The Coach by: Alexandra Shaw(Audio Review)

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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I am completely in love with The Coach by Alexandra Shaw, a truly golden story that was brilliantly brought to life by the dynamic narrators, Aiden Snow and CJ Bloom. For someone who doesn't even watch sports, I can definitely say this is the best sports romance I've read in a long time; I ate up every single page and was kept utterly captivated by the entire audiobook experience.

Book Description

Travis: 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.

About Alexandra Shaw

Alexandra Shaw was born and raised in Washington state, where she currently resides with her family. She has a son and a daughter who are both of school age, and a supportive husband who encourages her to pursue her passions. She majored in American Government and International Relations in college, and has a career outside the home. She completed the Rule 6 program, reading the law and works in for a technology company as Product Manager.

Alexandra has read every novel by Hemingway and Dan Brown, but her favorite author is Judith McNaught. Her novels evoked an emotional response that could make her cry or laugh. Alexandra believes books that provoke leave a lasting impression.

Passionate about love, Alexandra hopes her books provide readers with an outlet to enjoy life, think a little deeper, and show empathy for others. Alexandra writes what speaks to her, she writes for herself and hopes people enjoy her unique style and approach.

My Thoughts

I am completely in love with The Coach by Alexandra Shaw, a truly golden story that was brilliantly brought to life by the dynamic narrators, Aiden Snow and CJ Bloom. For someone who doesn't even watch sports, I can definitively say this is the best sports romance I've read in a long time; I ate up every single page and was kept utterly captivated by the entire audiobook experience.

The story centers on two beautifully complex characters who are both running from the past. Travis is the Head Coach of the Seattle Steelhead NFL team, trying to balance the immense pressure of leading his team to the playoffs with being a dedicated single dad to twin girls after a painful divorce. He's made the conscious decision to put his love life on the back burner, dedicating all his energy to his career and family—a necessity since this season is make-or-break for his head coach position.

That is until his nanny has an unexpected family emergency, throwing his tightly controlled life into chaos. Enter Gabriella (Ella), a child psychologist with a brand new PhD, who has dedicated her life to supporting the mental health of young people, largely driven by her own deep-seated past trauma. This pain has cast a long shadow, causing her to steer clear of men and relationships.

As she starts building her new business in Seattle, she meets Travis. Suddenly, thoughts and feelings she’s never allowed herself to experience hit her with the force of a wrecking ball, tearing down every wall she’s ever erected around her mind and heart. Somehow, she finds herself stepping in to help Travis and his daughters when the nanny leaves (who you will likely despise). This is thanks to her cousin Gary—who is more like a brother and carries the guilt of a past issue—who pretty much volunteers her, despite Ella promising herself she would stay away from Travis!

The whole scenario creates a perfect storm for instant attraction, and despite the age gap, the instant lust is undeniable, quickly developing into a connection where they simply can’t keep their hands off each other. Alexandra Shaw masterfully weaves together humor, with moments that truly had me laughing out loud, with deep hurt and the serious topic of past trauma. The book is incredibly emotional, dealing with difficult realities, including predators who use their power in the sporting world for evil.

It teaches so much about the courage it takes to speak up, a lesson I learned from Gabriella, who doesn't trust easily or have the highest confidence. Yet she ultimately finds the strength to reclaim her power and get justice in a beautifully wrapped-up ending. I loved seeing their relationship grow, and I admired Travis, who is an example of a man who loves his woman regardless of her struggles and trauma.

The great narration by Aiden Snow and CJ Bloom is another huge bonus; they truly captivated me and brought the author's words and these beautiful characters to life. If you are looking for an emotional, humorous, age-gap romance that tackles past trauma, reclaiming power, and delivers a stunning happy ending, you absolutely must add this one to your TBR.

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