I’m twenty-two, buried in student loans, and soon to be homeless.
I need a job that pays decently—stat.
When my best friend suggests interviewing for a traveling nanny position with some tennis star I think she’s joking. It’s too good to be true. The pay is more than I could dream of. I’d get to travel the world. There don’t seem to be any cons.
Not until I meet my potential boss.
Noah Baker.
Hot as hell, but with a massive chip on his shoulder.
He seems to hate me from the start, but lucky for me—or maybe unluckily depending on how you think about it—his daughter loves me. Since I’m the only person she’s connected with he reluctantly offers me the position.
Noah
I was at the top of my game until my wife died.
I didn’t anticipate how much grief would affect my ability to play the sport I love, let alone parent my daughter.
With the tour starting up in January I have no choice but to take her with me, which means I need a nanny to keep an eye on her.
When Sabrina Howard walks through my door to interview; I instantly hate her.
She’s the first woman who’s made my heart race since my wife passed away.
Unfortunately for me, my daughter likes Sabrina, making it a no brainer to hire her.
Eleven months. Seventy-one tournaments. Five continents.
And one nanny who’s entirely too tempting.
This book was previously published under the pen name Ella Wren.
Micalea Smeltzer is an author from Northern Virginia. Her two dogs, Ollie and Remy, are her constant companions. As a kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.
OMG Micalea Smeltzer sure is SNEAKY!!! First she published this book first under a pen name and then she redid some stuff and republished it outta nowhere under her own name but I was a beta reader for her for YEARS and didn’t know about it.
Sabrina will do anything to be a teacher but she can’t get a job Bc nobody will hire her Bc she has no experience and if that wasn’t bad enough she ends up being evicted from her apartment. Her best friend and her wide open up their home to her and then they hook her up with an interview to be a nanny/homeschool teacher for a tennis pro who’s getting ready to get back to work after being out of the the pro circuit for tennis and he’s going international I need somebody to care for his daughter. Sabrina never thought she would be a nanny or do homeschooling but she’ll do anything to teach. But, she instantly can’t stand Noah, but falls head over heels for his daughter Maddie.
Noah had the perfect life between going pro and tennis and marrying the love of his life and then having their daughter to Maddie. But he wasn’t expecting his wife to get sick and passing away. He hasn’t worked in a year and now he’s got to get back to everyday life so he needs somebody that could watch his daughter as well as teacher her and travel the world with them and he has to find that person within the week.
But he automatically could not stand Sabrina and did not want to be anywhere near her. Even though he thought she was absolutely beautiful, but he’s run out of options so he has to offer her the job. The only good thing is his daughter is head over heels for her but the more time he spends with her the more time his feelings and emotions start to get the better of them.
I absolutely devoured this book. Micalea has a way of. Writing stories that makes it wear once I pick it up. I don’t put it down and it doesn’t matter how long the book is. Because it always feels like I read it so quickly because the characters are just so good and this book was no different.
The chemistry between Sabrina and Noah were off the charts, sizzling hot. The back-and-forth banter between them had me laughing, and Maddie was just simply the best.
Micalea always write a book and I’m immediately hooked onto the side characters and silently begging for them to get their own books and this was no different. I’m really mad that I don’t know her pen name because I totally would go looking to see if they’re published so I can grab them and if not, I’m really hoping and praying that she will give them their stories because I’m dying for them.
Surprise! What a perfect first read of 2026 this was!
There was such an itch I needed scratched in terms of nanny romances and this … honestly … this made it worse. This was everything I wanted and more and now I’m so bummed it’s over.
Sabrina is a new teacher and desperate for work. She will do just about anything, so when she lands a job as a nanny and assisting with homeschooling, shes elated … even if her boss isn’t her favorite.
Noah lost his wife and is juggling coming back to the pros, single fatherhood and grief all on his own. He hates everyone that has interviewed for the nanny position — until Sabrina but there’s complicated feelings brewing as well.
It appears, at least on the surface, that the only thing these two have in common is their love for Noah’s daughter, Maddie.
You will go the gambit with feelings but it is so worth it. I hope we get more from this world with some of the other characters.
Loved this read! It had so many tropes and caveats that I loved. Single dad, sports romance, falls for the nanny, forced proximity. It was all so good. The characters in this book were great, I loved everyone from the main characters to the side characters. I loved the storyline. I loved that the sport was tennis and not football or baseball like it always is. The romance was spot on. Micalea Smeltzer never lets me down.
What a great journey! I never really understood tennis and what goes with it, but Micalea explains and writes it out so well. Sabrina and Noah are absolutely perfect and the build up of their characters is spot on. Sabrina’s snarkiness and sass was *chefs kiss* I absolutely adored Maddie as well. Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a great romance! Spice and everything nice. These two were so good together. I love that Sabrina was so real. I loved how Noah was all in once their feelings grew. Maddie was so cute and I loved how they all fell into a new happy with each other. Highly recommended
im not super big into sports romances but you know what I am big into? single dad x nanny tropes. and gods damn this one DELIVERED. the plot? iconic. and the spice??? just wow.
I will always love the push and pull before he says "fuck it" and finally gives in. it's my favorite thing to read. and the torment and guilt that he has behind him when he finally allows himself to give in to the temptation dn take what he wants was just SO WELL DONE. I absolutely loved this story and just like everything else she writes I will be recommending this to everyone I know!
I’ve been a fan of this author since, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that she wrote under a pen name lol! I was very happy to discover it because it meant I could read more from her lol! I received an ARC of this book and started it straightaway! After reading, I can say that I loved this book! The plot held my attention all the way through and it only took me a few sittings to read! There was plenty of romance and I loved the way it developed and that the characters got to know each other! It made sense because of certain circumstances! The romance allowed for some very steamy scenes too! There wasn’t really any action or suspense in the plot, but I felt like there didn’t have to be because the romance was the main focus! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Sabrina was the main female character, and in this book she took on the role of a teacher/nanny for a famous tennis player! I loved Sabrina and she was amazing at her job and got very close to the little girl she was looking after! Sabrina also supported her love interest and she was there for him and was very straight with him when he needed to be told the truth! Noah was the main male character and love interest of Sabrina! Noah was a famous tennis player and he travelled the world competing in tournaments! Noah had also experienced the loss of his wife and this had a big impact on him and his tennis! I loved Noah and it was easy to see how he felt about Sabrina! He was protective of her and he was willing to let her go so he didn't hold her back! He also tried his best as a father to his little girl and she meant everything to him! This book was written from both Sabrina and Noah’s point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be before I started reading and I’m really happy that it was! It helped me connect more with both characters and see their feelings for each other grow! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as Sabrina and Noah didn’t spend every second of the plot together and they were both going through their own situations! I now can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I know that it’s going to focus on secondary characters, it this has me even excited to read it! I know that it's already released, but I'm not sure if the author is planning to re-release it under her own name! I also love the cover for this book and how well it suits the book! It would draw me to the book if I saw it online and the cover perfectly suit the characters of Sabrina and Noah perfectly! Big thank you to Micalea for an ARC of Double Fault!
SURPRISE! Did you expect this when you woke up this morning? I bet not!!! Hardest secret to keep that this beauty was releasing today!
Wooooah what a thing to be surprised with! A few weeks back I got a message in Micaela’s ARC group chat about reading her surprise release. It’s a book she released a few years ago under a pen name and now wants to release under her main name. I was literally so excited I could burst out of my seams. I have kept it a secret until this moment, but now I’m literally buzzing to finally gush all about it and do my review.
Sabrina Howard, 22 years, newly graduated and unfortunately is buried in a lot of student debt. She’s therefore forced to move out of her apartment and temporarily move in with her best friend. But then she gets the opportunity of a life time, while she waits for her dream job in the teaching profession to show up. Be a traveling nanny for none other than Noah Baker, the professional tennis player. Noah has experienced a lot of heartache and grief since his wife and mother of his daughter died. Now with the new tour starting up he’s back for the first time since he lost his wife and therefore needs a nanny. Why not Sabrina? The woman who very quickly steals his daughter’s heart. But the problem here is that she might end up stealing his too.
I read this in a matter of 4 hours and I believe that Noah and Sabrina are the sweetest people you can read about. I especially adored the bond that formed between Sabrina and Maddie, from the get go they just had a special connection. It was definitely not hard to fall in love with Maddie, she’s such a smart and sweet girl.
The chemistry between Sabrina and Noah was soooo undeniable from the first time they met. I found it so sweet how Noah tried to brush off his feelings towards Sabrina but still couldn’t stop thinking about her constantly. It’s definitely understandable why he was hesitant to give into those feelings when you remember what he’s been through.
Thank you Micalea for my ARC!
🎾 What to expect: — single dad/nanny — he falls first — age gap — sports romance — workplace crushes — grumpy x sunshine — forced proximity — grief represention — workplace romance
Double Fault ( On The Court Book 1 ) 🎾 sports / tennis ⭐️single dad / nanny 🎾age gap ⭐️he falls first 🎾 forced proximity ⭐️grumpy / sunshine 🎾workplace romance and all the feels . Let me just start by saying that i love and I mean love sports romances so freaking much . Sure I’ve read a ton by many talented authors. But I honestly cannot remember the last time one was centered around the tennis world . Well Micaela has so brilliantly delivered a story that’s guaranteed to hook you from the very beginning, you’re going to find yourself falling head over heels for both characters because they really were so likable and relatable. And all the emotions you’re going to be reeling from you definitely will not be expecting. Noah and Sabrina , oh how I absolutely adored these two . The dynamic between them , the insane chemistry they shared , the progression of their relationship I seriously could not devour it fast enough. I loved Sabrina - how independent and strong and feisty she was . I loved her relationship with his daughter and how sweet it was . And Noah - well I just might be a little in love with this man . A single dad / widower who has suffered a terrible loss , just trying to get through every day , trying to figure out how to be the best dad possible to his little girl . And trying is hardest not to give into the feelings he has for his new nanny - who just so happens to be our heroine Sabrina . These two have been through so much in their lives , both have flaws which is something that made them that much more likable and relatable for me . Watching them fall in love and help each other heal . Was so beautiful and so emotional. Double Fault is a love story that everyone and I mean everyone needs to read
Y’all - this book was so damn good! A for forbidden, single dad, nanny romance? YES, PLEASE! 🙌🏼 I ate this book UP. Literally devoured it in one sitting.
Noah Baker is a single father of a sassy daughter named Maddie. He is a professional tennis player and travels all over the world competing in tournaments with his daughter in tow.
Sabrina is trying to make a life post college but she’s buried in student loans and is about to get evicted from her apartment. She needs money STAT. She applies to be a traveling nanny, interviews, and gets the job, much to Noah’s chagrin.
Things start off a little rocky but the chemistry is undeniable between the two. Noah is still grieving the loss of his wife and isn’t looking to date anyone. Moreover, no one has captured his interest until … Sabrina.
The problem is he doesn’t want to pursue her since she’s Maddie’s nanny and Maddie loves her. But the interest is mutual and one day they both give in to their impulses.
I loved the story and especially loved Noah (book bf goals!) and Sabrina. Maddie was one of my faves also, as well as, all the side characters! But Sabrina is a lucky girl! All the traveling, and shopping; and the spice was super hot, too! 5⭐️
Thank you so much, Micalea, for the eARC. All opinions are my own! 💕
This was a lighthearted and easy book that I needed to start the year off with. It had banter, sweetness, spice, and just overall fun. Sabrina is hired as a temporary nanny for Noah and his daughter Maddie. This could be classified as a hate-to-love trope. There was immediate attraction but both needed to squash it due to their professional relationship. But the heart wants what the heart wants so the more time they spend together the more that attraction and love grows. Both Noah and Sabrina were vulnerable with each other and that hate slowly turned to like which in turn became love. Their interactions whether just the two of them or with Maddie was very sweet and pleasant. I really liked how they became a little family-they were fun and truly enjoyed each other’s company. Not only did Noah and Sabrina had nice moments but also some steamy ones and whew was it good. That attraction was explosion-the pages were on fire. I also loved the secondary characters. They added a more subtle element with the relationships and the care that was there. I do see a couple of stories and pairings brewing and I can’t wait to dive more into this series. This was such a wonderful read to enjoy and have a smile by the end.
It was so hard to keep this book under wraps! I've been so excited to tell the world about Sabrina and Noah. All Sabrina wants is to teach. But, she's having a hard time finding a permanent teaching job, and the jobs she's had barely pay the bills. Her friends give her a place to stay when she's evicted from her apartment and help her find something to do. Being a nanny that homeschools a child on the road isn't her dream, but Sabrina will do anything to get out of the hole she's in. Noah doesn't want Sabrina as Maddie's nanny, but he's up against a wall with needing someone to care for his daughter while he trains for his comeback as a tennis pro. Maddie instantly falls in love with Sabrina and vice versa. It's hard not to love Maddie and her personality. Noah and Sabrina have a rocky start, but there's no denying the attraction between them. He's still grieving the loss of his wife and his focus is getting back into tennis competitions. But Noah can't help how he feels and the attraction that seems to grow on the daily.
Ugh...I have a soft spot for single dads and the fierceness with which they papa bear their kid. All the feelings and emotions ran through my heart as they figured out that they were better together, raising Maddie, and traveling the world.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I really enjoyed Double Fault, and it will be getting a re-read in the future. It was refreshing to dive into a sports romance centered on the tennis world. Plus, this story is Smeltzer’s spiciest yet, but the plot is so good it keeps you hooked for more than just the steam.
The dynamic between the main characters, Noah and Sabrina, is electric from the start. While this isn’t exactly insta-love, it is definitely insta-lust. Noah, a widower and pro athlete, finds his attraction to his new nanny completely unacceptable. Initially, he comes across as a grumpy bastard, but you soon realize he’s just lost in grief and navigating single parenthood and a demanding training schedule.
One of the most telling moments is seeing him throw his weight around to demand justice for Sabrina when she’s treated unfairly.
Sabrina is a fantastic character—fiercely independent and incredibly resilient. Despite facing homelessness, she doesn't let Noah’s attitude slide and holds him accountable for his behavior. This isn't a slow burn, but the tension builds beautifully until they finally break.
If you enjoy the nanny trope and a hero who is a grumpy-yet-protective single dad, you need to pick this up.
I really enjoyed this story. The plot kept my attention throughout, and I finished it in just a few sittings. The romance was the main focus, and I loved how naturally it developed as the characters got to know each other. There were also plenty of steamy moments, which added to the enjoyment.
Sabrina was a great main character. She works as a teacher/nanny for a famous tennis player, and I loved how dedicated she was to her job and how close she became with the child she cared for. She was supportive, honest, and wasn’t afraid to speak up when it mattered.
Noah, the male lead, was equally compelling. As a professional tennis player dealing with the loss of his wife, his emotional journey felt real and heartfelt. He clearly cared deeply for Sabrina and his daughter, and I loved how protective and selfless he was.
The dual POV worked really well and helped me connect with both characters as their relationship grew. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, especially since it focuses on side characters. I also love the cover—it fits the story perfectly and would instantly catch my attention.
This was originally published under her pen name Ella Wren, so if it sounds familiar, that’s why! But if you haven’t read it, it’s time to check this series out!! Double Fault was Micalea’s first book in her On The Court series. It was sweet, sassy, and so emotional!
Sabrina was definitely in a bind. No job, tons of debt, and soon to be homeless. Luckily for her, her bestie was there to take her in and suggest a job opportunity. Tennis star, Noah Baker, needed a traveling nanny and it paid very well. Three birds, one stone…but would it be worth it?
Oh my goodness, his daughter Maddie, awe!! Watching Sabrina get close with her was something special!! And Noah’s and Sabrina’s banter, perfection!! So much sizzle!! Loved her sass to his grump! Can’t wait to continue this series to watch them grow and see everyone else get their happily ever afters!!
This book was so stinkin good. I absolutely love Micalea as an author and this sports romance was so cute. Noah and Sabrina were such a great couple. Add in a sassy 8 year old by the name of Maddie and this book turned out to be a fun read.
I loved the pacing in this story. It kept me wanting more and the bit of angst we get when the chemistry starts hitting is so good. And that chemistry is 💥! The spice was just right too. Hot in just the right moments and so, so good!
I loved the character development we get. I feel like Noah grows so much from where he started to where he ended. And Sabrina was seriously boss level. I wish I could have her mindset and strength.
If you’ve never read a tennis romance before, I definitely recommend checking out Double Fault today! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
• About the Book • ✿ POV: dual ✿ Couple: Noah & Sabrina ✿ Tropes: nanny/boss, tennis player, single dad, boy obsessed, touch her and die, widowed hero ✿ Trigger warnings: yes
• Thoughts • This was a beautiful story! Sabrina and Noah’s connection was apparent from the start. Noah is trying to get his career and life back in track. Sabrina is trying to get her life together period. When these two meet, their attraction is obvious even if they disguise it with their banter. Add in Noah’s adorable daughter and you have a recipe for a love story. I loved Sabrina’s relationship with Noah and how they slowly built it. I also loved her relationship with Maddie. It was so cute and adorable. Definitely a must read!
This is a sweet story about Noah, a widower and a dad to 8 year old Maddie. He is a tennis player and travel the world for his competitions. He needs a nanny for Maddie. Sabrina is a girl trying to find her way, having been raised by neglecting parents. She is hired as Maddie’s nanny/teacher. While they travel together, they form a bond and slowly fall for each other. This is a simple sweet story, it warms the heart and it’s easy to read. I mean it as a compliment, it leaves you with such good vibes and all characters are so enjoyable to read. I would have loved to have a bit more story about the FMC’s relationship with her parents, maybe a bit more interaction. But it’s ok, I think the author wanted to share a positive love story with little drama. And that is what this book will leave you with, sweet and positive feelings.
3.75-4 ⭐️ rating I keep going back and forth on how I want to rate this book and this is what I settled with. I’m going to be completely honest, I’m a huge Micalea Smeltzer fan so this was an immediate read for me, but I found that I just wasn’t a fan. This book had all the fixings to be a great book but it just felt dry to me. I found myself really bored. I loved Sabrina and Maddie’s relationship, the way they instantly connected was so cute. I liked that it was a tennis romance- something that’s not really written about. I don’t know anything about tennis, but Micalea wrote & explained it well. I also liked that once Noah opened up to Sabrina he was all in. However, that third act break up really infuriated me.
I am so enthralled with this story - Single Dad/nanny romance, cliche but this one has some unique twists. Sabrina needs a job and quickly! She has come to the end of her finances, her current abode and her rope. She dreams of teaching. Her dear friend steers her in the direction of a nanny position. Noah lost his wife and put his career as a tennis star on hold. He has an amazing daughter who needs his love and guidance. When he meets Sabrina, he knows this could mean trouble. His daughter loves her and his manager and friend is in support of Sabrina. He has no choice, he is outvoted. Life on the road has thrown them together and their friendship grows and thrives. They have to question could this be more and if so, is it FOREVER? review by C. Seymour - blogger
I'm going to start this review with one statement- Noah---- Who knew you had it in ya buddy!? THAT MOUTH CAME OUTTA NOWHERE. JEEEESH.....loved every single second of it.
ANYWAYS.- I will forever subscribe to the single dad x nanny dynamic and throw in the cutest kiddo ever? I was immediately sold. Noah and Sabrina had the most delicious banter filled tension it was an absolute pleasure watching that develop. It was WAYYYY spicier than I anticipated when the tension finally boiled over and I wasn't even mad about it. Maddie and Noah had the most heartbreaking past and watching them navigate this new potential happy ending with Sabrina was so heartwarming and the bond between Sabrina and and Maddie was so cute. I loved the fact that this may have been my very first tennis romance! So fun being able to add another to the list. Sweet, fun and spicy- 4.5/5 stars!!
:: What To Expect ::
-Single Dad x nanny -Forced proximity -Grumpy x feisty sunshine -Love after loss -Opposites attract -Multicultural romance -Enemies to lovers -Sports romance -Found family -He falls first -Lotssss of banter
I am so enthralled with this story - Single Dad/nanny romance, cliche but this one has some unique twists. Sabrina needs a job and quickly! She has come to the end of her finances, her current abode and her rope. She dreams of teaching. Her dear friend steers her in the direction of a nanny position. Noah lost his wife and put his career as a tennis star on hold. He has an amazing daughter who needs his love and guidance. When he meets Sabrina, he knows this could mean trouble. His daughter loves her and his manager and friend is in support of Sabrina. He has no choice, he is outvoted. Life on the road has thrown them together and their friendship grows and thrives. They have to question could this be more and if so, is it FOREVER?
I like nanny romances but I get real tired of the same old MF storyline of she is sassy and he just is looking at her boobs, so these two should hook up. Going to an interview and immediately assume the man who would be your employer is not hiring you because you think your pretty by being rude then just decided to handle a situation that happens right away with the kids and giving him attitude when he is thinking you are way to forward. In no real life scenario would any self respecting person hire someone who was confrontational right out the gate. Men desire peace, calm and do not find it sexy to have fights with women they want to be in a relationship with. Ugh!
I absolutely enjoyed this book so much! It’s a great storyline with tropes that are my absolute favorite.
Sabrina and Noah have insane chemistry and I loved reading their moments together. I love how they truly do complete each other in the best way. From their first moment they truly got me and I didn’t want the story to end. Sabrina is an interesting character to me and I love her!! She’s absolutely everything and I loved reading her pov. Noah is a character that is equally intriguing and I love him.
Double Fault is a great read that I definitely recommend! This author never fails to deliver an amazing story with characters you always want to keep reading about!
I absolutely adored this book, from start to finish. I haven’t met a book by Micalea that I haven’t enjoyed, but this one was a quick favorite.
Slight age gap, employee romance and sports romance? An absolute perfect combination. I loved the relationship between Sabrina and Noah, but the relationship between Sabrina and Maddie was so heartwarming.
This one was definitely spicier, and I really enjoyed the way that Noah opened up to Sabrina and then felt comfortable expressing himself… (ahem) in bed.
If you have never read a Micalea book, pick this one up immediately, and then be prepared to dive into her other works!
Single daddio, sports romance and he falls in love with the nanny? Count me in.
Sabrina and Noah are both well written with a great deal of depth. I really loved how they fell together albeit it’s hard NOT to when you’re unable to avoid the other party. Seeing a sports romance that is a different sport than football or hockey was rather refreshing and it was honestly neat to jump into the game of tennis instead.
This book has its highs and lows and had be laughing and… well, sobbing. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to see where it takes us next.
This book was everything that I didn’t know I needed!!! I devoured it in just 2 days, which is super quick for me! I loved the characters and loved how their relationship unfolded. This book made me cry and it made me laugh! It had me rooting for Noah and Sabrina so much. I felt so much heartache for Noah and what he had to go through with losing his wife. I adored how Sabrina fell in love with both Noah and Maddie. After reading this, I just feel happy, like my cup is full. Micaela never lets me down! This was an easy five star read for me!!!
Sabrina and Noah were so much fun to read. In desperate need of a job, Sabrina takes the job as nanny to Noah's daughter. He is just getting back in the tennis circut after losing his wife to cancer. The last thing he needs or wants is a distraction but Sabrina is exactly what he and his daughter need. She is the sunshine back in their lives and she is able to connect on a deeper lever with his daughter. How can he help but fall for her? A story about love after loss and finding your sparkle again.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! From the very beginning I was hooked. I loved how protective he was over his daughter. Sabrina was as just as protective over her from the beginning. He showed how important both of them are to him. Noah was yummy. His work ethic for his sport. He also showed Sabrina when they were traveling the places she had never seen. He paid attention to her.
I’ve never read a book with tennis as the sport. I am more interested in the sport because I’ve never understood it.