
Travis, single father of twin girls, head coach of an NFL team. His nanny, Alisa…she still makes my blood boil…she has to go away, family emergency.
Gary, Ella’s cousin and one of the players on Travis’ team, introduces Travis to Ella and after talking and him seeing her interacting with his girls, he asks her to move in and help while Alisa is away.

They’re both very attracted to each other. Ella is self conscious of her body, not your typical skinny girl, she’s got boobs and hips ,Travis likes them!!!
They hook up, it’s hot, she eventually tells him what happened to her.

There are emotional scenes in this book. When Gabriella talks about what happened to her, it’s not graphic but it’s deep and it will make you feel all the emotions.

Well done, once again..this author is one of favorite

[Autumn Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read! There’s romance, lots of spice, healing from trauma, age gap, and it’s a sports romance. Check the trigger warnings as there are some tough topics but the author did a great job of handling the tough topic with grace. Highly recommend checking this out!

[Roberta Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was an amazing read, you get sports romance, he falls first, dealing with tramatic past, and lots of spice. I can not wait until the next book in the series. you need to add this book to your tbr.

[Kristi Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, I thought this book was going to be all spice and not cover a lot of tough topics. I was wrong. This is not just your average spicy football romance book. “The Coach” is a story about a single dad by day - NFL coach by night who has given up on finding love. Things happen and suddenly forced proximity turns into love for two people from completely different worlds. Now… don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of adult spicy content to keep the reader engaged throughout the story. If you are looking for a romance book, this is a great option.
What I wasn’t expecting was a story about healing and the darker side of professional sports. This is not a spoiler as the book describes the trigger warnings at the beginning that the reader should be aware of. The author does a beautiful job in the dedication and trigger page to prepare the reader for the more serious side of this story. I also appreciated that she acknowledges that everyone’s healing journey is unique. I felt that the content was empowering for the female main character and the content was presented beautifully.
Overall, the only reason I didn’t give it five stars was that I wanted more of the story told in the final chapters.
⭐️ - 4
🌶️ - 4 1/2 very spicy

Other areas of note:
Forced proximity
Age gap
Check triggers
Single dad

I received an advanced reader copy for free and I am writing this review voluntarily.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

this. book is soooooooo good the FMC is a very strong woman she is amazing all around and the shit she goes through I praise her for getting through and becoming a stronger person for it the MMC I thought was so amazing I can't describe this book without giving spoilers but I'm telling you right now you need to read this but please check your trigger warnings before diving into this delectable book

[Kim Finazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. I have the honor of getting this Ebook from the author for a review. I have to say I am not into sports, so I am glad it’s not the main topic. I love the characters in the book.

[Cassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing I knew about this book before reading it was that it was a duet narration with Aiden Snow. And honestly, that’s all I needed to know. 🤣

But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I LIKED this book.

First, it was so freaking funny. I found myself constantly laughing out loud. The relationships between both the main characters, but also Ella and Gary and Gary and his friends and teammates, the team and Travis’ twins. Shaw is a master at crafting relationships and I loved every minute of it.

I also really appreciated how Travis and Gabriella had to constantly work at things in their relationship. Was it fast? To say the least, but that’s how it happens sometimes. Gabriella had no relationship experience and Travis none long term after his wife left. They had to navigate a lot together and while there were a lot of assumptions they made, they were so good at communicating things when it became confusing, which I LOVED.

My only real issue with this book was sometimes the messaging got a little heavy handed. The amount of people who constantly not only judged, but also commented on their age difference annoyed me. Mostly because it’s not like Gabriella was a 19 year old college kid. She was a 28 year old with a PhD and more life experience than most. Also the amount of commentary on her body was obnoxious. Though, that’s one was probably more accurate.

I will say, Travis stood UP for her. At every moment, to every person, every time. He is the greenest of green flags that man.

Really looking forward to other characters in this series (Like Gary and Quincy) and I’m DESPERATELY hoping she does one for the owner of the team, Langley. You meet him for maybe five minutes towards the end of the book but those five minutes he was so freaking amazing I’m going to need him to have his own book.

Thanks to Gravity Productions for an ALC of this book!

[Talisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, let me just say: “The Coach” struck this super satisfying balance between rom-com fun and just the right amount of spice. I was laughing out loud at a bunch of moments, and it really felt like the humor and the steam were both well balanced.

Now, on a more serious note, the book does handle some heavier themes. There are references to rape and the main character’s healing journey, which I thought was portrayed really realistically and respectfully. And another layer that adds to the depth? It’s also an age-gap romance. I loved how Alexandra Shaw showed the challenges of dealing with those inevitable societal comments about their age difference. It felt super relatable, especially if you’ve ever been in a relationship where people have opinions about your age gap. The author does a beautiful job of capturing that frustration but also showing how the couple handles it with grace.

In short, if you’re up for a rom-com that’s got laughs, thoughtful handling of tough topics, and a really authentic take on age-gap love, “The Coach” is definitely worth the read!

P.S. I did a combo of the audiobook and the e-book, and let me just say the narration was spot-on. The voices really brought the characters to life, especially the coach’s deep, gruff voice that matched his character perfectly. It added a whole extra layer of enjoyment!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have finished reading my ARC copy of 'The Coach', a sports romance written by Alexandra Shaw.

"It actually feels painful to disconnect from her."

This story could be based on reality. It's a story which contains a lot of different emotions. Parts are sad and hard and other parts are fun and light. The background story is based on a traumatic event and it will definitely make you feel with the characters.

"It is seriously a form of torture touching him, but not touching him."

This story is about Gabriella or Ella and about Travis. Ella is a psychologist and helps children with their mental health and Travis is a head coach in the NFL and a father. Ella will jump in to help Travis and his girls when he is in need, but eventually their past seems to come for them. Where will this go?

"Jesus f*cking Christ! Thank god die small favors."

This story is about the problems and challenges a new relationship (with children) can have. Its also a very deep story with very important themes. Its about overcoming your fears, about leaving your past and anger behind, its about supporting each other through everything and looking forward. Its a story that will make you feel all the feelings and I enjoyed it. I give it four stars.

[Keasha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy age gap romance

This book was a good book. You have Gabriella who kinda gets sucked into a nanny position after only being in town for a day. You also have Travis who has been a single father to twin girls for the last 13 years while he work with the different football leagues working his way up to head coach in the NFL.
They have instant attraction to one another and do a good job of ignoring it for a bit, but he knows he wants her. She is still a bit innocent when it comes to relationships as she has avoided them since she was attacked 11 years prior.
It was a cute story, with plenty of humor to it and honestly I want a man like Travis, he is sweet and reassuring while knowing exactly what he wants but willing to compromise. Ella is very relatable, she is confident and smart but also has insecurities that pop up at the most inconvenient times and balances it with witty humor comments.

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this book!! I literally didn’t want to stop reading once I started🙃

Gabriella & Travis…. My oh my!! This age gap romance was so well written! Their chemistry and the want and need for each other was perfectly executed!

The way the author writes about Gabriella’s past trauma and the sensitivity to the topic was nicely written. I liked that even though she tried to not make it a big deal her cousin Gary and Travis made sure to emphasize how big a deal it was. And even though nothing happened to the idiot who did it to her, voice mattered and in the end he did get what he deserved even a couple years too late..

The relationship with her and Travis’ daughters was sweet and she was more mother like from the start with the discipline and manners. The plot twist with Alisa, i was not expecting😳 I really didn’t like her attitude and when it came out that she was in love with Travis it all made sense. Good for him putting her in her place and prioritizing his girl.

Loved every minute of this book and was happy to have been an ARC reader! Alexandra Shaw very well done!! 👏🏼👏🏼

[courtney 📚📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a typical spicy sports romance, and I did get that but also so much more!! This covered some pretty big hard topics (please check your trigger warnings). I am a sucker for the single dad trope and this one did it well! I’m also not normally a fan of age gap but when I tell you I was rooting for this one, I was hollering like I would at a football game. This book was so well done and I absolutely loved all the characters, even if one of the mean girls has my name 😆 The care and the passion were on point and I can’t wait to read more of Alexandra’s books!

[Kem Verner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Coach has it all: strong character development, an engaging story line, family ties, an age gap, a hidden past, and of course instant chemistry. This is a story of defeat and redemption laced with trauma (triggers present) and of course sex. Alexandra Shaw broached a subject of DV and SA, but gave the character a voice and a chance to beat the odds while making an impact in the lives of those around her. This is the best read of the year so far.

[Sara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an age gap romance with a strong FMC and a single dad. Ella is the sweetest and steps in to help with the girls while their nanny is out. She quickly falls for Travis, but who wouldn’t? Travis is a sexy football coach, a great father and an even better boyfriend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I NEVER cry for books, yet I cried TWICE during this one. I was so sad when I realized it was coming to an end. Alexandra is an amazing writer and I cannot wait to dive into more of her books.

[Thelena Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to have the beginning of the story really went into depth of how the characters are with each other and to make the reader more interested in wanting to read this so I would recommend this book

[Melissa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my introduction to Alexandra Shaw’s writing. This book was recommended by friends from TT. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Age gap is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the character arc of Travis. He’s such an excellent father to his twin girls. Ella fits right in with their family dynamic and falls in love with the girls.

The spice level is 3.5 out of 5. The massage table scene is HOT!!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to be pulled into the story so much that I had a hard time putting it down. And I love a romance that isn't full of miscommunication and angst.

Tropes
Age Gap
Single Father
Football Romance

Gabriella is a new PhD graduate psychologist staying with her NFL playing cousin, and Travis is the head coach. She's dealing with a lot of trauma, he's trying to be a good dad and prove himself as a head coach. The attraction is instant, and the sparks fly.

Ms. Shaw writes a fantastic story with a healthy outlook on dealing with mental health, clear and open communication in a relationship and great spicy scenes.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing, first book in the Seattle Steelhead series. I was drawn into right away. Ella and Travis are so good together. The plot is well developed and full of drama, suspense, angst, romance, and so much spice! I loved this age gap, sports romance.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. I loved the characters and banter between Gabriella and Travis. this book had me from the bringing. I highly recommend it.

[Sophie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sooooooo good and spicyyyyyyy. Yet also covers important topics and conversations that need to be had. Loved this book!!!!

[Melissa Tonche · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from Alexandra and will definitely not be my last. This story made me laugh and cry. It was a page turner and I'm glad I got to read this ARC. Can't wait to read more by her. If I could give more than 5 stars then I would.

[Laur3n_b00km0m Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Update***
I can't stop thinking about this book and the characters! updated my star ratings to reflect that!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Get ready to fall in love with the main characters right from the start. Everyone wants a compassionate and loving partner, and Travis checks all the boxes. This story is so relatable to the real world, and I believe that's what hooked me.

NFL Coach ♡ Single Dad ♡ Understanding ♡ Hot

The spicy level was the perfect amount. It wasn't overly spiced, and it was not too little.

I would recommend this book and author to everyone. If Alexandra Shaw writes it.....I'm going to read it, PERIOD! :)

I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.

[Tropes_and_Taboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Coach (The Seattle Ironbacks #1) by Alexandra Shaw
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Standalone * Contemporary Romance * Age Gap * Boss x Employee * Insta-love * Sexual Abuse (Past - but major recurring theme) * Past Trauma * Mental Health * Single Dad * Abandonment * Football * Teaching Moments * 410 pages * 🎧10h31

I listened to the audiobook which was kindly provided by High Gravity Production, it's narrated in duet by Aiden Snow and CJ Bloom, and they both did a fantastic job. Their ability to switch between characters so smoothly made it an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Now, I’m usually all for the smutty books and have zero issues with insta-love, but I did find myself a bit frustrated with how quickly their romantic relationship developed. I would’ve loved more of a slow burn, with tension and longing before that first moment.

That said, once I got further into the story, I realized how crucial the intimacy was to both characters’ emotional growth. The early connection wasn’t just lust; it was the groundwork for healing, trust, and reclamation. Those scenes became powerful moments of vulnerability and empowerment rather than just spice.

The book does dive deeply into past sexual assault and trauma, and it’s a recurring focus throughout. If that’s a trigger for you, this may not be the right read. But if you’re looking for a story that balances pain, resilience, and hard-won healing this delivered that.

Although this is the first in a series (likely following other football players), it works perfectly as a standalone and wraps up their story with care and closure.