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Falling for the Bad Boy Coach
He was the NHL’s most feared enforcer—until addiction ended his career. Now he’s back in the hometown he swore he’d never return to… and face-to-face with the woman who has every reason not to trust him.
After a high-profile overdose nearly derails his life, Logan Carter lands in Sea Haven, Maine—a place filled with memories he'd rather forget. His goal is keep his head down, finish rehab, and leave quietly. No drama. No connections.
Then he walks into the local café—and straight into Harper Evans.
Harper’s a single mom with a full plate and a guarded heart. She’s built a quiet, steady life for her son, and she has no time for fallen hockey stars or the headlines that follow them. But when her seven-year-old son, Noah, recognizes Logan and begs him for skating lessons, Harper finds herself drawn into Logan’s orbit—one early morning practice at a time.
As Logan teaches Noah how to skate, something unexpected happens. The boy starts to smile brighter. Logan starts to show up. And Harper starts to wonder if this grumpy, guarded man might be more than the sum of his mistakes.
Just as she begins to trust him, someone from Harper’s past returns—with a request that threatens everything she’s built.
At the same time, Logan receives a call that could change his a shot at redemption from the hockey world that once cheered for his downfall.
Now Harper must protect her son’s heart—and her own. And Logan must decide if he’s ready to stop running… and finally stay.
A heartwarming, small-town hockey romance filled with second chances, found family, and the kind of slow-burn chemistry that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for fans of sweet romance stories where broken hearts learn to believe again.
After a high-profile overdose nearly derails his life, Logan Carter lands in Sea Haven, Maine—a place filled with memories he'd rather forget. His goal is keep his head down, finish rehab, and leave quietly. No drama. No connections.
Then he walks into the local café—and straight into Harper Evans.
Harper’s a single mom with a full plate and a guarded heart. She’s built a quiet, steady life for her son, and she has no time for fallen hockey stars or the headlines that follow them. But when her seven-year-old son, Noah, recognizes Logan and begs him for skating lessons, Harper finds herself drawn into Logan’s orbit—one early morning practice at a time.
As Logan teaches Noah how to skate, something unexpected happens. The boy starts to smile brighter. Logan starts to show up. And Harper starts to wonder if this grumpy, guarded man might be more than the sum of his mistakes.
Just as she begins to trust him, someone from Harper’s past returns—with a request that threatens everything she’s built.
At the same time, Logan receives a call that could change his a shot at redemption from the hockey world that once cheered for his downfall.
Now Harper must protect her son’s heart—and her own. And Logan must decide if he’s ready to stop running… and finally stay.
A heartwarming, small-town hockey romance filled with second chances, found family, and the kind of slow-burn chemistry that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for fans of sweet romance stories where broken hearts learn to believe again.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2025
About the author
Ava Sparrow
14 books17 followersWe are Ava Sparrow, the writing duo behind your favorite Sweet Romance novels. Our passion is spreading love and happiness through our books, which delve into the various phases of love and relationships. Each story concludes by making the love even sweeter than it ever was.
Join us on this journey of love, laughter, and happily ever afters!
Join us on this journey of love, laughter, and happily ever afters!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 16, 2025
Logan and Harper . . .
Logan Carter had been the NHL’s most feared enforcer. But an overdose can destroy your life and reputation. As part of his treatment, he had to come back to reintegrate into a community. So he returned to Sea Haven for 30 days to prove himself, journaling his progress each day. He headed to the old cafe and everyone there stares at him… same old town, same judgment. Except now Harper Evans is grown up and behind the counter. She looks tired, but it somehow reveals her strength. As he glances down, a child around 6 is on a stool holding Logan’s hockey card. He asked Logan to confirm his name, saying his mom had his rookie card and he found it in a drawer. And Logan realizes Noah is her son… and his smile looks identical to Logan’s at that age. So he orders his coffee… to go. But before he gets out the door, Noah calls out to ask him to sign his card and even provided the pen to do it with.
The next morning before Harper officially opened the cafe, Logan came in for coffee. He told her that if Noah still wanted skating lessons, he would be at the rink. Then he left and stared at the ice as he put on his skates. His damaged knee ached. But as he pushed off the ice, waiting for the pain, it didn’t come! His balance is shot, and his legs are stiff, but he’s back on the ice. And he hears Harper and Noah arrive. As if the ice itself is healing them, Noah learns to get up when he falls, with a laugh and determination; and Logan forgets the anger he has lived with as he encourages Noah to always keep trying. And Noah asks if he will teach him more tomorrow.
Logan’s training of Noah is making a difference in the boy’s confidence and the smile he wears all the time now. But life isn’t always smooth, and Harper will have a shared custody battle to deal with. And Logan will get an offer that would be amazing for him but would take him away from Sea Haven requiring lots of travel. It’s time for a decision. Will he take this chance to start over in the hockey world? Or will he choose to stay in Sea Haven and build a family with Harper and Noah?
Logan Carter had been the NHL’s most feared enforcer. But an overdose can destroy your life and reputation. As part of his treatment, he had to come back to reintegrate into a community. So he returned to Sea Haven for 30 days to prove himself, journaling his progress each day. He headed to the old cafe and everyone there stares at him… same old town, same judgment. Except now Harper Evans is grown up and behind the counter. She looks tired, but it somehow reveals her strength. As he glances down, a child around 6 is on a stool holding Logan’s hockey card. He asked Logan to confirm his name, saying his mom had his rookie card and he found it in a drawer. And Logan realizes Noah is her son… and his smile looks identical to Logan’s at that age. So he orders his coffee… to go. But before he gets out the door, Noah calls out to ask him to sign his card and even provided the pen to do it with.
The next morning before Harper officially opened the cafe, Logan came in for coffee. He told her that if Noah still wanted skating lessons, he would be at the rink. Then he left and stared at the ice as he put on his skates. His damaged knee ached. But as he pushed off the ice, waiting for the pain, it didn’t come! His balance is shot, and his legs are stiff, but he’s back on the ice. And he hears Harper and Noah arrive. As if the ice itself is healing them, Noah learns to get up when he falls, with a laugh and determination; and Logan forgets the anger he has lived with as he encourages Noah to always keep trying. And Noah asks if he will teach him more tomorrow.
Logan’s training of Noah is making a difference in the boy’s confidence and the smile he wears all the time now. But life isn’t always smooth, and Harper will have a shared custody battle to deal with. And Logan will get an offer that would be amazing for him but would take him away from Sea Haven requiring lots of travel. It’s time for a decision. Will he take this chance to start over in the hockey world? Or will he choose to stay in Sea Haven and build a family with Harper and Noah?
July 8, 2025
DNF at 15% The synopsis sounded good and different with the addiction aspect. I didn’t get far in it, because I couldn’t get past how juvenile the writing seemed. And I couldn’t get past her working (owning?) a cafe that never seems to be open. Unless they were practicing at 4 or 5am, why did the cafe always need to be unlocked and was empty of customers when they went for muffins? Also, how do you ruffle a helmet? You could pat it, but I think ruffling would be difficult.
July 8, 2025
It’s story but I hated the formatting and I wish the author was more descriptive. Almost every sentence was a new paragraph and it was hard to read
March 2, 2026
Not great, needs revision
It's a slow read. I made it about 80% through the book. Harper has a 7yo son, but his school is almost never mentioned. There's no talk of pickup times, drop off times, or babysitters. You don't know what day of the week it is, or if the 7yo is on a school break.
There are other inconsistencies too. Harper lives in a house with a yard, but then the 7yo is in an apartment above the cafe while Harper does something else. At one point this place is apparently on the beach because she leaves the 7yo at home, no talk of a sitter, at night while stressing, falls asleep on (apparently) her porch the rest of the night, and no one cares that she has a child sleeping unsupervised somewhere. Later in the book her residence is a house again, and she sits in the yard. She also walks to the cafe.. Her work hours are incredibly flexible for being the only worker running this cafe. She opens late, closes early, goes in the middle of the night because she's stressed. Her friend Lucy is supposed to work at the library but is always at the bakery, helping. Even the breakfast dinner.. there were 2 lemon muffins but suddenly there's a last blueberry muffin that appears for them to fight over. Harper is sitting in a booth with Logan, suddenly she's grabbing something under the counter and passing it to Logan who is still in the booth. The courtroom, the judge says she'll give her decision tomorrow, but Harper is surprised when the court clerk calls her to give her the details, even going so far as saying the judge wants to give her decision in person. That's court. They do things to your face and tell you to finalize details with the clerks.
Overall, as I write this out, it reads like a rough draft. There are A LOT of mystery envelopes, like the author afraid to write dialog between characters. You don't have a clear idea of anything, besides these two characters both stewing in fear and trying to move to a better place.
It's a slow read. I made it about 80% through the book. Harper has a 7yo son, but his school is almost never mentioned. There's no talk of pickup times, drop off times, or babysitters. You don't know what day of the week it is, or if the 7yo is on a school break.
There are other inconsistencies too. Harper lives in a house with a yard, but then the 7yo is in an apartment above the cafe while Harper does something else. At one point this place is apparently on the beach because she leaves the 7yo at home, no talk of a sitter, at night while stressing, falls asleep on (apparently) her porch the rest of the night, and no one cares that she has a child sleeping unsupervised somewhere. Later in the book her residence is a house again, and she sits in the yard. She also walks to the cafe.. Her work hours are incredibly flexible for being the only worker running this cafe. She opens late, closes early, goes in the middle of the night because she's stressed. Her friend Lucy is supposed to work at the library but is always at the bakery, helping. Even the breakfast dinner.. there were 2 lemon muffins but suddenly there's a last blueberry muffin that appears for them to fight over. Harper is sitting in a booth with Logan, suddenly she's grabbing something under the counter and passing it to Logan who is still in the booth. The courtroom, the judge says she'll give her decision tomorrow, but Harper is surprised when the court clerk calls her to give her the details, even going so far as saying the judge wants to give her decision in person. That's court. They do things to your face and tell you to finalize details with the clerks.
Overall, as I write this out, it reads like a rough draft. There are A LOT of mystery envelopes, like the author afraid to write dialog between characters. You don't have a clear idea of anything, besides these two characters both stewing in fear and trying to move to a better place.
June 16, 2025
This novel offers a tender, character-driven romance anchored in emotional growth.
Logan Carter’s return to his small hometown, post-rehab and wrestling with shame, collides with Harper Evans’ hard-won stability as a single mum.
Their connection builds, driven not by grand gestures but by small moments, many involving Harper’s son, Noah.
The plot unfolds with muted confidence. It doesn’t rely on twists. Instead, it thrives on internal shifts and steady trust-building.
The dual POV structure lets readers invest in both Logan and Harper, while Noah’s presence adds depth and charm.
The writing style is clean and evocative.
Sparrow shows emotion through action and dialogue, avoiding over-explaining.
Sea Haven feels real, with gossiping townsfolk, cold rinks, and warm cafés create an immersive backdrop.
That said, the story loses some momentum midway. Several skating scenes repeat familiar beats and could use tightening.
While rich in emotions, the plot sticks close to genre expectations.
Still, the book’s greatest strength lies in its emotional truth.
Sparrow captures the vulnerability of starting over and the strength in small choices.
It’s a heartfelt read that rewards patient readers with a satisfying, genuine romance.
A solid pick for fans of slow-burn, small-town love stories.
Logan Carter’s return to his small hometown, post-rehab and wrestling with shame, collides with Harper Evans’ hard-won stability as a single mum.
Their connection builds, driven not by grand gestures but by small moments, many involving Harper’s son, Noah.
The plot unfolds with muted confidence. It doesn’t rely on twists. Instead, it thrives on internal shifts and steady trust-building.
The dual POV structure lets readers invest in both Logan and Harper, while Noah’s presence adds depth and charm.
The writing style is clean and evocative.
Sparrow shows emotion through action and dialogue, avoiding over-explaining.
Sea Haven feels real, with gossiping townsfolk, cold rinks, and warm cafés create an immersive backdrop.
That said, the story loses some momentum midway. Several skating scenes repeat familiar beats and could use tightening.
While rich in emotions, the plot sticks close to genre expectations.
Still, the book’s greatest strength lies in its emotional truth.
Sparrow captures the vulnerability of starting over and the strength in small choices.
It’s a heartfelt read that rewards patient readers with a satisfying, genuine romance.
A solid pick for fans of slow-burn, small-town love stories.
June 17, 2025
Is a sweet small town, single mom, second chance, found family, hockey romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “He was really nice. And tall. And he smelled like hockey gear... but also shampoo?” --- "But trust isn’t a free refill. You earn it.” --- “you making snow angels or just testing gravity today?” --- "'Help me with the trash.’ Classic small-town dating strategy.” --- “If pie is a trap, then I’m proud to be the villain.” --- “Fractions. Again. It’s like a pizza, but mean.” --- strength wasn’t never crying—it was showing up anyway. --- She’s a lighthouse for others, even when lost herself. That kind of love doesn’t disappear when it’s inconvenient. It anchors. It shines. It holds.” --- “Home isn’t where you’re from. It’s where you’re loved.” --- “I think you should dream without asking permission. And then decide if the dream is yours—or someone else’s.” --- “There was a time, when trust felt like a luxury. Like something other people could afford.” ---
Noah is a sweet little boy who loves everything hockey.
What's Lucy up to? What's Chase up to? Will Logan accept one of the job offers? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Harper and Logan's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.
Some of the lines I really like --- “He was really nice. And tall. And he smelled like hockey gear... but also shampoo?” --- "But trust isn’t a free refill. You earn it.” --- “you making snow angels or just testing gravity today?” --- "'Help me with the trash.’ Classic small-town dating strategy.” --- “If pie is a trap, then I’m proud to be the villain.” --- “Fractions. Again. It’s like a pizza, but mean.” --- strength wasn’t never crying—it was showing up anyway. --- She’s a lighthouse for others, even when lost herself. That kind of love doesn’t disappear when it’s inconvenient. It anchors. It shines. It holds.” --- “Home isn’t where you’re from. It’s where you’re loved.” --- “I think you should dream without asking permission. And then decide if the dream is yours—or someone else’s.” --- “There was a time, when trust felt like a luxury. Like something other people could afford.” ---
Noah is a sweet little boy who loves everything hockey.
What's Lucy up to? What's Chase up to? Will Logan accept one of the job offers? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Harper and Logan's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.
November 7, 2025
This was a great Hockey as well as a sweet love story with an athlete who gets his redemption in his hometown.
This story is about a guy named Logan Carter. He was once the NHL’s feared enforcer. Addiction ended his career. He lands back in Sea Haven, Maine with memories he would rather forget. He wants to keep his head down , finish rehab and leave quietly. However he ends up going to a little cafe which is owned by a woman named Harper Evans. She is a single mother to a seven year old son named Noah. Harper has a full plate and a guarded heart because of her ex.
Noah notices Logan and asks him he if he will teach him how to skate. Logan isn’t sure if he is the right guy for the job. However he decides to teach Noah at this old rec center in which he remembers the guy that he used to be. Harper would like to find someone that stays and she sees something in Logan that nobody else does. As Logan teaches Noah he begins to fall for Harper quietly and slowly. His past comes back wanting to offer him a job but Logan decides that he found a home with Harper and Noah that he never had before. I felt bad for Harper in how her ex treated her and walks back into her life. I loved how Logan stayed with her and Noah and never walked away. I really loved how the story ended. I highly recommend this book.
This story is about a guy named Logan Carter. He was once the NHL’s feared enforcer. Addiction ended his career. He lands back in Sea Haven, Maine with memories he would rather forget. He wants to keep his head down , finish rehab and leave quietly. However he ends up going to a little cafe which is owned by a woman named Harper Evans. She is a single mother to a seven year old son named Noah. Harper has a full plate and a guarded heart because of her ex.
Noah notices Logan and asks him he if he will teach him how to skate. Logan isn’t sure if he is the right guy for the job. However he decides to teach Noah at this old rec center in which he remembers the guy that he used to be. Harper would like to find someone that stays and she sees something in Logan that nobody else does. As Logan teaches Noah he begins to fall for Harper quietly and slowly. His past comes back wanting to offer him a job but Logan decides that he found a home with Harper and Noah that he never had before. I felt bad for Harper in how her ex treated her and walks back into her life. I loved how Logan stayed with her and Noah and never walked away. I really loved how the story ended. I highly recommend this book.
June 28, 2025
Harper was betrayed by people in her life who forgot about her and left her alone to survive. Logan was neglected as a young boy needing direction and being overwhelmed by fame for his self earned skill and fame. When a severe injury took him out of his profession, causing him to lose himself. Turning to drink and painkillers finished what his accident started, with him ending in rehab and a halfway house. Returning to the only place he could remember any joy in his life, he runs into Harper, who is struggling herself and her for her son Noah. Logan takes an instant liking to Noah since he reminds him of himself. It is an incredible story of finding love, trust, and dependability through each other. A definite five-star
November 1, 2025
Oh wow. I wanted to like this book. I really did. I think there is a great story in it that, with a good editor and reviewer, could be a good book. The title was a really turn off, but the description sounded so sweet.
But it was so terribly written. Mistakes galore. He hands her an envelope, she reads it and sets the folder down. What folder? Folders are in other scenes.
They are sitting at the corner table in the cafe, yet she somehow reaches behind the counter to pull out a small gift bag. Does she have freakishly long arms?
Does she live in an apartment or a house? Is it close to the cafe or what? Because it changes. At one point the last name of the main character changes.
Logan and Noah skate. Logan unties Noah's skates while Harper gets cocoa. Harper and Logan sit and talk while they watch Noah skate. When did he put the skates back on? He's a little kid
The constant letters arriving on the porch, throwing everyone into a panic...
The constant offers of a better job and then another and another, and the panic...
The kiss descriptions... Oh my... I feel like she wrote several drafts of both the kisses and of the letters arriving, and then decided to use each one of them. And they are all so similar, mostly same words in a different order, like just drafts of one scene over and over.
Get a good editor to tighten it up and fix all of the obvious mistakes and it'll be a sweet little hockey romance. I don't mind tropes or fluff. I do mind big gaping holes and poor writing.
But it was so terribly written. Mistakes galore. He hands her an envelope, she reads it and sets the folder down. What folder? Folders are in other scenes.
They are sitting at the corner table in the cafe, yet she somehow reaches behind the counter to pull out a small gift bag. Does she have freakishly long arms?
Does she live in an apartment or a house? Is it close to the cafe or what? Because it changes. At one point the last name of the main character changes.
Logan and Noah skate. Logan unties Noah's skates while Harper gets cocoa. Harper and Logan sit and talk while they watch Noah skate. When did he put the skates back on? He's a little kid
The constant letters arriving on the porch, throwing everyone into a panic...
The constant offers of a better job and then another and another, and the panic...
The kiss descriptions... Oh my... I feel like she wrote several drafts of both the kisses and of the letters arriving, and then decided to use each one of them. And they are all so similar, mostly same words in a different order, like just drafts of one scene over and over.
Get a good editor to tighten it up and fix all of the obvious mistakes and it'll be a sweet little hockey romance. I don't mind tropes or fluff. I do mind big gaping holes and poor writing.
June 15, 2025
This is a story of second chances. Logan messed up his pro hockey career and came back to his hometown at the lowest point of his life. He tried his best not to be noticed, but that all changed when he offered to teach a young boy to skate. Noah and his mom Harper became a reason to stay, put down roots in his community and as a team, they support each other through difficult times and great events. This is a story of redemption and finding where they belong. I really liked it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2025
Logan, Harper, and Noah. A sweet story of a once-successful hockey player guy returning to his home town, out of rehab, and getting his life re-imagined. It was a long book; the authors too time to let their characters build a relationship and strengthen it. No third-act breakup (appreciated), just people who care about each other ultimately creating a family. Good character development. Not much was said about his rehab process, though, except one mention of an AA meeting and that Logan continuously showed up for Noah and Harper, earning their trust, finding new directions for himself.
November 5, 2025
sweet slow burn clean romance
This was a take your time read. So much depth and emotion. It came to me in the perfect time honestly. I’m more of a speed reader but this book spoke to my broken heart not over romantic love but that of loosing my mother. It really signifies how taking things slowly and taking the risk no matter how scared you are makes the outcome whatever it maybe even more special. I loved it Harper and Logan were meant to be and mister Noah sweetened the deal ❤️
This was a take your time read. So much depth and emotion. It came to me in the perfect time honestly. I’m more of a speed reader but this book spoke to my broken heart not over romantic love but that of loosing my mother. It really signifies how taking things slowly and taking the risk no matter how scared you are makes the outcome whatever it maybe even more special. I loved it Harper and Logan were meant to be and mister Noah sweetened the deal ❤️
June 15, 2025
“Falling for the Bad Boy Coach” by Ava Sparrow
-A heartfelt small-town romance set in Sea Haven, Maine, with redemption at its core. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Logan finds healing and unexpected love with Harper and her son after rehab. Their story is tender, grounded, and beautifully ordinary in the best way.
A sweet, sincere hockey romance about second chances and chosen family.
-A heartfelt small-town romance set in Sea Haven, Maine, with redemption at its core. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Logan finds healing and unexpected love with Harper and her son after rehab. Their story is tender, grounded, and beautifully ordinary in the best way.
A sweet, sincere hockey romance about second chances and chosen family.
June 12, 2025
This is a sweet small-town hockey romance. It is not about money or big splashy shows of affection. It is just about sweet, simple romance. It is about things that really matter in a world where we are not perfect. This story grabs your heart and shows you what love is.
June 15, 2025
A story of second chances. With amazing characters that will make you root for them and follow them as they are discovering what really matters. A wonderful small town hockey romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2025
Such a great story that touched my heart! I really grew to love these characters and the slow burn and deep chemistry was incredible! Loved the development of the relationship with her son! Wonderful story with an awesome ending!!
August 11, 2025
just ok
I don’t feel like there were enough interactions between characters. I feel like a lot of details were left out. Most of the book is internal monologue between the 2 main characters. It was a good story line but just didn’t hit the mark for me.
I don’t feel like there were enough interactions between characters. I feel like a lot of details were left out. Most of the book is internal monologue between the 2 main characters. It was a good story line but just didn’t hit the mark for me.
November 14, 2025
showing up counts
A sweet story of two broken people coming together, and finding their place as a couple. Along with her young son, who’s never really known his father. They become his forever family.
A sweet story of two broken people coming together, and finding their place as a couple. Along with her young son, who’s never really known his father. They become his forever family.
June 29, 2025
Temptation comes in many forms. It could be in overmedicating following an injury, it could be the perfect job, it could be a lack of confidence that you can change. Ava Sparrow brought a story with romance, redemption, humor, and a few twists. Logan has to battle his own doubts plus the doubts of the whole town. The trust of a small child, Noah, holds the answer. I enjoyed this book.
July 27, 2025
Loved it!
Loved this, Harper and Logan were great together and Noah and Logan's relationship was great. A really good family story.
Loved this, Harper and Logan were great together and Noah and Logan's relationship was great. A really good family story.
August 19, 2025
Great Story my first by this author. Loved the slow burn chemistry between Logan and Harper and how could you not love Noah. Hockey, cocoa and kisses galore.
June 19, 2025
Falling for a bad boy coach. What can I say about this book? I think it was amazing.
When Logan gets out of rehab, he is forced to go to his hometown to finish his program. He wasn't expecting to stay. When he sees Harper and his old friend from the past and her son, everything changes. Between teaching Noah to skate to helping at Hapers Cafe, they all learn the true meaning of family and what the most important things in life are.
When Logan gets out of rehab, he is forced to go to his hometown to finish his program. He wasn't expecting to stay. When he sees Harper and his old friend from the past and her son, everything changes. Between teaching Noah to skate to helping at Hapers Cafe, they all learn the true meaning of family and what the most important things in life are.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews