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The Coach's Challenge : Desperados Book Six
He's overcome tragedy, remade himself into a champion, but winning the heart of his soul's mate is the greatest challenge he will ever face.
Douglas Stewart Jr. made history as the NFL's youngest African American head coach to lead a team to the Super Bowl. Before his playing days were cut short by a catastrophic knee injury, he was known as The Axe because of how he cut down quarterbacks. No longer the playboy he'd been, he devotes his time to his passion projects in between leading his team. A chance run in with a not quite damsel in distress, has him setting his sights on her being his latest and greatest passion. But this woman is guarded. Past pain becomes present problems and with two boys in the crossfire, Stew has to move carefully. But the one thing he refuses to do is fail. Will the man known to turn tragedy into triumph succeed this time? Or will the woman he desires allow her fear of history repeating itself to win over her faith in destiny?
Douglas Stewart Jr. made history as the NFL's youngest African American head coach to lead a team to the Super Bowl. Before his playing days were cut short by a catastrophic knee injury, he was known as The Axe because of how he cut down quarterbacks. No longer the playboy he'd been, he devotes his time to his passion projects in between leading his team. A chance run in with a not quite damsel in distress, has him setting his sights on her being his latest and greatest passion. But this woman is guarded. Past pain becomes present problems and with two boys in the crossfire, Stew has to move carefully. But the one thing he refuses to do is fail. Will the man known to turn tragedy into triumph succeed this time? Or will the woman he desires allow her fear of history repeating itself to win over her faith in destiny?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2024
72 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 7, 2025
Book High Activated
This book gives the best book high. It's the perfect balance of sweet, realsitic drama, sports, and overcoming adversity. The sex was, as always, lyrical but a little raunchy, and the characters were pitch perfect.
I loved loved loved this book, let me count the ways:
1: workplace romance x single mom
Rachelle aka Ray aka Mama was a cool FMC she just exuded so much goodness. Her trepidation didn't even get on my nerves. Her fears were completely valid and made sense. Watching her fall into the protective love of a strong man was just beautiful to watch.
2: "God had placed me in the right position to step in and be her champion."
Flag on the field means a challenge is coming and watching Coach Stew aka Dougie aka Fake Boris Kodjoe really put in that work was mesmeorizing. It leaves you with all the feels.
3: ProtectorMMC x who hurt you puddin'
When you learn why he calls her puddin 🫠
4: titty play + smex swings + folded like a pretzel = 🔥
When she said you can't fold me, and he said challenge accepted!
5: he falls first x BumAF BabyDaddy trope
Nothing is sweeter than watching the fine, talented, smart head coach fall first and then prove every single time why he's far superior.
6: "Say the word. It’s your world.” ..and did
7: "That n*gga clearly ain’t trying to let you go, but if he brings trouble to the boys or you, that means I gotta step in.”
All this reader could do is giggle and say yes daddy.
8: Spank spank + slurp slurp 😊
9: "You take my dick so good, mama"
🥰🤗
10: Breeding Kink enters the chat!
Something is in the water at the Desperados training facility. I know ole girl will be preggers by the next book in this universe.
This book gives the best book high. It's the perfect balance of sweet, realsitic drama, sports, and overcoming adversity. The sex was, as always, lyrical but a little raunchy, and the characters were pitch perfect.
I loved loved loved this book, let me count the ways:
1: workplace romance x single mom
Rachelle aka Ray aka Mama was a cool FMC she just exuded so much goodness. Her trepidation didn't even get on my nerves. Her fears were completely valid and made sense. Watching her fall into the protective love of a strong man was just beautiful to watch.
2: "God had placed me in the right position to step in and be her champion."
Flag on the field means a challenge is coming and watching Coach Stew aka Dougie aka Fake Boris Kodjoe really put in that work was mesmeorizing. It leaves you with all the feels.
3: ProtectorMMC x who hurt you puddin'
When you learn why he calls her puddin 🫠
4: titty play + smex swings + folded like a pretzel = 🔥
When she said you can't fold me, and he said challenge accepted!
5: he falls first x BumAF BabyDaddy trope
Nothing is sweeter than watching the fine, talented, smart head coach fall first and then prove every single time why he's far superior.
6: "Say the word. It’s your world.” ..and did
7: "That n*gga clearly ain’t trying to let you go, but if he brings trouble to the boys or you, that means I gotta step in.”
All this reader could do is giggle and say yes daddy.
8: Spank spank + slurp slurp 😊
9: "You take my dick so good, mama"
🥰🤗
10: Breeding Kink enters the chat!
Something is in the water at the Desperados training facility. I know ole girl will be preggers by the next book in this universe.
August 21, 2025
Rachelle’s theme song: “Track star”. 😫She would NOT let that man love her! But rightfully so given her history and how she had to put herself back together & keep it together for her boys after her last relationship. But Stew was THAT GUY to break down her walls & show her that she can trust not just him, but herself. He was so patient and affirming. The way that he constantly spoke life into her, and moved with intention for her and their sons (because you couldn’t tell that man that her kids weren’t his kids🤣) was everything.
Also any man that can fold you up like a pretzel while balancing on a crutch is a top tier book bae.
This book had a strong FMC and an Alpha MMC (who fell hard & first) with great banter and chemistry. There was also a nice found family aspect and lots of drama due to a toxic ex.
Also any man that can fold you up like a pretzel while balancing on a crutch is a top tier book bae.
This book had a strong FMC and an Alpha MMC (who fell hard & first) with great banter and chemistry. There was also a nice found family aspect and lots of drama due to a toxic ex.
April 30, 2024
It's about time, Coach!
Hey Coach, it's about time you claimed you woman. I mean anyone could see your love for Rachelle and his boys had no bounds. Yes, from day one he though of her son's as his boys. It took Rachelle much too long to get on board with the program. The story touches on a myriad of things to ponder. When is enough, enough!? Who determines what a family is? Why can't a deadbeat take their licks and leave? And real love is soft and easy. It's like a hug, a pat on the back, or praise for being you. Jaceyon Sr. never praised Jaceyon Jr. or Javon as he should have, as their father. He left The door open for a Real Man to claim Rachelle.
The way Coach Stew treated the boys, and the way the Desperados supported them with practical skills and knowledge, was real. Coach Stew never dreamed they would become his life changing experience. I love a sports storyline with a side of romance. I received each in abundance in this story. I've waited for the Coach's story, and this was more than I expected. The Desperados stories are worth every single page.
Hey Coach, it's about time you claimed you woman. I mean anyone could see your love for Rachelle and his boys had no bounds. Yes, from day one he though of her son's as his boys. It took Rachelle much too long to get on board with the program. The story touches on a myriad of things to ponder. When is enough, enough!? Who determines what a family is? Why can't a deadbeat take their licks and leave? And real love is soft and easy. It's like a hug, a pat on the back, or praise for being you. Jaceyon Sr. never praised Jaceyon Jr. or Javon as he should have, as their father. He left The door open for a Real Man to claim Rachelle.
The way Coach Stew treated the boys, and the way the Desperados supported them with practical skills and knowledge, was real. Coach Stew never dreamed they would become his life changing experience. I love a sports storyline with a side of romance. I received each in abundance in this story. I've waited for the Coach's story, and this was more than I expected. The Desperados stories are worth every single page.
May 19, 2024
The way you love...
This story. Whew chile! Now that's the way you love somebody. God's perfect timing is indeed perfect, especially for Stew and Rachelle. Their lives were on the same path even before they officially met, making it even more important. They had to fight their battles but learned to work together to conquer them. I love how Stew was a real man to her and a real dad to his sons because he already loved them before knowing her. As he said, "It ain't no step." Stew definitely was a provider and protector, not just financially, but with their hearts, emotions, feelings, and respect. I love the accountability that each person stands on. I absolutely love the support system and family that they are surrounded by. This story shows how love and affection surpass a lot of things, including DNA. That phuck ninja sperm donor thought he was in control but quickly found out the consequences of doing phuck ninja's shyt. This is a good story and series. Get into it.
This story. Whew chile! Now that's the way you love somebody. God's perfect timing is indeed perfect, especially for Stew and Rachelle. Their lives were on the same path even before they officially met, making it even more important. They had to fight their battles but learned to work together to conquer them. I love how Stew was a real man to her and a real dad to his sons because he already loved them before knowing her. As he said, "It ain't no step." Stew definitely was a provider and protector, not just financially, but with their hearts, emotions, feelings, and respect. I love the accountability that each person stands on. I absolutely love the support system and family that they are surrounded by. This story shows how love and affection surpass a lot of things, including DNA. That phuck ninja sperm donor thought he was in control but quickly found out the consequences of doing phuck ninja's shyt. This is a good story and series. Get into it.
May 3, 2024
Dandridge truly has a way of immersing you in these dang books like you can’t tell me I’m not locked in with the characters like I’m not apart of the novel. This is probably my favorite sports romance series just how they’ve all tied together how we have both male and female characters to cheer for, cry with and just enjoy. This book was good from start to finish lol and Rachelle better than me cus baby I googled that Jason fell coach stew favor and CHILE I WOULDVE BEEN BENT OVER by chapter one lmao at the gas station with the damn tire lol. I love being Apart of this world. I can’t wait to get Parker’s story I know that
May 28, 2024
Good Book
I enjoyed reading about Stew and Rachelle love journey but this book would’ve been so much better if it had an epilogue of Rachelle get pregnant, a wedding scene, and the boys response to receiving the chains in my opinion. I felt like the kidnap would’ve been avoided if Stew had shared with Rachelle the boys confession on how they were treated by both their dad and Jennifer when dropped off so the visitations could have been switched to supervised visitation. And the boys should have had AirTags so their location could’ve been tracked. I’m glad that they all got their HEA.
I enjoyed reading about Stew and Rachelle love journey but this book would’ve been so much better if it had an epilogue of Rachelle get pregnant, a wedding scene, and the boys response to receiving the chains in my opinion. I felt like the kidnap would’ve been avoided if Stew had shared with Rachelle the boys confession on how they were treated by both their dad and Jennifer when dropped off so the visitations could have been switched to supervised visitation. And the boys should have had AirTags so their location could’ve been tracked. I’m glad that they all got their HEA.
May 8, 2024
better than good
This one is a top 10. That Stew was all man and then some. He put on that charm and everyone melted. Being a sports person I really enjoyed all 6 books. I think this one will stick with me the most. I lobed the way Stew became THAT person that the Ray and the boys needed. I loved the way Rich and the football men and their partners were all friends and took Ray in as well. Like sports or not this is an excellent book. Of course karma once again reared her head and Jace Sr and Jennifer are feeling her…..
Happy Reading‼️
This one is a top 10. That Stew was all man and then some. He put on that charm and everyone melted. Being a sports person I really enjoyed all 6 books. I think this one will stick with me the most. I lobed the way Stew became THAT person that the Ray and the boys needed. I loved the way Rich and the football men and their partners were all friends and took Ray in as well. Like sports or not this is an excellent book. Of course karma once again reared her head and Jace Sr and Jennifer are feeling her…..
Happy Reading‼️
April 30, 2024
Coach Stew is THAT man
Whew baby this was WELL worth the wait. Coach Stew is a man who is on a healing path, knows what he wants and how to get it. The way he was on go mode about Rachelle and her - ahem THEIR- boys babyyyy. Let me go find where I can order one of him from.
And big ups to Rachelle, she was about her business and her kids. She overcame so much and fought the odds every damn day. I’m glad she got the blessings she and those babies deserved.
Whew baby this was WELL worth the wait. Coach Stew is a man who is on a healing path, knows what he wants and how to get it. The way he was on go mode about Rachelle and her - ahem THEIR- boys babyyyy. Let me go find where I can order one of him from.
And big ups to Rachelle, she was about her business and her kids. She overcame so much and fought the odds every damn day. I’m glad she got the blessings she and those babies deserved.
March 26, 2025
Stew and Rach
Stew loved Rach for the woman she is but he also loved her sons because they are a packaged deal. He was already a positive influence before he knew who their mother was, once that clicked it sealed the deal. Now that deadbeat daddy was really using his kids to control Rach which goes to show that a narcissistic man just wants what he wants regardless of who he hurts. Overall this story reminds me that your person will love you and your kids equally.
Stew loved Rach for the woman she is but he also loved her sons because they are a packaged deal. He was already a positive influence before he knew who their mother was, once that clicked it sealed the deal. Now that deadbeat daddy was really using his kids to control Rach which goes to show that a narcissistic man just wants what he wants regardless of who he hurts. Overall this story reminds me that your person will love you and your kids equally.
August 23, 2025
The perfect ending
Best way to end a great saga. The way these characters came together to build themselves a functional loving family after having to deal with the ones that was doing them no good gave all the feel good vibes. Coach Stew was always in the background but the book came out swinging. He wasn’t letting up on Puddin, but her ability to see real love was warranted. Great saga.
Best way to end a great saga. The way these characters came together to build themselves a functional loving family after having to deal with the ones that was doing them no good gave all the feel good vibes. Coach Stew was always in the background but the book came out swinging. He wasn’t letting up on Puddin, but her ability to see real love was warranted. Great saga.
May 2, 2024
Awesome read
This book was so good. I didn't know what to think about coach book but this deserves a chef kiss. The story line was good. Got to catch up with the team. I !over how coach loved on Ray and het boys. The baby-daddy was a piece of work. He got everything he deserve. Don't hesitate to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
This book was so good. I didn't know what to think about coach book but this deserves a chef kiss. The story line was good. Got to catch up with the team. I !over how coach loved on Ray and het boys. The baby-daddy was a piece of work. He got everything he deserve. Don't hesitate to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
May 3, 2024
Coach Bae
I love Coach Stew. He knew what he wanted and that was Rachelle and their boys. I totally understand why Rachelle was hesitant and didn’t trust her judgment, but Stew was so patient and loving it made her realize he was the one. That ex of hers can catch these hands. Love Love this couple.❤️❤️
I love Coach Stew. He knew what he wanted and that was Rachelle and their boys. I totally understand why Rachelle was hesitant and didn’t trust her judgment, but Stew was so patient and loving it made her realize he was the one. That ex of hers can catch these hands. Love Love this couple.❤️❤️
September 25, 2024
I really enjoyed Coach’s book.
One thing about the Desperado men? They do this love thing right.
I liked how he didn’t give up on Rachelle and just made sure she saw his intentions. Loved them together. Loved their family and how coach always thought of the boys.
Really liked Rachelle’s character.
Loved seeing a glimpse of everyone else too!
Mr Parker👀
I still need Porsha’s story. BADDD.
One thing about the Desperado men? They do this love thing right.
I liked how he didn’t give up on Rachelle and just made sure she saw his intentions. Loved them together. Loved their family and how coach always thought of the boys.
Really liked Rachelle’s character.
Loved seeing a glimpse of everyone else too!
Mr Parker👀
I still need Porsha’s story. BADDD.
February 15, 2025
Just finished most of Dandridge Monroe’s catalog other than worthy and her paranormal books in order and I’m so sad. Is this the end?? I need Parker’s book even though he is white, Anthony and I feel like I’m missing someone. I really love how the books are all connected and can’t believe I found the consortium series before the propane series. I loved all them and so sad to see it end
September 5, 2025
Big Stepper, Real Man and a Lover’s Dream
I loved Coach Stew and Rachelle real bad. Their love story was beautiful and the grown ppl challenges, they faced and the maturity with which they handled them was beautiful. I love to see it! Great job as always Dandridge your pen never misses.
I loved Coach Stew and Rachelle real bad. Their love story was beautiful and the grown ppl challenges, they faced and the maturity with which they handled them was beautiful. I love to see it! Great job as always Dandridge your pen never misses.
October 12, 2025
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Truly a beautiful cat and mouse chase with these two. I loved it. Jaceyon Sr. liked getting embarrassed. Stew wasn’t playing about his family. The way Twan showed up and out when Stew needed him was epic.
I was so happy the Stew and Rachelle found love and the boys found a father.
Truly a beautiful cat and mouse chase with these two. I loved it. Jaceyon Sr. liked getting embarrassed. Stew wasn’t playing about his family. The way Twan showed up and out when Stew needed him was epic.
I was so happy the Stew and Rachelle found love and the boys found a father.
May 10, 2024
Loved it!!
Stew and Ray loved them that baby daddy was a piece of work I loved how Stew loved on Ray and her boys love how honest they were with each other this was just good!! Now we need a book on Parker and Tiana !! ❤️❤️
Stew and Ray loved them that baby daddy was a piece of work I loved how Stew loved on Ray and her boys love how honest they were with each other this was just good!! Now we need a book on Parker and Tiana !! ❤️❤️
May 14, 2024
Definitely worth the wait
Coach Stew and Rochelle deserve to shine. And I'm so happy they did. I can't wait to read more from them and see who's up next. Hopefully Parker...or Brian.
Coach Stew and Rochelle deserve to shine. And I'm so happy they did. I can't wait to read more from them and see who's up next. Hopefully Parker...or Brian.
May 17, 2024
I love love love
I been waiting on this book this author sure know how to get you lost in her book from the first page ,,,, and I be here for its ,, mrs Monroe you get all your flowers ,,, can wait for your next book to drop
I been waiting on this book this author sure know how to get you lost in her book from the first page ,,,, and I be here for its ,, mrs Monroe you get all your flowers ,,, can wait for your next book to drop
June 18, 2024
Who Ready
This was excellent book. Stew fell in love when he first met Ray. The fact that she had been hurt so bad, he was her knight in shinning armor.
This type of love is hard to get away from.
Thanks for writing a love story about season lovers.
This was excellent book. Stew fell in love when he first met Ray. The fact that she had been hurt so bad, he was her knight in shinning armor.
This type of love is hard to get away from.
Thanks for writing a love story about season lovers.
July 13, 2024
I’m going to need another update
I just can’t let the desperados go I need Parker and Porsha love stories to their ones!! I am also waiting on Yzzy and Anthony as well! The entire group has to find love I mean it’s mandatory!
I just can’t let the desperados go I need Parker and Porsha love stories to their ones!! I am also waiting on Yzzy and Anthony as well! The entire group has to find love I mean it’s mandatory!
December 27, 2024
mine
Coach was on it about his ray and the boys!! I loved Stew and Ray, even with the time it took for her fears to dissipate their love was beautiful and destined. What I wasn’t expecting was Parker and T!!! Let’s goooo!!!!
Coach was on it about his ray and the boys!! I loved Stew and Ray, even with the time it took for her fears to dissipate their love was beautiful and destined. What I wasn’t expecting was Parker and T!!! Let’s goooo!!!!
May 3, 2024
Enjoyable
It was sooo good i read it in one
sitting i enjoyed the dynamic between the characters coach was the most multifunctional characters
It was sooo good i read it in one
sitting i enjoyed the dynamic between the characters coach was the most multifunctional characters
May 8, 2024
yasssssssss
Omg I loved everything about this story. Coach was not playing with his and the way shit just start falling into place for her was everything.
Omg I loved everything about this story. Coach was not playing with his and the way shit just start falling into place for her was everything.
May 12, 2024
yaaay
I waited so long for this one and you didn’t disappoint!!! I wish more would have happened to the goofy old tramp but it is what it is lol
I waited so long for this one and you didn’t disappoint!!! I wish more would have happened to the goofy old tramp but it is what it is lol
May 13, 2024
Loved it from beginning to end amazing characters chemistry was off the chain 🥰🥰🥰🥰💯
May 6, 2024
Coach Stew is the MAN he hasn’t taken the place of Antwan or Grant but I love stew down he stood 10 toes in his ish I love it
October 6, 2024
5 🤗😍👰🏽😜
Check Content Warnings
Trope: Black Love, close proximity, single parent, sports ( football coach), slow burn
Enjoyment: 5 ⭐
Character development: 4 ⭐
Emotional: 3 ⭐
Sweet: 4 ⭐
Romance: 4⭐
Heat\steam: 4 ⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 1 ⭐
Violence: 2⭐
Story\plot: 3.5⭐
World Building: 4⭐
Enjoy!!!
Check Content Warnings
Trope: Black Love, close proximity, single parent, sports ( football coach), slow burn
Enjoyment: 5 ⭐
Character development: 4 ⭐
Emotional: 3 ⭐
Sweet: 4 ⭐
Romance: 4⭐
Heat\steam: 4 ⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 1 ⭐
Violence: 2⭐
Story\plot: 3.5⭐
World Building: 4⭐
Enjoy!!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews