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Laketown Hockey #3
The Coach Next Door
My ex cheated on me with one of my players.
Does it get any worse than that?
We tried to patch things up, for our daughter.
Scratch that...
I tried to patch things up.
She found another defenseman.
I never thought being a single dad would be so hard.
After the past couple of years, being alone was supposed to be easy. And it was, until she bought the house next door.
Falling in love again would be an epic mistake.
A bigger mistake?
Falling in love with my hot new neighbor...
The Coach Next Door can be read as a standalone, or as book 3 in the Laketown Hockey Series.
Does it get any worse than that?
We tried to patch things up, for our daughter.
Scratch that...
I tried to patch things up.
She found another defenseman.
I never thought being a single dad would be so hard.
After the past couple of years, being alone was supposed to be easy. And it was, until she bought the house next door.
Falling in love again would be an epic mistake.
A bigger mistake?
Falling in love with my hot new neighbor...
The Coach Next Door can be read as a standalone, or as book 3 in the Laketown Hockey Series.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2021
528 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 13, 2021
Dean and Amber
Dean newly separated from his cheating x wife is the Hockey couch . Amber the new girl in town moves in to town to get a fresh start and a new job. Their chemistry is off the charts. Except Amber knows nothing about Hockey or snow blowers
Dean newly separated from his cheating x wife is the Hockey couch . Amber the new girl in town moves in to town to get a fresh start and a new job. Their chemistry is off the charts. Except Amber knows nothing about Hockey or snow blowers
March 11, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
After all the problems Coach has had its so nice to see him get a little love.
Some steamy romance coming his way with Amber his neighbor, and finally a line drawn under the cheating wife.
Great writing and enjoyable reading.
💋💋
After all the problems Coach has had its so nice to see him get a little love.
Some steamy romance coming his way with Amber his neighbor, and finally a line drawn under the cheating wife.
Great writing and enjoyable reading.
March 2, 2021
Dean, Amber and Chloe.
Dean the coach of the local hockey team. Amber his new neighbor and Chloe Dean young daughter.
As a single father Dean is doing his best, his ex wife thought she could have it all and his teammates too. Amber left the warm air from cool country weather to be rid of the bad memories her ex boyfriend provide.
Dean and Amber know heartbreak. They know passion and desire. But what will it take for then to be acquainted with true unconditional love.
Dean the coach of the local hockey team. Amber his new neighbor and Chloe Dean young daughter.
As a single father Dean is doing his best, his ex wife thought she could have it all and his teammates too. Amber left the warm air from cool country weather to be rid of the bad memories her ex boyfriend provide.
Dean and Amber know heartbreak. They know passion and desire. But what will it take for then to be acquainted with true unconditional love.
July 25, 2021
This is the best book in the series. Yes, hockey, but lots of human interaction too.
April 15, 2021
A good story but the ending was rushed
Amber and Dean have both been cheated on and need a fresh start. Dean and his daughter Chloe move a couple of streets across to leave behind the home they shared with his runaway wife who cheated on him twice. Amber moves across the country from the warmth of Florida to freeze in icy-cold Laketown. They end up next door neighbours and when they meet, it's instant attraction and each recognises their soulmate.
They both know that it is too soon for either of them to start a relationship after their heartbreaks, and Dean has to think about his daughter, but neither can resist the pull between them. They are soon swept up in each other but the course of true love never runs smooth and so it proves now.
I can't tell you how many times I have drafted out a few paragraphs to explain my three star rating then deleted them because I'm giving too much away. I can only say their relationship progressed much faster than we were led to believe Dean was comfortable with because of his daughter, but then Chloe's thoughts, feelings and wishes were not mentioned at all. The spanner in the works just fell away without much explanation or especially, reaction from Chloe. I turned the page to find there was no more when I expected another chapter or an epilogue at least. (Actually, there was an epilogue but it related to the next book in the series.)
I have nothing against insta-love or soulmates, nor against very quick happy endings, but I just felt a bit cheated with how quickly it ended, with a few questions left hanging too. I seem to be in the minority so please don't let me stop you reading this. I love A.J.'s books so this will definitely not stop me reading them.
Finally, a plea to A.J. Please can we have Andy's book now? I really want him to find his own HEA.
Amber and Dean have both been cheated on and need a fresh start. Dean and his daughter Chloe move a couple of streets across to leave behind the home they shared with his runaway wife who cheated on him twice. Amber moves across the country from the warmth of Florida to freeze in icy-cold Laketown. They end up next door neighbours and when they meet, it's instant attraction and each recognises their soulmate.
They both know that it is too soon for either of them to start a relationship after their heartbreaks, and Dean has to think about his daughter, but neither can resist the pull between them. They are soon swept up in each other but the course of true love never runs smooth and so it proves now.
I can't tell you how many times I have drafted out a few paragraphs to explain my three star rating then deleted them because I'm giving too much away. I can only say their relationship progressed much faster than we were led to believe Dean was comfortable with because of his daughter, but then Chloe's thoughts, feelings and wishes were not mentioned at all. The spanner in the works just fell away without much explanation or especially, reaction from Chloe. I turned the page to find there was no more when I expected another chapter or an epilogue at least. (Actually, there was an epilogue but it related to the next book in the series.)
I have nothing against insta-love or soulmates, nor against very quick happy endings, but I just felt a bit cheated with how quickly it ended, with a few questions left hanging too. I seem to be in the minority so please don't let me stop you reading this. I love A.J.'s books so this will definitely not stop me reading them.
Finally, a plea to A.J. Please can we have Andy's book now? I really want him to find his own HEA.
March 1, 2021
Second Chances at Love
This series just keeps getting better & better! A.J. Wynter scores another one with this amazing story! She brings out the deep emotions of the characters, one cannot help but be swooped into the Laketown drama happening in this town. This story revolves around the town's hockey coach, Dean, whose wife left for a younger man. He's thrown into being a single dad & coaching the local hockey team. Being burned by a wife, he is not interested in starting another relationship until a new neighbor named Amber moves in next door.
Amber has relocated to Laketown from Florida & is appreciating her first winter season. She, too, is hurting from a cheating partner & moving away is the best solution for her. As new neighbors, there is a strong physical connection & they try to keep their new burning desires a secret. They are unsure on how his daughter would react in having a new woman in daddy's life when she's still hoping her mommy & daddy will get back together. When the Ex returns to town & fully intends to get back into his life, Dean has a decision to make which will impact everyone's life concerned. Will Dean & Amber get a second chance of true love & have a HEA together? Is their love strong enough to keep the Ex from reclaiming what used to be hers?
I love how A.J. Wynter links (leads) each of these stories into hinting who will be in the next novel. I am so looking forward to reading more of this author's work!
I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.
This series just keeps getting better & better! A.J. Wynter scores another one with this amazing story! She brings out the deep emotions of the characters, one cannot help but be swooped into the Laketown drama happening in this town. This story revolves around the town's hockey coach, Dean, whose wife left for a younger man. He's thrown into being a single dad & coaching the local hockey team. Being burned by a wife, he is not interested in starting another relationship until a new neighbor named Amber moves in next door.
Amber has relocated to Laketown from Florida & is appreciating her first winter season. She, too, is hurting from a cheating partner & moving away is the best solution for her. As new neighbors, there is a strong physical connection & they try to keep their new burning desires a secret. They are unsure on how his daughter would react in having a new woman in daddy's life when she's still hoping her mommy & daddy will get back together. When the Ex returns to town & fully intends to get back into his life, Dean has a decision to make which will impact everyone's life concerned. Will Dean & Amber get a second chance of true love & have a HEA together? Is their love strong enough to keep the Ex from reclaiming what used to be hers?
I love how A.J. Wynter links (leads) each of these stories into hinting who will be in the next novel. I am so looking forward to reading more of this author's work!
I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.
March 7, 2021
My first impression after I start reading the first few chapters of the book is Dean makes me swoon with him! This is a second chance for both Amber and Dean which their exes cheated on them. The story is a little bit intense with Dean's issues both from his team and his family but his encounters with Amber are sweet and sexy which help reducing some serious issues of his drama. I like that the author doesn't make them scared of love but I think she doesn't describe Dean's first impression towards Amber much so I am curious that when did he start his feeling for her? Actually, I feel like Amber is an only one that attracted to him but then he makes a move so I am a little bit of surprised. Now the reason why I give the book 4 stars is because while Dean is so swoon-worthy throughout the book but when his ex returns suddenly he becomes an idiot. Oh, I understand why he thinks and acts that way but it still makes me want to smack his head though. Luckily Amber's words make him see some sense but he still causes her heartbreak so I am a little disappointed in him. The plot is an insta second chance of love romance with the winter theme which the author writes them so well I want to be at this town myself. So yeah, Laketown is growing on me for sure.
February 25, 2021
Amber is a designer who after breaking up with her cheating boyfriend has just moved from Florida to cold and snowy small town Laketown where ice hockey is big. Her new neighbor Dean helps her move in and clear the snow from her driveway. Dean is the coach of the hockey team and his cheating wife divorced him and left him and their 7 year old daughter 6 months ago. Dean/Coach and Amber are attracted but he doesn’t want to get involved and end up hurting his daughter. Dean is having some issues with his team and Amber is having some issues at her job but they continue to hook up when his daughter is not around. Can Dean and Amber find happiness together?
I
I enjoyed this hockey story where 2 people had come out of bad relationships but are attracted to each other. There are some secrets that are revealed later in the story that also affect their relationship. It was interesting to see some of the Lakewood hockey players again in this book but it was not necessary to read the previous books n this s o enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I
I enjoyed this hockey story where 2 people had come out of bad relationships but are attracted to each other. There are some secrets that are revealed later in the story that also affect their relationship. It was interesting to see some of the Lakewood hockey players again in this book but it was not necessary to read the previous books n this s o enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
February 28, 2021
This is book three in the Laketown Hockey series. These little gems can be read on their own but I highly recommend that you read them all to get the whole Laketown/Otters feel. This is Dean/Coach and Amber's story. Amber is new to Laketown and she is ready for a fresh start after leaving her cheating husband behind. Coach has got a lot on his plate, a single father, an ex wife that cheated and bailed and the possibility of losing his job as the Otters are not playing well this season. After meeting his new neighbour, Amber things are shaking up for both of them. I loved reading Coach's story as he so deserves to find his HEA. It was perfect that Amber is from Florida, little knowledge of winter and no idea what hockey is all about. Not to worry, Coach has it all covered. A fantastic, page turning book that is perfect to pass some of your own winter time. Enjoy!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as part of AJ's ARC Team.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as part of AJ's ARC Team.
March 2, 2021
What's not to love?
This may be the third book in this series but it easily can be enjoyed solo if you missed the first two. You can then turn around and read them anyway because why not?
Coach (Dean) thought he'd found the love of his life, then she cheated on him with one of his players. Now he's a little jaded and overworked both coaching and being a single father. When Amber moves next door also hurting and in need of help she's drawn to Coach.
As a Canadian, I can relate to meeting people who are unprepared for what winter can be like...also HOCKEY! This book had me smiling and laughing in places. The characters are wonderful and do a fantastic job of pulling the reader into their lives. This is a couple you will cheer for.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
This may be the third book in this series but it easily can be enjoyed solo if you missed the first two. You can then turn around and read them anyway because why not?
Coach (Dean) thought he'd found the love of his life, then she cheated on him with one of his players. Now he's a little jaded and overworked both coaching and being a single father. When Amber moves next door also hurting and in need of help she's drawn to Coach.
As a Canadian, I can relate to meeting people who are unprepared for what winter can be like...also HOCKEY! This book had me smiling and laughing in places. The characters are wonderful and do a fantastic job of pulling the reader into their lives. This is a couple you will cheer for.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
November 3, 2021
Broken hearts can be healed
This is the 3rd book and focuses on the coach and new to town Amber. Dean's ex cheated with one of his hockey players, ultimately leaving him and their daughter on what would have been their 8th anniversary, Amber's ex had been cheating on her for close to 2 years when she finally found out. She moved to from Florida and ends up meeting her bext door neighbor, Dean. But can they weather the storms that they have to face, his job is on the line if the itters don't have a turn around season, and her job is on the line if the decorating company she just got hired on does not generate some winter business, and what happens when his ex comes back to town??
This is the 3rd book and focuses on the coach and new to town Amber. Dean's ex cheated with one of his hockey players, ultimately leaving him and their daughter on what would have been their 8th anniversary, Amber's ex had been cheating on her for close to 2 years when she finally found out. She moved to from Florida and ends up meeting her bext door neighbor, Dean. But can they weather the storms that they have to face, his job is on the line if the itters don't have a turn around season, and her job is on the line if the decorating company she just got hired on does not generate some winter business, and what happens when his ex comes back to town??
February 24, 2021
A Second Chance At Happiness -
Amber moved to Laketown to start a new life after she uncovered the betrayal of her fiancé. Dean moved next door to Amber after his wife left him after her affair was discovered. Their path to healing their broken hearts was filled with fun filled moments, a slow building relationship and a lie that nearly cost them their happily ever after. This is a touching story, that had me emotionally shaken to the core. I was so engrossed in the story, that I read it in a few hours with no interruptions. I truly enjoyed reading this book and I am sure you will too.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amber moved to Laketown to start a new life after she uncovered the betrayal of her fiancé. Dean moved next door to Amber after his wife left him after her affair was discovered. Their path to healing their broken hearts was filled with fun filled moments, a slow building relationship and a lie that nearly cost them their happily ever after. This is a touching story, that had me emotionally shaken to the core. I was so engrossed in the story, that I read it in a few hours with no interruptions. I truly enjoyed reading this book and I am sure you will too.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
February 26, 2021This is a sweet romance that draws you in and keeps you engaged until you turn the last page A story about finding love a second time around a slow burn romance that is almost destroyed by a lie
Amber is trying to rebuild her life by moving to Laketown after her boyfriend betrayed her. Her new neighbour is the local ice hockey coach he is trying to get over the fact that his wife had an affair with one of his players e is also a single father to a daughter The attraction between them is instant but neither wants to risk their heart again and he doesn't want to disturb his daughters life Can they learn that it is ok to love again. You will have to read to see
Amber is trying to rebuild her life by moving to Laketown after her boyfriend betrayed her. Her new neighbour is the local ice hockey coach he is trying to get over the fact that his wife had an affair with one of his players e is also a single father to a daughter The attraction between them is instant but neither wants to risk their heart again and he doesn't want to disturb his daughters life Can they learn that it is ok to love again. You will have to read to see
March 3, 2021
The third book in the series it can be read as a standalone. We get to know more about Dean, the Otters coach. His wife cheated on him with one of his teams players no less. He tried to make things work for his daughter’s sake but his wife still left with another younger player and didn’t even say goodbye to her daughter. Amber was also cheated on and went through a divorce. She moved to Laketown for an interior design job. Coach is her new neighbor and sparks fly immediately. The story was so good I read it in one go. As always I can’t wait for the next book. Leaving a voluntary review for a book I received as an ARC.
March 11, 2021
I’m happy to be back in Laketown again and meet new and old characters.
Amber is new in town. Neithet the town or the job was as she expected, but she saw all the good parts that were there. Living next door to Dean or Coach as everyone called him had it’s advantages....
Both Amber and Dean had an instant attraction, but both also shared a similar past regarding relationships.
I enjoyed following their story and meet Chloe and Faith. Hope to see them again. The ending of the story felt a little rushed. Maybe we can understand in Faith’s story, that hoppfully will come soon.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Amber is new in town. Neithet the town or the job was as she expected, but she saw all the good parts that were there. Living next door to Dean or Coach as everyone called him had it’s advantages....
Both Amber and Dean had an instant attraction, but both also shared a similar past regarding relationships.
I enjoyed following their story and meet Chloe and Faith. Hope to see them again. The ending of the story felt a little rushed. Maybe we can understand in Faith’s story, that hoppfully will come soon.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
May 19, 2025
Dean and Amber are new neighbours, both reaping from their cheating exes.
I really enjoyed the story but feels parts were very rushed which spoilt the storyline.
At some point seen was calling Em, his daughter was Chloe so definitely wrong name used.
Amber and Dean soon hit it off and became a couple, I felt the daughter was always having sleepovers just to fit the couple having alone time.
A line of her bosses husband missing for over a year was mentioned a few times but left untold, and undeveloped.
When deans ex comes back pregnant it again was undeveloped so really unnecessary to have been added.
I really enjoyed the story but feels parts were very rushed which spoilt the storyline.
At some point seen was calling Em, his daughter was Chloe so definitely wrong name used.
Amber and Dean soon hit it off and became a couple, I felt the daughter was always having sleepovers just to fit the couple having alone time.
A line of her bosses husband missing for over a year was mentioned a few times but left untold, and undeveloped.
When deans ex comes back pregnant it again was undeveloped so really unnecessary to have been added.
March 5, 2021
More than just friendly neighbours...
I won't go into the story which has been covered in previous reviews. What I can tell you is chivalry is not dead in this story which was also heart healing for the main characters & undoubtedly too for the hero's daughter. His ex was a nut job & a cheating, lying bitch at best. I understand that this poignant story will continue which is good news. There's more that I need to hear about these characters that are off the charts sexy & really need to find their hea together. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
I won't go into the story which has been covered in previous reviews. What I can tell you is chivalry is not dead in this story which was also heart healing for the main characters & undoubtedly too for the hero's daughter. His ex was a nut job & a cheating, lying bitch at best. I understand that this poignant story will continue which is good news. There's more that I need to hear about these characters that are off the charts sexy & really need to find their hea together. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
March 19, 2021
Second Chances
This is my first read from this author and I really liked this book. It had everything you'd want from a good book. Drama, second chances and an ex popping back up. This is my first book from the series and didn't feel like I missed anything from not reading the prior books.
Dean and Amber are neighbors and both recovering from cheating ex's. I loved the slow start and then the build up to their relationship. And Dean's daughter was smarter that her age, saw more than she let on.
Really liked this one!
This is my first read from this author and I really liked this book. It had everything you'd want from a good book. Drama, second chances and an ex popping back up. This is my first book from the series and didn't feel like I missed anything from not reading the prior books.
Dean and Amber are neighbors and both recovering from cheating ex's. I loved the slow start and then the build up to their relationship. And Dean's daughter was smarter that her age, saw more than she let on.
Really liked this one!
March 2, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Dean and Amber's story. You don't need to read the previous books to read this one, but I'm happy Dean gets his HEA after the last book. Dean is a single dad of an 8 year old girl who is way smarter than her years. Amber has recently broken off her engagement and move to Laketown from Florida. The moment they meet there is an attractiveness and after sparks initially fly, neither thinks they are ready. It doesn't take long for them to realize that with the right person, you don't have to be ready and there is no rush. This was a great book and I really enjoyed reading it. It has it's drama, but the moment of discovering love matters is pretty amazing.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC member.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC member.
February 27, 2021
Rustic Escape to Soothe the Soul- some spoilers*
When Amber (lovingly nicknamed Florida) and Dean come together in this HEA book it’s a beautiful thing. Coach deserves a true beauty like Amber and shows her how to appreciate a winter wonderland like Lakewood (after needing a fresh start away from sunny Florida). Amber also helps to save her new employer’s business with a little Christmas spirit. Loved this book and another great one for this series!!!
When Amber (lovingly nicknamed Florida) and Dean come together in this HEA book it’s a beautiful thing. Coach deserves a true beauty like Amber and shows her how to appreciate a winter wonderland like Lakewood (after needing a fresh start away from sunny Florida). Amber also helps to save her new employer’s business with a little Christmas spirit. Loved this book and another great one for this series!!!
February 27, 2021
A stand-alone but we get to see Laketown and see/hear about people from the previous books. Dean and Amber have a similar back story but Dean has a daughter and they have to think of that and the fact that they’re neighbors before rushing in. But their love is so sweet and true love prevails! And they’re was a surprising plot twist late in the book! I could hardly put it down! Cant wait for Faith and Leo’s story next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
If it was edited better it would've had 4 stars!
I enjoyed this book but it needs to be edited. I found several typos and\or missing quotation marks throughout the book that were a little distracting but I liked the book enough to keep reading anyway. It did seem a little rushed but with some editing this book could've been better. Even with the typo issues I'd still recommend this book. I can't wait for Faith and Leo's book to come out!
I enjoyed this book but it needs to be edited. I found several typos and\or missing quotation marks throughout the book that were a little distracting but I liked the book enough to keep reading anyway. It did seem a little rushed but with some editing this book could've been better. Even with the typo issues I'd still recommend this book. I can't wait for Faith and Leo's book to come out!
March 2, 2021
Welcome back to Laketown and their hockey team the Otters. Dean, the coach, is a single dad struggling to raise his daughter after his wife left him for one of his players. Amber just moved in next door, she is running from a failed relationship and a cheating ex. Neither is looking for a relationship, but fate has other plans. Loved this book. It drew me in from page one. A must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
March 11, 2021
This was a good read, not my favorite, but a good read. The plot was a bit predictable, the characters needed a bit more depth and the author needed to give the reader just a bit more in order for them to fully enjoy the characters and relate to them. I started with this book and had no problems catching up or knowing what was going on even though this is book 3 in the series. A good read, but one that needed just a little more.
May 14, 2025
I like this series. It is full of drama, drama, and more drama, but those who do bad things get exactly what they deserve. The twists and turns are exciting and keep me invested. This one was about the coach of the Otters and finally getting his happily ever after. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing if Faith will finally find her one! I am so happy that Coach and Amber both had not-so-nice exes and now they have each other. So sweet!!
February 26, 2021
A wonderful story of two jilted people trying to carry on in their lives. They have become neighbors. He has an eight year old daughter. She has moved to this cold climate from Florida. Their story is very engaging. Two wonderful people. Hot attraction. Can they make it work?
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 1, 2021
Amber is a designer and when her ex-cheats on her she decides to head north and start over. Dean is her next-door neighbor and now a single dad after getting divorced. Soon sparks are flying between them will they find the happiness they are looking for or will others tear them apart. Fast-paced read with plenty of drama, emotion and steam. I liked it.
March 2, 2021
Amber moved to Laketown to get away from a cheating fiance and met the hot coach of the Laketown Otters. A sweet romance with the two getting to know each other and work through their baggage.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 2, 2021
The Coach Next Door by AJ Wynter will draw you in form the start. Both new to neighborhood the single dad coach and the interior designer. The cautions dom the hurt from bad break ups six months earlier.
Realistic trying to adjust to small town life and snow.
I was engrossed and couldn’t put down.
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Realistic trying to adjust to small town life and snow.
I was engrossed and couldn’t put down.
*I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
March 2, 2021
An incredible well written sports based romance. This entertaining storyline kept me engaged with finding love, healing past wounds, secrets, determined ex, drama, a child, love and more. The characters were interesting, well developed and amazing chemistry with a wonderful set of supporting characters. I voluntarily read and reviewed ARC.
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