The Nanny Playbook: A Sweet Single Dad Football RomCom

by Kristine W. Joy

Rule number one of being Logan Chase’s
Don’t get attached.
Nobody lasts longer than three weeks anyway.

Too bad nobody told me that before I moved across the country to live under his roof.

Logan Chase is a grumpy, widowed NFL star with a stubborn jaw and a little girl who’s tired of watching people leave.
Luckily, I’ve got enough sunshine for all three of us.

At first, he barely speaks to me.
Then he buys me a coffee pot, just because.
Asks me to stay for dinner.
And now I catch him looking at me like I’m something he’s afraid to want.

Falling for my boss would be a terrible idea.
He’s still grieving the love of his life.
And I’ve never stayed anywhere long enough to call it home.

I came here to take care of his daughter.
I didn’t expect to want to take care of him, too.
Now I just have to last longer than three weeks…
without losing my heart in the process.

The Nanny Playbook is a closed-door, grumpy sunshine nanny romance with a widowed single dad quarterback, found family, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2026

About the author

Kristine W. Joy is an Amazon Bestselling Author who loves creating sweet and swoony stories full of sizzling chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter. She prefers her coffee iced and her kisses hot. When she's not dreaming up romance novels or writing from a cozy coffee shop in Northern California, she is spending time with her hubby and two young sons. Becoming a published author was a lifelong dream. Becoming a momma was the inspiration to make it a reality.

To stay updated on all upcoming releases, subscribe to her newsletter.

Reviews

[books (samaira's version) ~on a hiatus~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I've unknowingly developed a liking to single-dad x nanny romances, bonus points if a sports romance.

I loved The Nanny Playbook. From Logan's guilt/grief, Harper's self-doubt and discovery, and of course the sweetest Mia, it was a perfectly written story.

It was lovely seeing Nicole and Dom from The Neighbour Playbook, and I'm super excited for Owen's story in book two of the Love at Farhaven series!

Thank you to the author for the ARC! All reviews and opinions are my own

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan Chase is a professional football player who lost his wife and is truly grieving his loss. It has affected every area of his life, including his ability to play well. But the important thing in his life is his young daughter, Mia. He has hired several nannies for her, and they will not stay past a few weeks. He has no idea his life is about to be turned upside down when Harper arrives for the job.

Harper was an elementary school teacher who needed to escape her hometown. It seems a nanny position far away from home is just what the doctor ordered. She immediately falls in love with Mia, but Logan is a hard case. He is grumpy, but she soon realizes the walls and grumpiness come from a place of grief. When he buys her coffee pot, I thought I was going to faint. You will understand the significance when you read the book. It was just so thoughtful and sweet.

This was one of those books that made me giggle like a little school girl and clap my hands with glee. The characters were fantastic, especially Mia. She stole the show in any scene that involved this little bundle of love. It was such a sweet, emotional story with a wonderful plotline. It definitely had its funny moments, but it also had those moments that made my heart soar. I particularly loved it when Harper protected Mia from the paparazzi. Sweet, swoony romance with lots of underlying chemistry does not get much better than this one.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a Kristine W. Joy book that I haven't adored... and this one might be a new favorite. Logan and Harper's story was truly a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments... making me smile one moment and feeling for these characters and all they had been through the next. And they had certainly been through a lot- her growing up in foster care and him losing his wife. They were both characters that you truly could not help but want to see them get their happily ever. The chemistry was fantastic, and I loved how easily Harper fit into Logan and Mia's life. I also loved the sense of healing and found family as well. And as a fan of Kristine's previous books, it was also really fun to catch up with some familiar characters too. But don't worry, this is the start of a new series, and you definitely don't have to be familiar with those characters to enjoy this one! I'm so looking forward to what will come next in the series!

The Nanny Playbook is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Logan & Harper's grumpy, sweet, uncertain, caring, belonging, loving, hopeful, swoony happily ever after!!

[Wendy · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is part of the Love at Farhaven series. The books can be read as standalones, but you'll get the best experience reading the books in order.

I really enjoyed this book. We get Logan who is kind-of grumpy because he is trying to navigate life after loosing his wife in a car accident; and we get Harper who is really just trying to find her place.

I always love reading Kristine W Joy's books because I know I am going to get swept up into a story that finds me laughing out loud one moment and wearing a silly grin the next. The chemistry between Harper and Logan was great and I loved how their relationship progressed. While there was instant attraction, it does take a hot minute for them to really start to explore the feelings they have.

And I absolutely loved Harpers List!!

I am excited that the next book in the series has been announced and we will get Owen's story. I am also hoping that we get Reid's story!

I received and advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"But I'm so tired of pivoting. Just once, I'd like to stay somewhere."

"People don't usually stay. I stopped expecting them to a long time ago."

"Someone someday will totally thing I'm a catch."

"You don't have to earn your spot...Not with the people who are worth it."

"But trying isn't always enough..."

"Sometimes you just have to let good things be ... good."

"You shouldn't ever have to change yourself for anyone."

"You just keep showing up anyway. That's all it takes."

"You don't have to choose between the life you lost and the one in front of you. You get to carry both."

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really cute! I was excited to return to Farhaven and this was a great start to the series.
Harper was a sweetheart! I loved how genuine and caring she was. Harper was so understanding with Mia and quickly became a support to her and Logan. Harper felt very real. Her POV was quite relatable and I felt for her as she struggled to find her place in LA. She wore her heart on her sleeve, but really tried to be practical as well. I really felt for Logan! He was still adjusting to life as a single father to Mia. Harper brought new life for them both and made him consider the future in new ways. It was really sweet to see him open up with her and how he was able to really share memories with Mia. Logan was a great father and I loved Mia! She was so fun and I loved how she connected with Harper.
Logan and Harper were really sweet together. They were able to be themselves together and really share. Both had to get over their own fears and insecurities to really consider what the future looked like for them. It was really fun to meet some of the others in Farhaven! I love the community that is being established and it was lovely to see Dom and Nicole again. It really made me excited for more books in this series! This was a sweet sports romance with only kisses. It also includes the past death of a loved one and dealing with grief.
I received an ARC.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Harper is new to LA where she will be a nanny for Logan’s daughter Mia. Harper and Mia have an instant connection. Logan and Harper have more to overcome but it was fun watching them work for their relationship.

Favorite parts
-Mia and Harper’s relationship.
-the coffee pot
-the beach sand castle competition
-getting ice cream
-employee appreciation night
-Logan’s sister-
-the ending I just loved how everything turned out
-Harper’s sister was great.

Favorite quotes
“Daddy says that everyone would be happier if they ate more ice cream,”

“You don’t have to earn your spot, Harper. Not with the people who are worth it.”

Logan: You’re very excited about library cards.
(Harper): I taught second grade. Library cards are my love language.

I’m not sure if she realizes how beautiful she is—even when she’s being a complete dork.
Actually, I think she’s especially beautiful when she’s being a complete dork.

Harper’s just looking at me, and I’m looking back, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I have to be anyone other than who I am right now.

[Korkoi · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

The Right Partner to Heal their Pain -
Logan was still grieving the loss of his wife, which led to all his previous nannies leaving, but he felt an inexplicable connection with Harper from the moment she arrived. Harper wasn’t happy when she found out about Logan’s previous nannies , but the connection she felt with his daughter made her decide to stay. Harper and Logan soon found themselves spending time together, but his fears about moving on and loving someone else kept him hesitating.

Unfortunately, not long after Harper and Logan crossed the boundaries of their professional relationship, the hounding of the media and her insecurities caused her to make a decision, that nearly cost her the happiness she deserved. Thankfully, Logan realised what Harper was about to do and did everything possible to convince her to give them a chance at building a life together.

There was an emotional depth to this well-written, nanny single dad romance story with engaging characters, that grabbed my attention from the first page and kept me eagerly turning the pages until I reached the end. If you are looking for your next exciting reading adventure, then grab your copy of this book now and you won’t regret it.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Single father
- Daddy/nanny romance
- Sports romance

I was not prepared for this to be so emotional! But in a good way!!!! My heart was alternatively pounding and clenching as I read.

Single father Logan, a professional football player, is doing his best to raise his child now that he lost his wife. He is not having great luck finding a nanny that will stick around for more than a few weeks, so when his friend recommends Harper, a former teacher from his hometown, Logan decides to take a chance on her. He has no idea how her arrival will change his and his daughter Mia's lives.

Harper is not like the other nannies. Logan feels comfortable with her from the start. Sure, he still has hesitations, but that is mostly due to his conflicting emotions. Harper has her own emotions she's dealing with, having grown up in foster care and now moving to a brand new town.

However, Harper feels connected to both Mia and Logan. But will Logan take a chance on happiness again?

This book had me all in my feels. So good!

[Liberty Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! An emotional roller-coaster of read... I had tears in my eyes throughout most of the book... be prepared (in a good way)! This author does a great job of weaving vulnerability and hope into the story that really hit me in the heart. Add in a precocious 6 year old daughter, Mia, to add moments of joy and laughter, and you have a story that's hard to put down.

Logan is a quarterback overcoming the loss of his beloved wife, the ongoing grief, and the guilt of falling in love with someone else. Harper is from Kansas who agrees to be Logan's nanny in LA because she wants more from her life. After growing up in foster care, she knows nothing good lasts, people leave, and hope is something to treat with caution. She shows up for both Mia and Logan in quiet ways that starts to open his heart, but every time that he hesitates, he breaks her heart (and mine). His struggle is real, and you can't help but root for them to find their way.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hiring several nannies and keeping none of them more than three weeks, Logan Chase, NFL star, hires a woman on the recommendation of his neighbor Oliver. It's someone Oliver knows from his hometown in Kansas, so Logan is hopeful that this woman will work out better for Mia than the others.
A former second grade teacher, Harper Leister has never left Kansas before. Now she's really here in LA, and starting to panic. But when she meets Mia, her love of children becomes apparent as she immediately starts playing with her.
What follows is pure delight, peppered with uncertainty (adults) and immediate acceptance from Mia. It's not always smooth sailing as Logan has conflicting emotions between his vivid memories and constant comparison of his deceased wife and the new nanny. Harper isn't sure how she fits into this small family, but she's definitely there way past three weeks!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Neighbor Playbook, I was excited for the rest of the series, especially because it would be athletes from different sports, not just one team. I really appreciated that this story had characters that were normal rather than over the top. Logan was grumpy, but that’s to be expected after losing the love of his life unexpectedly, then trying to process that grief while navigating being a single dad and not letting his team down. Then add in meeting a woman who made him feel things he didn’t think he would again. Not an easy thing to deal with. Harper was a breath of fresh air. She was such a sweetheart and I loved her interactions with Mia, who was also adorable. But Harper had her own baggage from her upbringing that added some complications to their relationship. Beautiful story!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, Mia, Logan's daughter, was the star of The Nanny Playbook. This darling girl added sparkle to every scene she was in. Former second grade teacher raised in foster care, Harper, leaves Kansas for LA to be Mia's nanny. She is gob smacked when she discovers the other nanny's lasted no longer than three weeks. But she is determined to succeed at this job and has decided she loves LA. Logan is dealing with his grief at losing his wife. His performance for the team has taken a big hit also. It was fun watching Harper make Logan loosen up a bit and to watch these two achieve a good working relationship. They really had to work for the HEA in this well written romantic comedy.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not you have had a chance to read Kristine W. Joy’s “The Neighbor Playbook” or not, we’re back in the throes of LA with big name athletes and their lives!  It’s official, Farhaven Tower has been officially open for a while, and its residents are the talk of the city. 

Logan Chase, quarterback for the Hawks and single dad is one such resident!  He and his daughter, Mia, are still attempting to find their new-ish normal after his wife died 2 years ago.  He’s grown grumpy, sullen and it’s thrown his game off considerably!  Mia is seeking consistency of normalcy!  Too many nannies have come and gone already- she just wants to feel connection!  Logan interviewed his latest nanny candidate based on a tip from his neighbor and hopefully this one lasts.

Harper having nothing to lose has moved out west from Kansas to be Logan’s new nanny!  She doesn’t have much to go on, but if life has taught her anything it’s to be resilient and try to roll with whatever is thrown at you.  So, when requested to do a tea party within moments after meeting Mia, Harper jumps in the deep end.  Even if an espresso machine gets the better of her the next morning, she keeps going.  It doesn’t hurt that her charge, Mia, is as spunky as they come!  The two forge a fast bond, all the while keeping any attraction she has to her new boss under wraps!

There are moments of grieving, times of triumph, and unforeseen hurdles of being amongst celebrities, yet Harper does her best to rise to the occasion.  This book can give you all the feels and yet still make you feel whole by the end.  While some things are not always easy, it’s the people we surround ourselves with that make us feel loved!  At the end of the day, we are all people in search of some sort of normalcy! Also enjoyed the Cocoa cameo and can’t wait to see what else Kristine has in store for the rest of this new series!

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this story was just too perfect.

So much cuteness. Little Mia is one of my favorite kid characters. Her innocence, her joy. How she draws Logan and Harper together just by being who she is. She’s brings healing to Harper’s inner child. She brings happiness to her dad.

I love a nanny/single father storyline but this was so much more. Logan’s not the only one who has faced heartbreak. Harper’s story tugged my heart the whole way through. Logan and Harper have a lot to overcome but it’s what made their story deeper and more emotional. The struggles moving forward. The uncertainty. The hope and fear. Their past and present woven together to bring healing and strength.

Some Highlights:
Mr. Coffee
Harper’s lists
Tea parties
Mia’s journal
Employee appreciation
Sandcastles

I truly did not want this story to end.

I’m so glad to be back at Farhaven and I’m beyond excited for Owen’s story!

Thank you to Kristine W. Joy for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan is a widower, a NFL star and the single dad to the delightful six year old Mia. Harper moves across country to become Mia’s nanny following staff downsizing at the school where Harper taught. Logan does not have a good track record with nannies, firing them after only a couple of weeks but he finds Harper is different and Mia gets on well with her. Logan suffers from guilt/grief over starting a new relationship and with maintaining his career but the story is not heavy and in fact is a delightful but realistic romance with lots of fun and tender moments.

[Angela - Enjoy Life With Me Podcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love seeing the growth arc of overcoming fear and realizing that both is an option.

Great found community and adorable kid antics.

The content smile at the ending 🩷



Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary RomCom (Single Dad/ Nanny, Grumpy-Sunshine)
Intimacy - Moderate (kisses mentioning open mouth, hands on hips)
Language - None
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - foster care (drug addict mom, dad left), past wife death

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aah, what a fun, delightful and heartwarming story. Mia, Logan’s daughter stole the show, she is so sweet, sparkly personality that added fun wherever she was. This story brings on all the emotions, from laughing to feeling for the characters and their difficult past. It is so beautifully written from the characters to the storyline. It feels real but light and full of fun witty banter and sweet and swoony moments, such a fantastic read!

[Heidi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet and had a lot of depth. I read this book in one day. This was a really smooth read, the pace was great, and it never lagged. I loved Harper’s caring nature and her sweet relationship with Mia. Logan’s growth was really good, he learned to let someone in again after losing his wife. I really liked how the ending was resolved and the drama didn’t drag on.

-no spice
- no swearing
-grumpy sunshine
-single dad
- sports romance
-love after loss

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

Logan and Harper's plans to have a simple work relationship seems to be failing, but a romantic relationship between them isn't working either. They've got some things to work out within themselves before anything can work between them.

I really enjoyed their story.

[Taylor Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this sweet closed door romance! I was excited to see the continuation from the neighbor playbook book.

It was interesting to see how each character’s backstory really affected the story and how each character grew along the way.

I loved seeing how Harper helped both Mia and Logan navigate their grief and how she fit right in from the beginning!

[Tanvi · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I have been excited for this book ever since Book 1/prequel came out. And it did not disappoint. Kristine just took one of the cringest trope (for me) and made it into a beautiful story.

The best part of the book was that the flow of the story was so natural, there were no major incidents which made them fall in love, it was just organic and sweet.

100% recommended!

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one and easily put it as a fave for this month! Adored Logan & Harper together. I love when it’s a second chance for a widow, just something extra sweet about that. Mia was adorable & I loved her and Harper’s bond. Love how each book features a different sport and can’t wait for more from Farhaven!

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a way that it could be read as a standalone. Some of the characters overlap with other books. Best if read in order but not required.
He's struggling to express his feelings in a healthy way as he overcomes his grief and raises his daughter.
She's struggling to adjust to not being in Kansas anymore.
Opposites attract
Kisses only

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story! There are lots of laugh-out-loud moments and some more emotional scenes. Both of the main characters have lived through difficulties, but the topics are handled with care. It was nice to meet up with familiar characters.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable single dad football romance that will hit you in the feels! You get forced proximity, a precocious little girl and a bit of fish out of water with this one!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean sports romcom that kicks off a new series. I loved the characters, and can’t wait to read more about them in future books. I loved the story, and highly recommend reading it.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet single-dad rom-com.. Heartfelt, emotional, and warm..

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun Cinderella story with a happy ending. Logan is an NFL quarterback who needs a nanny for his six year old daughter. None of the previous nanny's have lasted more then three weeks. Harper is not aware of that before she flies from Kansas to LA to take the position. Fun times ahead.