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Love in Oaktown #1

Coaching Carly

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Carly
Recently divorced.
Hoping to start over.
Wishes her ex would forget about her.

Gage
Former pro quarterback.
Ready to be out of the spotlight.
Wants to raise his son in peace.

But life has other plans for this algebra teacher and new head coach of Oaktown High School.

Sparks fly when Carly Owens and Gage Wilson meet on their first day of work. While in awe that the recently retired football star is interested in her, Carly can’t help but be reminded of all the beautiful women seen on his arm throughout his former career. She doesn’t want to get tangled up in another relationship full of lies and cheating. Plus, Carly needs to find a way to deal with her ex-husband and all his threats before she falls in love, again.
Gage wants nothing more than to sweep the lovely new algebra teacher off her feet and settle into a comfortable life raising his teenage son. However, Carly’s concern that Gage’s celebrity status will expose her to her ex quickly puts a damper on their budding romance. With Carly’s doubts and the threat of Carly’s ex-husband looming over them, will Gage be able to coach her past her fears?

Coaching Carly is Larissa Gail’s debut novel and the first in her Love in Oaktown series. Her standalones filled with hot alpha men and the headstrong women who capture their hearts are intended for readers 18 and older.

336 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2018

46 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

Larissa Gail

13 books177 followers
Larissa Gail lives in Texas with her husband of too many years to count. After successfully raising two children and retiring from teaching, she embarked on her writing journey and published her first book, Coaching Carly, in November 2018. Her sweet with a side of spicy romances are set in small towns in Texas and Colorado. When not writing, Larissa Gail enjoys spoiling her grandkids, traveling with her husband in their RV, and getting lost in a good book.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,699 reviews98 followers
December 13, 2018
4 stars

I just love it when an author delivers on their dreams in their debut novel!. Larissa Gail's freshman effort doesn't disappoint.

Gage Wilson, former pro athlete, is looking forward to a quiet life out of the spotlight now that he's retired from football. Now able to be a full time dad to his son, he's ecstatic to receive the offer to coach football at Jonathan's school and pursue his long time goal to coach. Thinking nothing could make him happier than these two dreams realized, he's surprised when sparks fly when he nearly bowls over the school's new algebra teacher. Beautiful, kind and free of artifice, she's a breath of fresh air in a very appealing package. Getting to know her and becoming close happens quickly for him but she's holding back... will those reasons end them before they can begin?

Carly Owens is starting over. Fleeing a cheating, abusive ex-husband who won't give up on getting her back, she's trying hard to fly under the radar in her new town. Cut off from her family for fear that her ex will hurt them too, she's lonely but thankful to reconnect with wonderful friends from college who work at her new school. The news that Gage Wilson, the pro athlete from their favorite team, sets all the girls aflame but Carly knows he'd never give her the time of day. She's nothing like the woman she's seen him with in the tabloids. She's okay with that; the last thing she needs is the attention a relationship with him would garner, so she's shocked into a stupor when they run into each other, literally, and electricity sizzles between them. Giving in to his pursuit, she agrees to take it slow with the delicious coach as long as they keep their relationship out of the media for fear that her ex will find her.

Gage knows he's in love with Carly so he'll do anything he can to protect her, including going slow, at her request. Helping her to free herself from her abusive ex and the constant fear she suffers from is the key to their successful relationship. But can he make her see that he's nothing like her ex and build something real with her? Only time will tell.

Carly and Gage were great together, each character was written very well, with a great backstory. He's patient and kind and willing to go to lengths many men wouldn't. She's stronger than she realizes and is ready to put her life back together again with just a little help from her friends, one very yummy man and his fantastic son. I already see the beginnings of book two here and I can't wait. Great first read by Ms. Gail!


AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,057 reviews66 followers
December 6, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

Retired pro-football player, Gage, has decided that coaching football at the high school level is his next step in life; that and making his son his main priority. Carly has been on the move, trying to stay one step ahead of her abusive ex-husband, this time she thinks she has the hang of hiding in plain sight. Running into Gage in the hallway has left Carly a bit shook up, and not in a bad way, but she knows with her history, there is no way she can trust another man again. Can Gage prove to her he is the man worth risking it all for?

For the fact that this was the author's first story, this was a really good first book. There is room for improvement but I was actually amazed with what she did write. Drama, a bit of danger, some ok naughty moments. I will say that at times Carly got on my nerves a bit, with her assumptions and tears, someone in the position she is in would be a bit harder and not so quick to well up. All in all I'm impressed and I give this 4 stars.
Profile Image for Kelly Williams.
1,216 reviews26 followers
November 30, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. His was a good, quick easy read. Gage and Carly's chemistry was off the charts in this book. The only thing that really bothered me was how Carly jumped to conclusions so quickly. I get why but it made her come across really immature at times. All in all this was a good rad with a bit of drama and a tons of steaminess!! Gage was a great character and totally loyal. I loved how he was with his son and his need to protect Carly. Great read!!
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,180 reviews35 followers
December 12, 2018
I just love it when an author delivers on their dreams in their debut novel!. Larissa Gail's freshman effort doesn't disappoint.

Gage Wilson, former pro athlete, is looking forward to a quiet life out of the spotlight now that he's retired from football. Now able to be a full time dad to his son, he's ecstatic to receive the offer to coach football at Jonathan's school and pursue his long time goal to coach. Thinking nothing could make him happier than these two dreams realized, he's surprised when sparks fly when he nearly bowls over the school's new algebra teacher. Beautiful, kind and free of artifice, she's a breath of fresh air in a very appealing package. Getting to know her and becoming close happens quickly for him but she's holding back... will those reasons end them before they can begin?

Carly Owens is starting over. Fleeing a cheating, abusive ex-husband who won't give up on getting her back, she's trying hard to fly under the radar in her new town. Cut off from her family for fear that her ex will hurt them too, she's lonely but thankful to reconnect with wonderful friends from college who work at her new school. The news that Gage Wilson, the pro athlete from their favorite team, sets all the girls aflame but Carly knows he'd never give her the time of day. She's nothing like the woman she's seen him with in the tabloids. She's okay with that; the last thing she needs is the attention a relationship with him would garner, so she's shocked into a stupor when they run into each other, literally, and electricity sizzles between them. Giving in to his pursuit, she agrees to take it slow with the delicious coach as long as they keep their relationship out of the media for fear that her ex will find her.

Gage knows he's in love with Carly so he'll do anything he can to protect her, including going slow, at her request. Helping her to free herself from her abusive ex and the constant fear she suffers from is the key to their successful relationship. But can he make her see that he's nothing like her ex and build something real with her? Only time will tell.

Carly and Gage were great together, each character was written very well, with a great backstory. He's patient and kind and willing to go to lengths many men wouldn't. She's stronger than she realizes and is ready to put her life back together again with just a little help from her friends, one very yummy man and his fantastic son. I already see the beginnings of book two here and I can't wait. Great first read by Ms. Gail!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
December 12, 2018
Carly has finally gotten divorced from her husband who repeatedly cheated on her, then became abusive when he didn't want her to leave him, so she had to disappear from where she used to live. Hopefully now in her new life, she will be safe from him. However, her calm new life hits a snag when at her new job, the new football Coach is none other than retired pro football player Gage Wilson, a man she's been fantasizing about since he played. But she's been burned by her marriage, so she's convinced that he would never look at her twice, since she's seen the women he's had on his arm over the years, so imagine her shock when he starts to pursue her. This story was a very sweet story that I very much enjoyed a bunch. I see that it's Larissa Gail's debut book, and she definitely did a good job, so I'm very excited about her future work. Carly & Gage were amazing together, not to mention the sparks they had flying everywhere, though, at times, Gage did wait a bit too long to get in touch with her in the beginning. But that did give him a realistic feel, as men are clueless at times, especially when they get busy. And the cast of secondaries were made up of the good, the bad, and the plain ole ugly, so you will have your choice of where to put everyone. Since there's those three categories, obviously there's some twists, and those twists had me yelling out some colorful metaphors, as they set me off at times, so yeah, this story got my emotions involved. Anyway, I'm excited for this new author's future works, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews64 followers
December 14, 2018
I thought Coaching Carly was a good story it would be the first one that I've read by the Larissa Gail and I'm excited to see what's to come . Loved how the couple were brought together and how strong the connection was between them . From the start the characters just had a story to tell and that's what the author did and she did it well . I'm looking forward to more books in the love in Oaktown series and more by the author .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=9 heroine=9 secondary characters=9
Chemistry=8 steam=6 romance=9
humor=3 darkness level=3 action=3 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars =4
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone =yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,600 reviews78 followers
December 13, 2018
4 star

The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Carly and Gage’s story. Carly is just trying to start over since her divorce, but her ex is giving her issues. Gage just wants to raise his son in peace. Carly is trying to go under the radar but being with Gage just might throw her into the spotlight. Can they come to some kind of middle ground in order to be together or will Carly’s ex make sure she can’t be with Gage? Can Carly overcome her past and all her fears in order to move on with Gage? Or is this the beginning of the end?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Alexander.
1,317 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2018
More than 5 stars worth

I can’t believe this is the debut for this author. It was so well written and the flow so smooth I would have thought this was her tenth.
Loved the story! Gage and Carly were perfect for each other and the relationships Gage had with his son seemed to make the story that much more loveable.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
December 12, 2018
I am totally blown away that this is a debut novel from this author, and this is the first is a series. Carly is recently divorced from an abusive ex, and when she move away, the first day of her new job she meets Gage, who is a former pro quarterback, and is now the new football coach. The sparks fly between these two from the start, but does either of them want another relationship? This is a beautifully written story, which has twists, and love, which all had me hooked and intrigued throughout this addictive page turner. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, and she is an author to watch out for in the future.
Profile Image for Sherry.
583 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2019
Fabulous!

Coaching Carly is a sweet romance story that warms your heart. Gage and Carly literally run into each other and the attraction is instant. Carly battles through past hurts and trusts Gage with her heart. For being this author’s first full length book, I’d say she knocked it out of the park!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Kinion Falkenberry.
265 reviews10 followers
February 17, 2019
I really enjoyed their progressing relationship. I like how patient Gage was with her. Great story with exciting parts of suspense. Looking forward to her two friends stories.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
December 4, 2018
A fantastic debut from Larissa Gail! Coaching Carly has an extra dose of sweetness to go with the swoon that has your heart full of warm fuzzies even when the moments of drama have your heart racing. I found myself easily pulled in to Gage and Carly’s story. While there were minor hiccups that occasionally distracted me Larissa Gail’s writing sucked me right back in.
Carly is adorably sweet. She definitely comes off as innocent at times despite her age and past, but truthfully I felt like that was part of her charm. She’s a good woman with a kind heart and it was easy for me to end up loving her. As much as I loved her though, it was her emotional and tear filled reactions to things sometimes that I found distracting. Sometimes they seemed too immature for her in certain situations, but frankly I realize that is nitpicking on my part.
Gage was ever the swoony sweet dream man. His immediate attraction and complete devotion to Carly all while being so gentle and patient *sigh* I couldn’t get enough. He’s the kind of hero everyone is going to want to call dibs on after they meet him. I’m super excited to see what this author has coming next because I have a feeling she’s going to be a favorite for me.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
December 12, 2018
I am totally blown away that this is a debut novel from this author, and this is the first is a series. Carly is recently divorced from an abusive ex, and when she move away, the first day of her new job she meets Gage, who is a former pro quarterback, and is now the new football coach. The sparks fly between these two from the start, but does either of them want another relationship? This is a beautifully written story, which has twists, and love, which all had me hooked and intrigued throughout this addictive page turner. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, and she is an author to watch out for in the future.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,600 reviews78 followers
December 13, 2018
4 star

The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Carly and Gage’s story. Carly is just trying to start over since her divorce, but her ex is giving her issues. Gage just wants to raise his son in peace. Carly is trying to go under the radar but being with Gage just might throw her into the spotlight. Can they come to some kind of middle ground in order to be together or will Carly’s ex make sure she can’t be with Gage? Can Carly overcome her past and all her fears in order to move on with Gage? Or is this the beginning of the end?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,240 reviews43 followers
December 18, 2018
First book I have read by Larissa. It was a well written book with an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the character chemistry and the intenseness with the ex husband. Would have liked a little more between the main characters. But overall was a good book. It does have me wanting to read the next two . Overall I did enjoy reading this one and enjoyed the characters.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,240 reviews43 followers
December 18, 2018
First book I have read by Larissa. It was a well written book with an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the character chemistry and the intenseness with the ex husband. Would have liked a little more between the main characters. But overall was a good book. It does have me wanting to read the next two . Overall I did enjoy reading this one and enjoyed the characters.
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,066 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2020
Carly just moved away from her family because of her stalker ex-husband. She took a job a few towns over for a teacher. Gage is a professional ball player that retired and took a job as a football coach. His son is in high school where he will teach and plays football. Carly and Gage hit it off even though she is scared to start a relationship. She informs him of her ex and they are very careful. There is also an assistant principal giving them problems at the school. They hire a private investigator to keep tabs on her ex. When Carly goes missing from Gage’s home, it is a rush to find her ex and her before he can do too much damage. Will they find them in time? What will happen? Will there be a HEA for these two? I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for KimMacs.
418 reviews17 followers
April 29, 2025
Coaching Carly is a sweet sports romance by Larissa Gail. When football superstar Gage Wilson moves back to the small town of Oaktown, Carly can't help but get swept away by his charming personality and devilishly handsome good looks. After retiring from football, Gage takes a coaching job at Oaktown High School and is immediately smitten with Carly. As they get to know each other, Carly's complicated past constantly holds her back from pursuing a deeper relationship with Gage, but as time moves forward, she finally starts to overcome the trauma from her past.

This is a quick and easy read with plenty of spice and leaves you feeling content and happy by the end of the story. If you want a feel good read, this one will hit the spot!
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
November 22, 2019
This was a sweet romance, a little spicy in the love scenes, with memorable characters and a compelling plot. Gage is every woman's dream, and Carly is the epitome of a damsel in distress. Together they work through the complications of his fame, her abusive ex, and their shared work environment with the support of their friends and families. The story flowed nicely, but the book clearly lacked copy editing, which would have made it a much smoother read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
2,701 reviews25 followers
November 30, 2019
3 1/2*
Carly has moved town to escape her ex husband Daniel & literally bumps into Cage.
Cage has retired from football and is now coaching at the school his son attends.
The spark between them is sizzling.
I loved how Cage respected Carly’s wishes and was so caring.
Carly’s character had been through so much but showed strength.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
A nice start to the series.
Profile Image for Ashley.
124 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2025
Holy crap! I got this from one of the free kindle book days and all I can say is wow! I went into this blind, thinking oh! It’s a single dad sports story and it was so much more. I love Carly and Gage! Even Jonathan. It was a cute heartfelt story that grabbed me and dragged me into the story. I loved this! And can’t wait to read the second book!!!
Profile Image for Natalie Alice.
107 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2019
I recieved a free copy for an honest review.

Coaching Carly is Larissa Gail debut novel. It is well written.

Gage and Carly's relationship is so romantic they fit so well together.

I cant wait to read book 2.
36 reviews
December 11, 2019
This is a sweet story. I loved Carly and Gage. Carly wants a fresh start and Gage wants a quiet life with his son. Carly's ex husband wants her back. There's twists and turns in this story and I loved how it was written. I think this is a definite read, I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Ana.
130 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2019
Well written book with an interesting storyline. I love Gage and Carly story they are perfect for each other. Great debut from this author, this is the first is a series.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
15 reviews
May 1, 2025
like reading a hallmark movie with a little spice

Super cute, quick read. I related to all the teacher and school parts. I wasn’t expecting to feel as worried about a possible twist all throughout. It was fun and cute and cheese. Exactly what I was looking for.
Profile Image for Nikki Burgess.
402 reviews
February 22, 2019
Good Read

I liked the characters and the drama. It was a good story with some rollercoasters but some of the conflict was resolved to quick.
226 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2019
A cute, quick read. I enjoyed all the characters and the plot. Some little issues were resolved a little quickly. Still I'll read the next in the series when it comes out.
Profile Image for joline gish.
98 reviews
March 8, 2019
Beautiful

What as beautiful story. I love the love Carly and Gage have for each other. All TV he characters were sweet. All the villains perfectly villainous!
Profile Image for Love.
1,747 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2019
Thrilling Romance

This is a thrilling romance with refreshing characters and a interesting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat til end.
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