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The Trouble with Love and Coaches
April Baird is determined to finish an Ironman—even if it is 140.6 miles of misery in the form of swimming, cycling, and running. The distance would be daunting enough, but April is certain she has an Ironman curse. What else could explain the events that have caused her to DNF the last three years? Now, her coach has even bailed.
When Gabriel Torres discovers his rival, April’s former coach, has dropped her mid-season, he has a choice to stick with the plan and a team that’s sure to win or add April to his roster. She’s a risk—one that may cost him his chance at making the dream team of his coaching company, and yet, he sees a spark in her—something he’d pay good money to bottle and add to his other athletes’ electrolytes.
As training heats up, their relationship slips from professional to casual to something else entirely, and they soon realize there is more at stake than just a race.
When Gabriel Torres discovers his rival, April’s former coach, has dropped her mid-season, he has a choice to stick with the plan and a team that’s sure to win or add April to his roster. She’s a risk—one that may cost him his chance at making the dream team of his coaching company, and yet, he sees a spark in her—something he’d pay good money to bottle and add to his other athletes’ electrolytes.
As training heats up, their relationship slips from professional to casual to something else entirely, and they soon realize there is more at stake than just a race.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
20 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Ashford
3 books100 followersHarriet Ashford has been addicted to writing since the fourth grade and has become increasingly serious about it. Her other passion is reading romance and catching that second-hand falling-in-love feeling.
She lives in Houston with her husband, two boys, and a rambunctious blue
heeler. When she’s not reading, writing, or herding the boys, you can find
her embroidering semi-inappropriate messages onto her latest cross-stitch project.
She lives in Houston with her husband, two boys, and a rambunctious blue
heeler. When she’s not reading, writing, or herding the boys, you can find
her embroidering semi-inappropriate messages onto her latest cross-stitch project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 26, 2025
She is a force to be reckoned with, she puts literal crack in her books. I don’t know how she does it, but they are seriously so addictive, so easy to get lost in. I never wanna put them down and this book was no exception!! She made me laugh, scream, cry, giggle, blush, and swoon. She is just a phenomenal storyteller and I loved every moment of reading her new book. It was such a treasure to read and I feel honored I was one of the first to read it. Dare I say it, I think I may have loved it even more than the first which I didn’t think was possible!
My second read was even better!!! I felt so special to be a part of Beta reading this book, and after reading it now after her making changes and edits it just is so much stronger!! It shines so brightly it is just WOW!! This book made me snort laugh so hard that my nose hurt and cry in the best healing way possible!! This is no fluffy romcom! This book has meat in its bones, she writes real, raw, relatable characters that will dig deep into your soul and never leave. You will devour every word because she reels you in and does not let you go until the very last page. This book will stay inside of my heart FOREVER.
1000/10 recommend! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Third read:
LOVE LOVE LOVVVVVEEEEE!!! Finished reading it in the car pickup line while it was pouring rain (which was perfection IYKYK) and was totally sobbing like a baby. Seriously these characters are just so real their trauma so intense. I just love their journey and growth. Harriet is incredible!!!
My second read was even better!!! I felt so special to be a part of Beta reading this book, and after reading it now after her making changes and edits it just is so much stronger!! It shines so brightly it is just WOW!! This book made me snort laugh so hard that my nose hurt and cry in the best healing way possible!! This is no fluffy romcom! This book has meat in its bones, she writes real, raw, relatable characters that will dig deep into your soul and never leave. You will devour every word because she reels you in and does not let you go until the very last page. This book will stay inside of my heart FOREVER.
1000/10 recommend! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Third read:
LOVE LOVE LOVVVVVEEEEE!!! Finished reading it in the car pickup line while it was pouring rain (which was perfection IYKYK) and was totally sobbing like a baby. Seriously these characters are just so real their trauma so intense. I just love their journey and growth. Harriet is incredible!!!
April 9, 2025
UPDATE: As I was working on my post to help promote this gem, I realized how much I really love it even more than I thought. It's a 5 star read for me.
The little details like the dogs, the nods to romance book readers...
The chemistry between the characters... Also, I might have fallen in love with Gabe ... I mean come on... he's a kind, athletic man with a good work ethic, sense of humor... good with his hands and likes to take care of people... WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!
Original review
4.5 ⭐️
There is open door romance (but tastefully done)
This book is such a joy to read.
April has superstitious quirks due to her track record with Ironman attempts. Her coach drops her 3 months out from her next event because he’s hoping to make A team. Her motivation for continuing to go for it is strong and her grit is strong.
Gabe is a great athlete with a full roster for coaching. He does everything with 💯 effort. He finds out April has been dropped and has to decide whether he has room in his schedule to help her achieve her dream.
They blur the lines of professionalism as they grow close. April soon discovers that Gabe guards his heart fiercely but it’s not out of self preservation.
This romcom is sweet, funny, and has very real characters. I loved The Trouble with Love and Ink but this was even a little better. Maybe it’s because I’m a coach. 🤣🤷🏻♀️
The little details like the dogs, the nods to romance book readers...
The chemistry between the characters... Also, I might have fallen in love with Gabe ... I mean come on... he's a kind, athletic man with a good work ethic, sense of humor... good with his hands and likes to take care of people... WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!
Original review
4.5 ⭐️
There is open door romance (but tastefully done)
This book is such a joy to read.
April has superstitious quirks due to her track record with Ironman attempts. Her coach drops her 3 months out from her next event because he’s hoping to make A team. Her motivation for continuing to go for it is strong and her grit is strong.
Gabe is a great athlete with a full roster for coaching. He does everything with 💯 effort. He finds out April has been dropped and has to decide whether he has room in his schedule to help her achieve her dream.
They blur the lines of professionalism as they grow close. April soon discovers that Gabe guards his heart fiercely but it’s not out of self preservation.
This romcom is sweet, funny, and has very real characters. I loved The Trouble with Love and Ink but this was even a little better. Maybe it’s because I’m a coach. 🤣🤷🏻♀️
March 29, 2025
Harriet did it again. With her debut novel, I had never read a contemporary romcom as I honestly CAN NOT with realistic fiction, but then I read The Trouble with Love and Ink and realized, maybe I was wrong. I dove into the genre and read, chasing writing at the same caliber of Harriet's and have yet to really find an equal.
I was so lucky to be given an advanced copy of The Trouble with Love and Coaches and I am blown away! She did it again and this time taking this "is reading a sport?" person on a sport romance journey of all things! Wow! The banter, the details, and the writing were amazing! The writing of loss was very well done and having that personal trauma, I appreciate how delicately but boldy it was written to shape April. Also, thank you for writing where I could understand a sport I knew nothing about and care about the characters! I have a lot of respect for Ironmans now!
Side note: Being a "Pearville" resident, I appreciated the little nods to our quiet suburban city.
All this to say, well done Mrs.Ashford. I can not wait until your next novel and you are the first name on my lips when recommending a fun romcom ❤️📚
I was so lucky to be given an advanced copy of The Trouble with Love and Coaches and I am blown away! She did it again and this time taking this "is reading a sport?" person on a sport romance journey of all things! Wow! The banter, the details, and the writing were amazing! The writing of loss was very well done and having that personal trauma, I appreciate how delicately but boldy it was written to shape April. Also, thank you for writing where I could understand a sport I knew nothing about and care about the characters! I have a lot of respect for Ironmans now!
Side note: Being a "Pearville" resident, I appreciated the little nods to our quiet suburban city.
All this to say, well done Mrs.Ashford. I can not wait until your next novel and you are the first name on my lips when recommending a fun romcom ❤️📚
October 23, 2025
This book had everything I love in a romance—realistic characters, emotional depth, and a love story that felt both earned and deeply satisfying. Gabe’s struggle with the fear of becoming like his abusive father added a layer of raw vulnerability that made him such a compelling MMC. Watching him navigate that fear while supporting April was one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The chemistry between April and Gabe was fantastic, and I loved how their relationship developed organically alongside the high-stakes world of Ironman training. Harriet Ashford does an incredible job balancing the sports aspect with the romance, making both feel equally gripping. If you love stories with emotional depth, strong character growth, and a romance that will have you rooting for the HEA, this one is a must-read!
The chemistry between April and Gabe was fantastic, and I loved how their relationship developed organically alongside the high-stakes world of Ironman training. Harriet Ashford does an incredible job balancing the sports aspect with the romance, making both feel equally gripping. If you love stories with emotional depth, strong character growth, and a romance that will have you rooting for the HEA, this one is a must-read!
November 3, 2025
I received the ALC for Trouble with Love and Coaches and was super excited because of the cast! IYKYK. I absolutely loved listening to this book and loved the dynamic between Coach Torres and April. I really enjoyed how the story balanced the romance with each character’s personal growth — it made the characters feel real. The narration added emotion and humor in all the right places. Overall, a sweet, feel-good listen that romance readers will definitely enjoy!
October 21, 2025
Second read - ALC review:
My heck. Doing this book on audio made the experience even better! Marie Mitchell and Gabriel Michael knock it completely out of the park. The duet audio was perfection!
ARC review: Harriet does such a good job mixing everything that comes with a romance novel and also those deeper emotional connections with the characters that we are looking for. I love love love April’s desire to have that connection with her mom! I think that was my favorite part. I’ll never see butterflies without thinking of this book again!
My heck. Doing this book on audio made the experience even better! Marie Mitchell and Gabriel Michael knock it completely out of the park. The duet audio was perfection!
ARC review: Harriet does such a good job mixing everything that comes with a romance novel and also those deeper emotional connections with the characters that we are looking for. I love love love April’s desire to have that connection with her mom! I think that was my favorite part. I’ll never see butterflies without thinking of this book again!
March 10, 2025
I LOVED TTWLAI by Harriet, so I absolutely jumped at the chance of beta reading her second novel!
This is an interconnected standalone, but the experience was made better by having read TTWLAI first, as we get peeks into Emily and Beck now and lots of references from that book. So though you don’t need to, I highly recommend reading that first (would recommend anyway!)
🚲Sports romance
🚲Coach/client aka forbidden romance
🚲Chemistry/spice
🚲FMC to root for!
🚲Bilingual MMC
🚲HEA
April and Gabriel are amazing together. The swoon, the spice, the banter?! LOVE. Gabriel is such an amazing coach and person. April is so driven and lovely, and I’m so proud of her (is it weird to be proud of a book character? Too bad, I am)
I was cheering, smiling, laughing, swooning…so many feels in this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Pub Date: 4/08/25
Thank you, Harriet, for the honor of being your beta reader! I love you and your books so much 🫶🏼
This is an interconnected standalone, but the experience was made better by having read TTWLAI first, as we get peeks into Emily and Beck now and lots of references from that book. So though you don’t need to, I highly recommend reading that first (would recommend anyway!)
🚲Sports romance
🚲Coach/client aka forbidden romance
🚲Chemistry/spice
🚲FMC to root for!
🚲Bilingual MMC
🚲HEA
April and Gabriel are amazing together. The swoon, the spice, the banter?! LOVE. Gabriel is such an amazing coach and person. April is so driven and lovely, and I’m so proud of her (is it weird to be proud of a book character? Too bad, I am)
I was cheering, smiling, laughing, swooning…so many feels in this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Pub Date: 4/08/25
Thank you, Harriet, for the honor of being your beta reader! I love you and your books so much 🫶🏼
March 3, 2025
First and foremost, I will read ANYTHING that Harriet Ashford writes. Her style is warm and heartfelt with just the right amount of spice. I absolutely adored her first book, The Trouble with Love and Ink, and this book, The Trouble with Love and Coaches, far exceeded all my expectations. I fell so hard for April and Gabe. So hard in fact, that I found the perfect doormat for April while shopping at Ace Hardware (new level for me!). Their story is full of tension, respect, and so much more than the Ironman triathlon that brings them together. And it all takes place in the fictional town of Pearville, which is based on my hometown outside of Houston. There are little nostalgic nuggets written in that just sent this book to the next level for me. If you are an Abby Jimenez fan, Harriet will be your new bookish bestie! I cannot recommend this book enough!
April 21, 2025
I really enjoyed April and Gabriel’s story. April worked in a bike short and had a strong connection to her deceased mom who was an Ironman. April wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps and be an Ironman. In previous triathlons, April was unable to finish. Recently her coach dropped her because he thought she was holding him back from making then A team. In comes Gabriel. He saw how bad April’s coach treated her and offered to help her train. Throughout their training, April and Gabriel fell for each other. They tried to hold off on their feelings until the triathlon was completed. April and Gabriel explored their relationship while training. At one point, Gabriel broke up with April because he worried about repeating the physical abuse his father did against his mother. In the end, April was struggling to finish the Ironman. Gabriel stopped his race and turned about to help her. In the end, April finished and remember his moms’ statement “remember your why”. Gabriel was offered a stop on the A team of trainers. He turned it down to continue with April and his current team. This was the first book that I have read by Harriet Ashford. I really enjoyed the characters and flow of the story. I look forward to reading more from her.
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April 21, 2025Happy Release Week, @harrietashfordwriter !!!
I had the pleasure of arc reading The Trouble with Love and Coaches! It was SUCH a fun read! The first half was lots of fun banter and tension, AND the second half delivered with emotions, grief response, and character growth/insight!
It was also super fun seeing how the stickers came in to play!!!
April + Gabe were both characters who had to grow & the book showcased their growth beautifully!
We also got some Emily and Beck (I LOVE THEM)! It was a subtle nod to The Trouble with Love and Ink! Well, you do not have to read it first, it did make it a little more fun when you saw them showing up!!! 🥰
Always, always honored to ARC read! Thank you, @harrietashfordwriter for trusting me with an arc!
Friends, snag a copy of TWWLAI first and then be ready for this one on release day!
Perfect for readers who love romance, enjoy 🌶️ or don’t mind skipping, willing to read about grieve/growth, and love fun characters!!!
September 23, 2025
5☆'s
Fantastic, it made me laugh, broke my heart, had me feeling EVERYTHING, and then brought it all back together in a great ending. It's absolutely worth the read, and I definitely recommend it.
April is such a fun character, she is deeply superstitious, has a penchant for cold noodles, and is a wiz bike mechanic. Gabriel is a walking green flag, with a tender heart who looks out for people and animals. They come together as athlete and coach and grow into so much more. And I think we all gave Gabe the same side eye when he said he'd watch that dog until space became available in a no kill shelter...which brings me to the point that Chuck is one of my favorite characters.
I loved watching our characters as they grew, and got to know each other better. You really get to see them as they are growing together, and it isn't this insta-lust vibe. I loved the depth to them, and to the supporting side characters in this book.
Just A Warning/Potential Spoiler....So stop reading if you want. You've been warned....
There is a brief 3rd act break-up. It honestly fits with the story though, and while I hate a third act break up I didn't mind this one. And it made for so much more depth of feeling when they were reunited. Both of those had me in tears they were that well written.
Definitely give this book a chance. I highly recommend it! I absolutely loved it which was such a pleasant surprise.
Fantastic, it made me laugh, broke my heart, had me feeling EVERYTHING, and then brought it all back together in a great ending. It's absolutely worth the read, and I definitely recommend it.
April is such a fun character, she is deeply superstitious, has a penchant for cold noodles, and is a wiz bike mechanic. Gabriel is a walking green flag, with a tender heart who looks out for people and animals. They come together as athlete and coach and grow into so much more. And I think we all gave Gabe the same side eye when he said he'd watch that dog until space became available in a no kill shelter...which brings me to the point that Chuck is one of my favorite characters.
I loved watching our characters as they grew, and got to know each other better. You really get to see them as they are growing together, and it isn't this insta-lust vibe. I loved the depth to them, and to the supporting side characters in this book.
Just A Warning/Potential Spoiler....So stop reading if you want. You've been warned....
There is a brief 3rd act break-up. It honestly fits with the story though, and while I hate a third act break up I didn't mind this one. And it made for so much more depth of feeling when they were reunited. Both of those had me in tears they were that well written.
Definitely give this book a chance. I highly recommend it! I absolutely loved it which was such a pleasant surprise.
October 28, 2025
Such a fun and addictive sports romance read! 🏊♀️🚴♀️🏃♀️
April’s journey to conquering her Ironman competition had me hooked from the start, she’s determined, relatable, and just the right amount of stubborn. Enter Gabriel, her coach, and suddenly the story is laced with delicious tension and slow-burn chemistry that keeps you grinning and blushing all at once. Their dynamic is equal parts inspiring and sizzling, making the whole training arc feel like a mix of grit, passion, and undeniable attraction.
But what really took it to the next level? The audiobook. Absolutely top-tier! Gabriel’s voice actor was mind-blowing, the tone, the emotion, the depth, the perfection. And April’s narrator matched him beautifully; their performances made every scene feel alive and real.
If you love sports romances with strong character growth, electric chemistry, and a perfect balance of humor and heart, I highly recommend the audiobook version of The Trouble with Love and Coaches. 🎧
April’s journey to conquering her Ironman competition had me hooked from the start, she’s determined, relatable, and just the right amount of stubborn. Enter Gabriel, her coach, and suddenly the story is laced with delicious tension and slow-burn chemistry that keeps you grinning and blushing all at once. Their dynamic is equal parts inspiring and sizzling, making the whole training arc feel like a mix of grit, passion, and undeniable attraction.
But what really took it to the next level? The audiobook. Absolutely top-tier! Gabriel’s voice actor was mind-blowing, the tone, the emotion, the depth, the perfection. And April’s narrator matched him beautifully; their performances made every scene feel alive and real.
If you love sports romances with strong character growth, electric chemistry, and a perfect balance of humor and heart, I highly recommend the audiobook version of The Trouble with Love and Coaches. 🎧
April 8, 2025
I had a chance to read this as an ARC before it was released. I loved this so much. I had such a big connection to April. With her mom having passed and seeing butterflies making her think of her mom. I lost my mom in 2019 and she loved butterflies, so it makes me think of my mom when I see them. This was such a cute read and I love April and Gabriel! The way they both never gave up. Makes me look at life different and to never give up on anything myself. Thank you for this opportunity to read this early.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
THIS BOOK! It was so sweet. One character is healing from the loss of a parent, the other is healing from an abusive father, both are trying to achieve goals they’ve been working towards for years. Will they choose love? I don’t want to give any spoilers, but the ups and downs of this book are so relatable.
October 3, 2025
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you Hayling Bookstorm Ltd. for my copy!
Another amazing book by Harriet Ashford, it was a perfect addition to the Trouble series and my only regret was getting to it as late as I did!
The banter between these two main characters is off the chart. I loved them both equally and felt the tension flying off of the pages. I also enjoyed the cameos from the characters in book one and all of the new side characters we got to meet.
This book's pacing was phenomenal, I found myself not being able to put the book down and fly through it. I was hooked from the beginning all the way until the end.
I had moments where I couldn’t stop laughing or crying and the ending was a perfect way to bring everyone and their dreams together.
You get:
🏃🏻♀️➡️Contemporary Romance
💜Spicy
🏃🏻♀️➡️Coach/Athlete
💜Family Drama
🏃🏻♀️➡️Past Trauma
💜Tension
🏃🏻♀️➡️Forced Proximity
I highly recommend this one! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
Thank you Hayling Bookstorm Ltd. for my copy!
Another amazing book by Harriet Ashford, it was a perfect addition to the Trouble series and my only regret was getting to it as late as I did!
The banter between these two main characters is off the chart. I loved them both equally and felt the tension flying off of the pages. I also enjoyed the cameos from the characters in book one and all of the new side characters we got to meet.
This book's pacing was phenomenal, I found myself not being able to put the book down and fly through it. I was hooked from the beginning all the way until the end.
I had moments where I couldn’t stop laughing or crying and the ending was a perfect way to bring everyone and their dreams together.
You get:
🏃🏻♀️➡️Contemporary Romance
💜Spicy
🏃🏻♀️➡️Coach/Athlete
💜Family Drama
🏃🏻♀️➡️Past Trauma
💜Tension
🏃🏻♀️➡️Forced Proximity
I highly recommend this one! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
April 16, 2025
4.5⭐ rounded up
No sophomore slump here, Harriet Ashford has written another winner full of yearning, banter, a touch of angst and spice, of course. Both April and Gabe had backstories of loss or trauma to make them characters with emotional depth. Admittedly the idea of a triathlon is anathema to me and the whole coach/athlete vibe foreign, but didn't stop me from enjoying the book totally.
No sophomore slump here, Harriet Ashford has written another winner full of yearning, banter, a touch of angst and spice, of course. Both April and Gabe had backstories of loss or trauma to make them characters with emotional depth. Admittedly the idea of a triathlon is anathema to me and the whole coach/athlete vibe foreign, but didn't stop me from enjoying the book totally.
April 21, 2025
This book lives up to its predecessor’s hype!! As someone who loved The Trouble with Love and Ink, I was thrilled to get bits of Emily and Beck in this story as well! I love those guys so much.
Now, on to our new couple... Gabe and April are two beautiful people crafted with such care. They both have experienced trauma and loss in different, heartbreaking ways, and Harriet handles their pain/longing and triggers/PTSD incredibly well. I felt so much empathy for both of them as they struggled through old memories of their parents and their internal worries.
I am absolutely NOT athletic, but the triathlon and massage parts of the story were so well researched and written. The book held my interest from start to finish, and I was so happy with how the story concluded, both for the couple and for April trying to finish an Ironman for her mom.
Harriet really got me in the last quarter. I cried buckets. She is one of my automatic-read authors, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
Now, on to our new couple... Gabe and April are two beautiful people crafted with such care. They both have experienced trauma and loss in different, heartbreaking ways, and Harriet handles their pain/longing and triggers/PTSD incredibly well. I felt so much empathy for both of them as they struggled through old memories of their parents and their internal worries.
I am absolutely NOT athletic, but the triathlon and massage parts of the story were so well researched and written. The book held my interest from start to finish, and I was so happy with how the story concluded, both for the couple and for April trying to finish an Ironman for her mom.
Harriet really got me in the last quarter. I cried buckets. She is one of my automatic-read authors, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
November 14, 2025
Ahhhhhh I loved this book! The character growth/development was soo good. Both characters overcame so much in order to discover their true feelings and become better people.
The characters were also wholesome and relatable. Besides being flawed and having troubled pasts, they showed how they cared for each other in the cutest ways. This man scoured a field for almost an hour to find a 4 leaf clover for his superstitious girl. Not to mention, THE WAY GABE TOOK CARE OF APRIL 🤌!! Instant book boyfriend material.
I also LOVED how strong of a FMC April was. A triathlete baddie who runs her own business! WE 👏 ARE 👏 HERE 👏 FOR 👏 IT!
The story also held a great slow burn with lots of romantic AND dramatic suspense. It made me want to go back and read The Trouble with Love and Ink (Beck and Emily’s book), which is now of course in my TBR. 💕
Thank you Harriet Ashford and Hayling Bookstorm LTD for the ARC!
The Trouble with Love and Coaches out April 8th!
UPDATE AUDIOBOOK:
The audiobook is a must!! Loved the characters even more the second time around and the narrators brought the characters to life in such fun and emotional ways. Believe it or not, I tore through this book even faster with the audio!
The characters were also wholesome and relatable. Besides being flawed and having troubled pasts, they showed how they cared for each other in the cutest ways. This man scoured a field for almost an hour to find a 4 leaf clover for his superstitious girl. Not to mention, THE WAY GABE TOOK CARE OF APRIL 🤌!! Instant book boyfriend material.
I also LOVED how strong of a FMC April was. A triathlete baddie who runs her own business! WE 👏 ARE 👏 HERE 👏 FOR 👏 IT!
The story also held a great slow burn with lots of romantic AND dramatic suspense. It made me want to go back and read The Trouble with Love and Ink (Beck and Emily’s book), which is now of course in my TBR. 💕
Thank you Harriet Ashford and Hayling Bookstorm LTD for the ARC!
The Trouble with Love and Coaches out April 8th!
UPDATE AUDIOBOOK:
The audiobook is a must!! Loved the characters even more the second time around and the narrators brought the characters to life in such fun and emotional ways. Believe it or not, I tore through this book even faster with the audio!
March 29, 2025
Obsessed
This is only the 6th book in all my years of reading that made the tears actually fall.
Full review:
I'm not sure where to start with this review because there's just so much goodness I want to talk about. April and Gabe were just so realistic. The whole story was realistic. This wasn't some overly-hyped, trope-filled, unrealistic smutty book (not that the first one, Trouble with Love and Ink was). It was two real-life people with real-world problems learning to be a team and lean on someone after being independent and the people others lean on their entire lives. The layers in this book knocked me on my ass.
April is determined and just has some bad luck. She's determined to do the one thing she thinks she can do to keep her mom's memory alive and keep their bond strong. She's headstrong and full of self-doubt. She's grieving and struggling to find the motivation to go forward and be happy while achieving a dream that wasn't her dream, but she still felt obligated to achieve (and too stubborn to quit on). She's broken in her spirit and ends up finding it in the end.
Gabe is a different kind of determined. He's determined to end the cycle and be better than his father. Too scared that "feeling too much" equals turning into a monster and not being able to control your emotions and everyone you love paying the price. The way he supported April in the end and didn't see his actions as a sacrifice, but as an honor as her accomplishments were his accomplishments was EVERYTHING! And who doesn't love a bilingual MMC? He's broken emotionally and ends up healing along the way.
Gabe finding a kindred spirit in his Pitbull was the sweetest minor plotline ever. I love Pitbulls so much and grew up with them, so having a book not only feature one, but show how even after they've been abused all they want is love and how freaking sweet they are made me so happy. Hate the deed, not the breed.
The banter between Gabe and April is top-tier! The snarky comments April made while on Gabe's table had me cackling like a madwoman. The way they understood each other (finding her 4-leaf clovers) and the ability to see past the other's bullshit and call them out on it while also calling out their spirals and grounding each other made me....feel. Everyone deserves a love like Gabe and April.
The moms in this book are top-tier. While April's mom is no longer with her, the love and support, and guidance she still manages to give April is what cracked my heart in two and made the tears fall. the world and our loved ones are constantly trying to give us signs and we just need to open our eyes and hearts to see them. Sometimes the signs hit up upside the head, and sometimes they're just butterflies in random places. Gabe's mom is equally strong and resilient. Moms have a way of loving us so unconditionally (hopefully) that even in our quest to not disappoint them and omit what we think is our deep and dark, they still see right through us and put us back on the paths we're meant to be on.
I also loved that we got snippets of Beck and Emily. Seeing their story from the first book continue on page to include their HEA was everything!
🏃🏻♀️Sports Romance
💜Coach/Athlete
🏃🏻♀️Dual POV
💜Height Difference
🏃🏻♀️Secret Relationship
💜Found Family
🏃🏻♀️Forced Proximity
💜He Takes Care Of Her
🏃🏻♀️Protective MMC
💜Hurt/Comfort
HUGE thank you to Harriet and Hayling Bookstorm for the ARC. Harriet for sure is an autobuy author for as long as she keeps writing. (Have I already ordered my trophy paperback to go next to TWLAI? Yes, yes, I have.)
This is only the 6th book in all my years of reading that made the tears actually fall.
Full review:
I'm not sure where to start with this review because there's just so much goodness I want to talk about. April and Gabe were just so realistic. The whole story was realistic. This wasn't some overly-hyped, trope-filled, unrealistic smutty book (not that the first one, Trouble with Love and Ink was). It was two real-life people with real-world problems learning to be a team and lean on someone after being independent and the people others lean on their entire lives. The layers in this book knocked me on my ass.
April is determined and just has some bad luck. She's determined to do the one thing she thinks she can do to keep her mom's memory alive and keep their bond strong. She's headstrong and full of self-doubt. She's grieving and struggling to find the motivation to go forward and be happy while achieving a dream that wasn't her dream, but she still felt obligated to achieve (and too stubborn to quit on). She's broken in her spirit and ends up finding it in the end.
Gabe is a different kind of determined. He's determined to end the cycle and be better than his father. Too scared that "feeling too much" equals turning into a monster and not being able to control your emotions and everyone you love paying the price. The way he supported April in the end and didn't see his actions as a sacrifice, but as an honor as her accomplishments were his accomplishments was EVERYTHING! And who doesn't love a bilingual MMC? He's broken emotionally and ends up healing along the way.
Gabe finding a kindred spirit in his Pitbull was the sweetest minor plotline ever. I love Pitbulls so much and grew up with them, so having a book not only feature one, but show how even after they've been abused all they want is love and how freaking sweet they are made me so happy. Hate the deed, not the breed.
The banter between Gabe and April is top-tier! The snarky comments April made while on Gabe's table had me cackling like a madwoman. The way they understood each other (finding her 4-leaf clovers) and the ability to see past the other's bullshit and call them out on it while also calling out their spirals and grounding each other made me....feel. Everyone deserves a love like Gabe and April.
The moms in this book are top-tier. While April's mom is no longer with her, the love and support, and guidance she still manages to give April is what cracked my heart in two and made the tears fall. the world and our loved ones are constantly trying to give us signs and we just need to open our eyes and hearts to see them. Sometimes the signs hit up upside the head, and sometimes they're just butterflies in random places. Gabe's mom is equally strong and resilient. Moms have a way of loving us so unconditionally (hopefully) that even in our quest to not disappoint them and omit what we think is our deep and dark, they still see right through us and put us back on the paths we're meant to be on.
I also loved that we got snippets of Beck and Emily. Seeing their story from the first book continue on page to include their HEA was everything!
🏃🏻♀️Sports Romance
💜Coach/Athlete
🏃🏻♀️Dual POV
💜Height Difference
🏃🏻♀️Secret Relationship
💜Found Family
🏃🏻♀️Forced Proximity
💜He Takes Care Of Her
🏃🏻♀️Protective MMC
💜Hurt/Comfort
HUGE thank you to Harriet and Hayling Bookstorm for the ARC. Harriet for sure is an autobuy author for as long as she keeps writing. (Have I already ordered my trophy paperback to go next to TWLAI? Yes, yes, I have.)
April 8, 2025
ARC Review - Thank you Harriet for the gifted copy of your book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
This book had me laughing from the first page. As someone who has ran one marathon and many half marathons I somewhat understood April’s struggle with training and running miles on end. However, I can’t imagine running a marathon, then riding for over 100 miles, and swimming over 2 miles. I am not and can confidently say I will not ever be an Iron Man. I ride 10 miles on my Peloton and I am done. 😂 I am in awe of anyone who can complete this race.
Not only was this a romcom, but it also touched on some tough subjects. Make sure to check your trigger warnings. Harriet did an amazing job of discussing tough subjects. The loss of April’s mom was close to my heart. I lost my mom almost 3 years ago and it is something I still struggle with. I could relate to how April felt about the loss of her mom and how it affects you over time. The writing was beautiful.
I loved the transformation of Gabe and April’s relationship. It was fun seeing the natural progression from coach and athlete to friends to more. Gabe is the ultimate caregiver and has a huge heart. His drive to help April complete her first Ironman made me want to go out and complete an Ironman (I mean not really, but do you get where I am going here?). We all need a cheerleader like Gabe. Someone who will push us to be our best, but also be there to help us figure out the plan we need to succeed. It also doesn’t hurt that he was super attractive and in amazing shape. April’s tenacity and spirit make her a force to be reckoned with. I love that she didn’t give up on the race and she also didn’t give up on Gabe.
There are also dogs in this book. They are rescue dogs and they are perfect. I don’t feel like I need to expand on this much. I feel like knowing they are in the book should be enough.
This is the second book in an interconnected series. It can be read as a standalone, but The Trouble with Ink and Love is amazing too so I’m not sure why you wouldn’t read it first. We also get to see Emily and Beck from the first book, so do yourself a favor and read it first. However, if you don’t have time you will still have a great time reading this book and you shouldn’t feel lost.
If you like RomComs that have depth to them then this book is for you. Even if you aren’t a huge sports romance lover I think you will enjoy this book. It will make you laugh out loud, but it will also choke you up and get you in your feels. There also is a little spice, but nothing too crazy.
👟 Sports romance
🚲 Protective MMC
🏊🏼♀️ Height difference
💜 Found family
👟 Dual POV
🚲 Cute dogs
🏊🏼♀️ Laugh out loud funny
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
This book had me laughing from the first page. As someone who has ran one marathon and many half marathons I somewhat understood April’s struggle with training and running miles on end. However, I can’t imagine running a marathon, then riding for over 100 miles, and swimming over 2 miles. I am not and can confidently say I will not ever be an Iron Man. I ride 10 miles on my Peloton and I am done. 😂 I am in awe of anyone who can complete this race.
Not only was this a romcom, but it also touched on some tough subjects. Make sure to check your trigger warnings. Harriet did an amazing job of discussing tough subjects. The loss of April’s mom was close to my heart. I lost my mom almost 3 years ago and it is something I still struggle with. I could relate to how April felt about the loss of her mom and how it affects you over time. The writing was beautiful.
I loved the transformation of Gabe and April’s relationship. It was fun seeing the natural progression from coach and athlete to friends to more. Gabe is the ultimate caregiver and has a huge heart. His drive to help April complete her first Ironman made me want to go out and complete an Ironman (I mean not really, but do you get where I am going here?). We all need a cheerleader like Gabe. Someone who will push us to be our best, but also be there to help us figure out the plan we need to succeed. It also doesn’t hurt that he was super attractive and in amazing shape. April’s tenacity and spirit make her a force to be reckoned with. I love that she didn’t give up on the race and she also didn’t give up on Gabe.
There are also dogs in this book. They are rescue dogs and they are perfect. I don’t feel like I need to expand on this much. I feel like knowing they are in the book should be enough.
This is the second book in an interconnected series. It can be read as a standalone, but The Trouble with Ink and Love is amazing too so I’m not sure why you wouldn’t read it first. We also get to see Emily and Beck from the first book, so do yourself a favor and read it first. However, if you don’t have time you will still have a great time reading this book and you shouldn’t feel lost.
If you like RomComs that have depth to them then this book is for you. Even if you aren’t a huge sports romance lover I think you will enjoy this book. It will make you laugh out loud, but it will also choke you up and get you in your feels. There also is a little spice, but nothing too crazy.
👟 Sports romance
🚲 Protective MMC
🏊🏼♀️ Height difference
💜 Found family
👟 Dual POV
🚲 Cute dogs
🏊🏼♀️ Laugh out loud funny
April 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Harriet Ashford has a way with words. Her books are heartwarming, full of emotion, complex characters, and dynamic relationships that make her books enjoyable to read and easy to get lost in. With characters that are easy to relate to and feel their struggles as if they were your own, you find yourself rooting for the MCs. They feel real, like someone you already know. The Trouble with Love and Coaches continues Harriet’s passion for contemporary romance while giving us laugh out loud moments and all the feelings we love to have while reading.
April is a determined, strong willed FMC that I immediately loved. Her desire to finish something that she had been unable to multiple times in the past reminded me of my own struggles. Her tenacity to continue competing lifted my spirits and reminds readers that hard work does pay off. While she does learn from her past mistakes she also develops superstitions that some may view as excuses. When her coach drops her three months before the next Iron Man competition, she isn’t sure of her next move. But she will find a way to compete!
Gabe, although determined, was also passionate, encouraging, and didn't do anything halfway. He is all in or nothing at all. When he hears about April’s predicament, he decides to help her out and continue coaching her for Iron Man. As you get to know him throughout the story, you find out he is fighting demons of his own, which doesn’t allow him to open up to others easily. As the lines of professionalism continue to become more and more blurred will Gabe finally realize that opening your heart to the right person won’t end in heartache?
Harriet wrote a sweet, funny, but deep romance that draws you in and captivates you until the very last page. I fell in love with her writing with her first book and this one only solidified that love for her writing. Although a work of fiction, I found myself relating to both characters in a very real way. The fear that Gabe holds and the determination of April’s, they are perfect for each other.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🚲Found Family
🥇Sports Romance
🚲Protective MMC
🥇Secret Relationship
🚲Forbidden Romance
🥇Coach x Athlete
🚲Unavoidable Proximity
Harriet Ashford has a way with words. Her books are heartwarming, full of emotion, complex characters, and dynamic relationships that make her books enjoyable to read and easy to get lost in. With characters that are easy to relate to and feel their struggles as if they were your own, you find yourself rooting for the MCs. They feel real, like someone you already know. The Trouble with Love and Coaches continues Harriet’s passion for contemporary romance while giving us laugh out loud moments and all the feelings we love to have while reading.
April is a determined, strong willed FMC that I immediately loved. Her desire to finish something that she had been unable to multiple times in the past reminded me of my own struggles. Her tenacity to continue competing lifted my spirits and reminds readers that hard work does pay off. While she does learn from her past mistakes she also develops superstitions that some may view as excuses. When her coach drops her three months before the next Iron Man competition, she isn’t sure of her next move. But she will find a way to compete!
Gabe, although determined, was also passionate, encouraging, and didn't do anything halfway. He is all in or nothing at all. When he hears about April’s predicament, he decides to help her out and continue coaching her for Iron Man. As you get to know him throughout the story, you find out he is fighting demons of his own, which doesn’t allow him to open up to others easily. As the lines of professionalism continue to become more and more blurred will Gabe finally realize that opening your heart to the right person won’t end in heartache?
Harriet wrote a sweet, funny, but deep romance that draws you in and captivates you until the very last page. I fell in love with her writing with her first book and this one only solidified that love for her writing. Although a work of fiction, I found myself relating to both characters in a very real way. The fear that Gabe holds and the determination of April’s, they are perfect for each other.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🚲Found Family
🥇Sports Romance
🚲Protective MMC
🥇Secret Relationship
🚲Forbidden Romance
🥇Coach x Athlete
🚲Unavoidable Proximity
April 11, 2025
This is my first book of harriet and definitely not the last one. I really really enjoyed this book. the best part of this book is felt so realistic and true. I have read quite a few sports romances but this is my first Triathlon romance. It was refreshing and interesting to know about new things. I genuinely connected to the characters and story was perfectly paced and well structured.
Gabe was coach and participant of triathlon and he is also a massage therapist for the athletes. when April starts training with him they became friends and what I like about Gabe's character is, with all the trauma and child abuse he went through, he didn't turn into an closed up, broody, introverted person instead he grew into strong, smiling, friendly and kind hearted. Though he still have panic attacks and scared of feeling too much and becoming like his father. He is a gentleman. It broke my heart seeing Gabe pulling away from her and closing up to put his feeling away from her. I like how the mother talked through and Gabe gave a chance at love.
April is superstitious (just like me). I can relate to her. but she is so determined, strong-willed and she knows what she wants. she never gave up on anything, the run, her mother's memory, her love. she fought till she earned it. Even though she keeps telling that she is bad luck her hard work never goes wasted, Also I like how Gabe start putting four leave clovers in her bag for good luck. I like her profession too ( #womeninmaledominatedfield) she repairing bikes and helping athletes is so badass. The scene where Gabe says "between the three of is she is more experienced", yeah I did a little dance in my heart ♥
Overall the story, the side characters ( I like April's friend), the pacing and the plot everything was amazing. I can say I know a little about Triathlon now but I enjoyed their story a lot. They both deserve each other no scratch that they both need each other. I like their connection, the chemistry between them and the bond they developed was incredible. To say it in a word or two I loved it.
Gabe was coach and participant of triathlon and he is also a massage therapist for the athletes. when April starts training with him they became friends and what I like about Gabe's character is, with all the trauma and child abuse he went through, he didn't turn into an closed up, broody, introverted person instead he grew into strong, smiling, friendly and kind hearted. Though he still have panic attacks and scared of feeling too much and becoming like his father. He is a gentleman. It broke my heart seeing Gabe pulling away from her and closing up to put his feeling away from her. I like how the mother talked through and Gabe gave a chance at love.
April is superstitious (just like me). I can relate to her. but she is so determined, strong-willed and she knows what she wants. she never gave up on anything, the run, her mother's memory, her love. she fought till she earned it. Even though she keeps telling that she is bad luck her hard work never goes wasted, Also I like how Gabe start putting four leave clovers in her bag for good luck. I like her profession too ( #womeninmaledominatedfield) she repairing bikes and helping athletes is so badass. The scene where Gabe says "between the three of is she is more experienced", yeah I did a little dance in my heart ♥
Overall the story, the side characters ( I like April's friend), the pacing and the plot everything was amazing. I can say I know a little about Triathlon now but I enjoyed their story a lot. They both deserve each other no scratch that they both need each other. I like their connection, the chemistry between them and the bond they developed was incredible. To say it in a word or two I loved it.
April 21, 2025
Or my goodness this book is so beautiful. It’s beautifully written , it has beautiful endearing characters . It’s got beautiful descriptions and so immersive . It’s beautiful in its layers of the players . Characters come to life and are a very real feel. So well portrayed with awesome descriptors of the situations ideal,the surroundings and the character interactions too. Here we have Gabe / Gabriel Torres a top athlete and then there’s April Baird who’s struggling to compete in the Iron Man competition. Now this is the pivotal decision . Does he go with his gut and step in when her coach after three failed attempts does give in . He bails but she’s not accepting of her fails she needs this to make her complete. Loss isn’t an option ,so when one man makes a choice , April at last may be able to rejoice,…Gabe has his dream team sorted out ,but when he sees April so devout ,she has good qualities his team can’t do without. Oh my goodness without a doubt this is good. She is trying to do this for her mum who she mourns and losing the chance to race in the Iron man comp her last hope. She’s not giving in . Nope! He’s trying to be a better man than his father was and is vulnerable as he tries to overcome the fear of be like that vile abusive man . He’s trying all he can to not be like that man. This is raw emotionally led storytelling that has been written excellently and with care. They grow close and it’s so well done and seems organically grown from seed to plant needs her feed. He fills her needs but she also fills his . Such is their compatibility and their vulnerability too. This awesome story sure is bliss. This book has a perfectly divine storyline . It’s sweet and endearing and had me tearing. Blubbering and all with the storytelling overall . It is such a compelling emotionally satisfying story that has been expertly penned I want to make them my friend. Harriet Ashford ,I loved this no end . Those characters and the depths and layers . This is my need in a story ,the underlying layers zing that this brings and is portrayed well.
March 31, 2025
I already knew from the first page this was going to be a 5-star and I was so right! I don't know what magic you dump into your stories Harriet, but never stop because I will read and love every single one.
I will admit I do have one complaint. I wanted even more of the adorable pup, Johnson. You cannot introduce such an adorable character and not include him on nearly every page. In all seriousness, he is wonderful, and better find his way into other books in this series.
Harriet did a fantastic job of implementing the concept of wandering minds. The characters' internal tangents felt very realistic and naturally propelled the story. Seeing them try too hard to control their thoughts and utterly fail was relatable in an endearing and entertaining way.
She also tackled grief beautifully. April is still grieving over her mother, as grief isn't linear. I loved how it shaped her character arc but didn't take it over entirely. As someone who has dealt with grief (as I am sure most of us have), this portrayal felt like a warm hug telling me it would all be okay. April doesn't succeed in spite of her grief; she succeeds because of how much she cares about who she lost. I cannot convey how much that seemingly subtle difference means.
Oh man, the ending of this book brought me to tears for sure. For good reasons, I promise. That said, I will not elaborate to avoid spoilers, just know that it will make you feel. You will feel sad, proud, and elated all at once if your experience is at all similar to mine.
This book does have open-door spicy scenes. If that is not your thing, I do not recommend this series.
Please see my blog for a more in-depth review and links to the playlists I created for both of the books in this series. You can find it here: https://readintowonderland.blogspot.c...
I received this book as part of Harriet's street team. My review is honest and voluntary
I will admit I do have one complaint. I wanted even more of the adorable pup, Johnson. You cannot introduce such an adorable character and not include him on nearly every page. In all seriousness, he is wonderful, and better find his way into other books in this series.
Harriet did a fantastic job of implementing the concept of wandering minds. The characters' internal tangents felt very realistic and naturally propelled the story. Seeing them try too hard to control their thoughts and utterly fail was relatable in an endearing and entertaining way.
She also tackled grief beautifully. April is still grieving over her mother, as grief isn't linear. I loved how it shaped her character arc but didn't take it over entirely. As someone who has dealt with grief (as I am sure most of us have), this portrayal felt like a warm hug telling me it would all be okay. April doesn't succeed in spite of her grief; she succeeds because of how much she cares about who she lost. I cannot convey how much that seemingly subtle difference means.
Oh man, the ending of this book brought me to tears for sure. For good reasons, I promise. That said, I will not elaborate to avoid spoilers, just know that it will make you feel. You will feel sad, proud, and elated all at once if your experience is at all similar to mine.
This book does have open-door spicy scenes. If that is not your thing, I do not recommend this series.
Please see my blog for a more in-depth review and links to the playlists I created for both of the books in this series. You can find it here: https://readintowonderland.blogspot.c...
I received this book as part of Harriet's street team. My review is honest and voluntary
April 9, 2025
In full disclosure, I am married to an endurance athlete. I know how hard they train, the committment, the pre- and post-race analysis, the kit required and the very real need to constantly re-evaluate the “why” for signing up for races. I loved the recognisable moments of training and racing. The new shoe feeling, the favourite gel and adressing physical niggles. I am impressed there were no mentions of smelly shoes and the sweaty washing :)
Harriet Ashford has beautifully captured that push and pull so innate in athletes while melding in romance to what is a equally enjoyable read, sports as background or not.
Gabe and April have fantastic chemistry that felt honest, real and not contrived for “plot purposes only”. There is a naturalness to their gradual pull towards each other.
April was relatable and easy to recognise in some of her foibles and insecurities. Her persistence and perseverence, not only as a journeyman athlete but as a small business owner, was humbling to witness. Her committment to her family and her “why” were her driving motivators throughout. April’s preoccupation with luck and superstition is familiar and her shift to recognising her own self worth was important to see.
Gabe was an ideal as both coach for others and protective MMC. I’m a sucker for a hurt/comfort trope and this was evident in the big and little things Gabe does for April, professionally and personally. He does need to get out of his own arse but, thankfully, he sorts himself out.
If open door spice is not your cup of tea, you could easily read around Chapters 24, 26 and 31. However, if a spontaneous shower scene is up your lane, stay for chapter 26 *blush*.
Having enjoyed The Trouble with Love and Coaches so much, I’m going back to read, The Trouble with Love and Ink.
4-5*
With thanks to the author, Harriet Ashford and HaylingBookStormpr for the copy fo the eARC ahead of pubication.
Harriet Ashford has beautifully captured that push and pull so innate in athletes while melding in romance to what is a equally enjoyable read, sports as background or not.
Gabe and April have fantastic chemistry that felt honest, real and not contrived for “plot purposes only”. There is a naturalness to their gradual pull towards each other.
April was relatable and easy to recognise in some of her foibles and insecurities. Her persistence and perseverence, not only as a journeyman athlete but as a small business owner, was humbling to witness. Her committment to her family and her “why” were her driving motivators throughout. April’s preoccupation with luck and superstition is familiar and her shift to recognising her own self worth was important to see.
Gabe was an ideal as both coach for others and protective MMC. I’m a sucker for a hurt/comfort trope and this was evident in the big and little things Gabe does for April, professionally and personally. He does need to get out of his own arse but, thankfully, he sorts himself out.
If open door spice is not your cup of tea, you could easily read around Chapters 24, 26 and 31. However, if a spontaneous shower scene is up your lane, stay for chapter 26 *blush*.
Having enjoyed The Trouble with Love and Coaches so much, I’m going back to read, The Trouble with Love and Ink.
4-5*
With thanks to the author, Harriet Ashford and HaylingBookStormpr for the copy fo the eARC ahead of pubication.
March 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April Baird has bad luck when it comes to the Ironman: one year there was a storm, one year she had the flu, and last year she was injured during a fall. Despite her setbacks, April is ready to cross the finish line this year, until her coach drops her. Enter Gabriel Torres, who does not have room on his coaching roster, but takes on April anyway when he sees her determination. As April and Gabe train together, nights spent cycling quickly become something more. Despite agreeing to keep things casual, it soon becomes clear that their relationship is anything but. Can they make it to the finish line in the Ironman and their relationship--or will pain from the past keep them apart?
If you think you won't enjoy this book because the idea of completing an Ironman makes you want to cry, let me change your mind! April is one of the most determined FMCs I've ever read and I would absolutely be there to scream for her on the sidelines of the Ironman. She simply doesn't know how to give up and it was inspiring. Gabe is such a sweetheart and so hard on himself, even though he has no reason to be. Harriet Ashford writes characters with such emotional depth and I felt so drawn to both April and Gabe. Even with the strong emotions, I still laughed a lot. The banter and tension are top-tier! It was truly a joy to go on April and Gabe's Ironman journey--and that is coming from someone who would die first in a zombie apocalypse because I would refuse to run. Read this book immediately!
Follow me on Instagram @smorebooksplease for more bookish fun!
April Baird has bad luck when it comes to the Ironman: one year there was a storm, one year she had the flu, and last year she was injured during a fall. Despite her setbacks, April is ready to cross the finish line this year, until her coach drops her. Enter Gabriel Torres, who does not have room on his coaching roster, but takes on April anyway when he sees her determination. As April and Gabe train together, nights spent cycling quickly become something more. Despite agreeing to keep things casual, it soon becomes clear that their relationship is anything but. Can they make it to the finish line in the Ironman and their relationship--or will pain from the past keep them apart?
If you think you won't enjoy this book because the idea of completing an Ironman makes you want to cry, let me change your mind! April is one of the most determined FMCs I've ever read and I would absolutely be there to scream for her on the sidelines of the Ironman. She simply doesn't know how to give up and it was inspiring. Gabe is such a sweetheart and so hard on himself, even though he has no reason to be. Harriet Ashford writes characters with such emotional depth and I felt so drawn to both April and Gabe. Even with the strong emotions, I still laughed a lot. The banter and tension are top-tier! It was truly a joy to go on April and Gabe's Ironman journey--and that is coming from someone who would die first in a zombie apocalypse because I would refuse to run. Read this book immediately!
Follow me on Instagram @smorebooksplease for more bookish fun!
April 12, 2025
This book! 😍 It’s the first book where I felt that five stars wasn’t enough. I really like how Harriet writes, especially her descriptions of thoughts and feelings. It’s so mature and feels very real. It’s not overly descriptive , it just gives you enough to know and feel for yourself while picturing whatever is going on.
The book is about April who wants to finish an Ironman and Gabriel that coaches her. But the book is about so much more than that. Both MCs are struggling with their own issues, April believes there is a curse over her because she continues to DNF races and she really wants to finish a race to feel closer to her mom. Gabriel wants to land the new position in the coaching team but ends up taking on April. I loved April but I definitely felt that Gabriel was the star in this book. He is super scared that he will end up like his dad and therefore he has decided that he will not get in to a serious relationship. The struggles he has are heartbreaking, his experiences that has scarred him so deeply. I cried a lot reading this book. It’s just so good.
My husband has done multiple Ironmans, both full distance and 70.3 ones so I felt right at home with all the gadgets that were used, the lingo around the races, it had me nodding in recognition. But it also gave me a new way of looking at how my husband probably feel like when he is training for these races which I thought was very nice.
If you like sports romances but want something different from your usual hockey/football trope, this one is perfect! It’s in a sporty environment around the triathlon professions, a dual POV, found family romance with forced proximity and a protective MMC.
The book is about April who wants to finish an Ironman and Gabriel that coaches her. But the book is about so much more than that. Both MCs are struggling with their own issues, April believes there is a curse over her because she continues to DNF races and she really wants to finish a race to feel closer to her mom. Gabriel wants to land the new position in the coaching team but ends up taking on April. I loved April but I definitely felt that Gabriel was the star in this book. He is super scared that he will end up like his dad and therefore he has decided that he will not get in to a serious relationship. The struggles he has are heartbreaking, his experiences that has scarred him so deeply. I cried a lot reading this book. It’s just so good.
My husband has done multiple Ironmans, both full distance and 70.3 ones so I felt right at home with all the gadgets that were used, the lingo around the races, it had me nodding in recognition. But it also gave me a new way of looking at how my husband probably feel like when he is training for these races which I thought was very nice.
If you like sports romances but want something different from your usual hockey/football trope, this one is perfect! It’s in a sporty environment around the triathlon professions, a dual POV, found family romance with forced proximity and a protective MMC.
May 14, 2025
The Trouble with Love and Coaches
Harriet Ashford
A determined April embarks on a journey to complete an Ironman triathlon, just like her late mother once did, hoping to make her proud even from the grave. However, her bad luck has kept her from completing the last three thats she’s embarked on and this time she is determined to finish…but her coach just dropped her and she’s on her own now. Whilst working at a local triathlon shop, she meets her future coach Gabe, who frequents the store (and saved her in the last triathlon she didn’t complete). Her complicated relationship with Gabe is full of angst and longing. As they work together and build her confidence she learns to channel her grief into strength, ultimately unearthing resilience that honors her mother's legacy and fuels her drive to cross the finish line.
This adorable romantic comedy blends humor, warmth, and just the right amount of spice. The close proximity love scenes create an electric tension that keeps readers engaged, while their playful interactions provide plenty of laughs. As a native Texan, I adore that the books backdrop is in Texas, with nods to Whataburger, Buc-ee's, and Galveston; some of my favorite places! If you love heartfelt moments and steamy encounters, this one ensures that it is perfect for readers seeking both romance and a touch of adventure. PLUS, there is several lope gazes…your girl loves a lip gaze 👏🏼🫦. It’s a joyful celebration of love, resilience, and the thrill of crossing the finish line—both in triathlons and in matters of the heart 🥹
Goodreads: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Harriet Ashford
A determined April embarks on a journey to complete an Ironman triathlon, just like her late mother once did, hoping to make her proud even from the grave. However, her bad luck has kept her from completing the last three thats she’s embarked on and this time she is determined to finish…but her coach just dropped her and she’s on her own now. Whilst working at a local triathlon shop, she meets her future coach Gabe, who frequents the store (and saved her in the last triathlon she didn’t complete). Her complicated relationship with Gabe is full of angst and longing. As they work together and build her confidence she learns to channel her grief into strength, ultimately unearthing resilience that honors her mother's legacy and fuels her drive to cross the finish line.
This adorable romantic comedy blends humor, warmth, and just the right amount of spice. The close proximity love scenes create an electric tension that keeps readers engaged, while their playful interactions provide plenty of laughs. As a native Texan, I adore that the books backdrop is in Texas, with nods to Whataburger, Buc-ee's, and Galveston; some of my favorite places! If you love heartfelt moments and steamy encounters, this one ensures that it is perfect for readers seeking both romance and a touch of adventure. PLUS, there is several lope gazes…your girl loves a lip gaze 👏🏼🫦. It’s a joyful celebration of love, resilience, and the thrill of crossing the finish line—both in triathlons and in matters of the heart 🥹
Goodreads: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 6, 2025
Have you ever had a dream so big that you gave it your all, your best, your everything just so you could achieve it? Well, that's what April was doing! She had the dream to participate and finish Ironman, as a way to connect and accomplish her mother's dream. So she practiced and was giving it her all, with some effort. When her coach ditched her only a few months before the event she faltered but didn't gave up! She was determined as hell, and even alone she was going to try! She was also down to hearth and hard working, sweet and caring and so relatable I adored her chareacter from the start. And her supersticious thing? Yeahh.. I get it 🤭
Then comes Gabe. He realised she needed help and invited her into his team. He was a softie, with a gold heart and couldn't not help her. He was the perfect gentleman and friend and lover. He cared so much about her and all he could think about was to protect her (even from himself).
So, when they started connecting and spending time together some feelings started to take place (wanted or not) and that could only complicate things.
I loved this story. I loved how it made me laugh and sometimes cry. I loved the drive and determination of both characters and how they fought to overcome their fears and obstacles. I think the story was so well written that it flew and we could binge it non stop.
This is my second Harriet's book, and I really can't wait for all of her next ones. They are perfect!
Then comes Gabe. He realised she needed help and invited her into his team. He was a softie, with a gold heart and couldn't not help her. He was the perfect gentleman and friend and lover. He cared so much about her and all he could think about was to protect her (even from himself).
So, when they started connecting and spending time together some feelings started to take place (wanted or not) and that could only complicate things.
I loved this story. I loved how it made me laugh and sometimes cry. I loved the drive and determination of both characters and how they fought to overcome their fears and obstacles. I think the story was so well written that it flew and we could binge it non stop.
This is my second Harriet's book, and I really can't wait for all of her next ones. They are perfect!
April 17, 2025
Harriet Ashford does it again! Her second novel, The Trouble with Love and Coaches is just as fantastic as her debut novel, the Trouble with Love and Ink! Harriet has such a talent for writing characters and stories that make you feel like you are not just reading, rather, you are a part of the character's journey.
The Trouble with Love and Coaches had me hooked from the beginning. April, the FMC has been trying to complete an Iron Man race in memory of her mother for the past few years but she has been unable to finish the race each time. April feels like she is cursed! To make matters worse, her coach Clay, drops her from his roster. Thankfully, Gabe sees Aprils perseverance and desire to achieve this goal that he risks his future of getting a dream coaching position if April does not finish!
April and Gabe are both characters that you will fall in love with. April for her sunny personality, sassiness, the way she goes after what she wants and how hard she works towards her goals.
Gabe for his tender, caring personality, and how he lifts others up, especially April 💕
This book has everything you want in a romance. It has characters that you connect with, root for, and experience their emotion through Harriet's talented writing. I laughed, cried, and shouted while reading! It also has a storyline that will grab your attention and the perfect amount of spice!
I cannot recommend this book enough
The Trouble with Love and Coaches had me hooked from the beginning. April, the FMC has been trying to complete an Iron Man race in memory of her mother for the past few years but she has been unable to finish the race each time. April feels like she is cursed! To make matters worse, her coach Clay, drops her from his roster. Thankfully, Gabe sees Aprils perseverance and desire to achieve this goal that he risks his future of getting a dream coaching position if April does not finish!
April and Gabe are both characters that you will fall in love with. April for her sunny personality, sassiness, the way she goes after what she wants and how hard she works towards her goals.
Gabe for his tender, caring personality, and how he lifts others up, especially April 💕
This book has everything you want in a romance. It has characters that you connect with, root for, and experience their emotion through Harriet's talented writing. I laughed, cried, and shouted while reading! It also has a storyline that will grab your attention and the perfect amount of spice!
I cannot recommend this book enough
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