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A Coach's Love #2

Hustle and Heart: A Coach's Love 2

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The loss of my wife brings me home from the Army to raise my two kids as a single father. When my son decides to play football on the very same team I started out on, I’m thrilled. I instantly sign up to coach, excited to share this time with him. 

The season is starting up and I’m about to meet my boys, but I’m not expecting to meet her. The wind is practically knocked out of me when I spot Karen standing there in a line of parents all waiting for the same thing—football gear. The connection between us is instant, just as it was all those years ago, and the smile on her face tells me she feels it too.

When I discover her husband has left her for another woman, I know it’s time to make her mine, but he’s not too happy when he finds out I’m the man in her life. He gave her up and that’s one thing I won’t do. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from sports is cheaters never win. In life and in sports you need to have...
...Hustle and Heart
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Alison Mello

25 books724 followers

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5 stars
73 (60%)
4 stars
29 (24%)
3 stars
14 (11%)
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4 (3%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,459 reviews140 followers
August 11, 2018
This is the 2nd book in this series and I enjoyed this one more, it's still a heartfelt story but has more drama which I love in books.

This is old school friends Jesse and Karen's story, one thing I love are the secondary characters In there books apart from Karen's ex. Both of them are now single parents but for drastically reasons. The support that Jesse and his family give to Karen gave me happy vibes. The way the two families especially the kids mind together warmed my heart.

This is a series I will definitely read more of.


Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,280 reviews65 followers
July 11, 2018
This is one of the best second chance romance stories I've ever read. Jesse and Karen knew each other in high school, had feelings for each other but never acted on them and went their separate ways. Jesse lost his wife and is left raising two children, with his mother's help. And just let me add that his mother is awesome. Loved her in this story! Karen is in the middle of a divorce from a husband who is cheating on her. The story that follows is just wonderful as Jesse and Karen re-connect through little league football. We get to see the Mom Squad again along with the characters from the first book in this series. I just can't say enough about how much I loved reading this book and how "Perfect" it is!! Do yourself and favor and pick this up.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,466 reviews61 followers
August 5, 2018
Hustle And Heart is book in A Coach's Love series and it is so good. Karen and Jesse have known each other since high school but went off on different directions after. When circumstances bring the two back together, they realize that the feelings from long ago are still there. I love this series and author so much. If you haven't started this series yet I highly recommend that you do.
Profile Image for Kemberlee Snelling.
488 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2018
What a wonderful story about two people getting a second chance. Jesse and Karen are dynamic together. A great story centered around a coach, team mom, and a football team.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
July 30, 2018
I get so ridiculously excited when I get to read anything by Alison Mello! The second in her A Coach’s Love series, Hustle and Heart was just as amazing as the first book! This series is fast becoming a favorite for me and I can honestly say I’ll be going back and rereading this one as often as I’ve reread the previous. Which is a lot. Alison Mello writes some of the sweetest most heartwarming romance and I can’t get enough of it! I swear the amount of happy sighs I did why reading Hustle and Heart had to have been in the hundreds.
Karen and Jesse have such a beautiful love. Their story is one that hits you right in the feels. With steamy swoony magic between them and sweet heart felt emotional moments with their children it was enough to keep me up late into the night unable to put this book down. Both Karen and Jesse have been put through the wringer with their first marriages but in completely different ways.
While Jesse’s previous marriage is well into the past, Karen’s ex was still putting her and her adorable son through a nightmare. I love how supportive not only Jesse, but his entire family was of Karen and her son. The bond between these two families just melted my heart. The kids were just as invested in building this new little family as their parents were and it made this story all the more special for it.
I’m so excited for more in this series and can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,157 reviews40 followers
July 16, 2018
5 Hustling Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


Wow! Just wow! Have you ever read a book and gotten hooked just from the first sentence?? Hustle and Heart by Alison Mello is captivating and will leave you wanting way more when it is over. The connection Jesse and Karen share is impeccable and downright spectacular.

After decades of being apart Jesse and Karen see each other at football sign ups. From then on they embark on this whirlwind romance that is very fitting for the two of them and their respective children. Both have had their share of heartbreak.

Jesse and Karen are such amazing characters, they are loving parents to their children and to each other. Of course, I wanted to throat punch Karen’s ex-husband, Brian, for the way he treats Jason and Karen. Jason, Gabe, and Grace are wonderful children and who deserve loving parents.

You will fall madly in love with Jesse and Karen has their romance blossoms and their children do their best to make their romance move at warp speed. I guarantee you will be hooked as soon as you start reading.

**ARC provided for honest review**
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews349 followers
August 7, 2018
-Kacie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Alison Mello is one of my new favorite authors! She won me over in Refuse To Lose and she reinforced why in Hustle and Heart. She is a great storyteller. Her stories are engaging, captivating, and relatable. Her words flow together so effortlessly that the book is over before you know it.

I loved EVERYTHING about this book! I love that Karen and Jesse got their second chance together. I love that everyone got along so well. I loved that Jason and Gabe were so close and such good friends. They had each other’s back and were brothers long before it was official. I love how Jesse stepped up for Jason. He was a great example of a Daddy not only in his actions but in his love. I loved the ending, it was the closure that I needed. I have never been happy to see a character die, but I was overjoyed with this one. It’s kind of morbid and wrong, but if you read this book, I think you’ll agree with me.
Profile Image for Kim.
216 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2018
Hustle and Heart by Alison Mello is an excellent book. This is the story of Jesse and Karen. Jesse is ex-military and now work in construction and coaches football. He lost his wife a couple of years earlier to drugs. Karen work in a legal office and is in the middle of a divorce. Jesse and Karen knew each and were attracted to each other in high school. They meet again when Karen signs her son up for football and Jesse is the coach. They still have a strong chemistry after all the years apart. Will they let their pasts come between them? Will they overcome all the obstacles before them to get their HEA? You will need to read the book to get the answer to these questions. I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read Alison's next book.
748 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2018
Another sweet romance with a bite from Alison Mello

A year after Karen’s husband left her and their son for another woman she meets Jesse on the first day of Pop Warner football practice. They knew each other in high school but when Jesse tried to tell Karen that her boyfriend (and later husband) was cheating on her she refused to believe him and they parted ways.

Jesse joined the service, got married and had two children but he never forgot Karen. He’s now a widower and when he sees Karen he’s determined to develop a relationship with her. When Karen’s ex realizes that she and Jesse are together, he does everything he can to make her life miserable. What can they do to be together and extract her ex from their lives?
Profile Image for wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks).
2,553 reviews25 followers
July 18, 2018
Love second chance romance and this is one of my favorites. Karen married her high school sweetheart and they had a kid together but lately things haven't been great and now she knows why, her husband has been having an affair and the divorce isn't pretty especially when Karen rekindles a flame from high school. Jesse was Karen boyfriend BFF in high school and actually liked Karen first but it didn't work out that way now that they've ran into eavh other again he's not letting his chance pass this time.
Profile Image for Lisa Reynolds.
148 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2018
I have to admit I really enjoyed this book. Karen and Jesse knew each other from high school. They were good friends back then but went their separate ways. Then when unforeseen circumstances brought them together again they realized their feelings were stronger then ever. This story just proves that second chances are still possible. I enjoyed it and I love how the kids are always so much a big part of the story too. The characters are awesome. Great book.
August 5, 2018
This is the second book in a series. I really liked this book. The characters were really likable and I was rooting for them the whole time. I especially enjoyed the fact that they knew each other a long time ago, and reunited, therefore getting to rediscover each other in a whole new light. I really liked the kids featured in the book, too. The secondary characters were enjoyable too. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Reviewed by: Clare M.
Profile Image for Lena.
1,611 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2018
The second book in this stand alone serie. I loved the first book and also the second one. Jesse and Karens story is well worth reading. It’s about two families that’s been through a great deal, but still find joy everywhere.
It’s a heartwarming story in a slower pace - a feelgood book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
136 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2018
What a great story ! I absolutely love second chance romance. This book did not disappoint in any way. Sweet , serious, intriguing, steamy, humorous are all apt descriptions for this book.
Must read!
651 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2018
This one had lots of story with out a lot of drama.
I loves this book and how the two families come together as one. I also love the new out look on sports romance and how Alison Mello has added in kids and make it work so perfectly.
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,471 reviews247 followers
April 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this installment in this series. The kids are such a treat and add in the secondary characters, the romance, the lighting drama and I was hooked. I like that the second chance for Karen and Jesse. There was humor and steam but a whole lot of heart when it come to these family’s becoming one. There were times when my heart broke for Jason (Karen’s son). He has to deal with so much but he was such a bright kid and he really took the cake in this book. There was no push and pull in the romance aspect which is always awesome.

I did notice some small typos and some things that I feel were resolved in the overall story but it didn’t really take away from my reading experience. I do plan to read the next book in this series because this big group of characters have totally stolen my heart. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Profile Image for Elias .
419 reviews10 followers
August 5, 2018
H & H is book two in A Coach's Love series which focuses on second chance romance. If you haven't begun this series yet, check out my review of book one, Refuse to Lose here.

Karen's husband, Brian, left her for another woman and she's now raising her son, Jason, all alone. Jesse is a widower raising two boys with the help of his mother and becomes instantly intrigued when Karen comes stumbling back into his life. They'd been friends in high school, but even when Jesse tried to warn Karen about Brian back when they were still just dating, she didn't listen, and now, they're making up for lost time.

Jesse is just as entranced by Karen now as he was back in high school, os when he winds up coaching Jasons's baseball team, and Karen is around more often, he can't let her slip through his fingers a second time. Karen's been wounded, so she's slow to get involved in order to protect her heart and her son. However, Jesse is patient and understanding. He's willing to be there when and how Karen needs him, and because of that, they wind up getting involved rather quickly.

All seems to be going well for the pair. Jesse and Karen get along great, and their chemistry behind closed doors is undeniable. Their boys have adjusted and become fast friends too, and the whole gang seems dedicated to enjoying and protecting the family they've begun to build.

It's when Brian returns to spend time with Jason that trouble occurs. He may have left his wife and child high and dry, but seeing another man on his turf, taking care of what he thinks is still his causes major problems and could jeopardize everything Jesse and Karen have worked so hard to maintain.

This was a cute story. I'm not a sports fan, so all the baseball scenes with the kids was a bit lost on me and made the story drag slightly, but I enjoyed the family dynamic of this new pair. Just like with book one, book two still had a choppy writing style so I'd very quickly move from a cute moment, to sports moment, to a steamy romantic moment without much of a flowy transitionin between. I also felt like a lot happened in a short amount of time. I think if there was some more detail in the text and the characters took a little more time to fall in love, I would've adored this story more. This book is only 233 pages, so this romance happens fast.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,523 reviews243 followers
August 4, 2018
Jesse Townson is a single dad to Gabe and Grace and finally retired from the Army a year ago deciding that he needed to be there more for his kids. He has decided to volunteer to coach Gabe’s football team on the same field that he grew up playing on.
Karen Carter’s husband, Brian, left her a year ago after having an affair with his secretary Melinda. When Karen’s son Jason asks to play football she agrees as some of his close friends, Mason and DJ, have also decided to play.
When Jesse sees Karen he hopes she will remember him from their time growing up together. He know he still has feelings for her but will she feel the same? When Brian begins to cause problems with Karen and Jason will Karen be able to focus on what she wants for the future or will she give in to what Brian wants?
This is the second book in the series and I loved that we still got more from the characters that we loved from the first book.
I liked Jesse and I felt bad when we learn about what happened with his marriage to Della but I loved that his mom, Josephine, really helped him out and was there for the kids. You could tell that Jesse was a great dad and that he would do anything for his kids.
My heart broke for Karen and I hated the way that Brian treated both her and Jason. I was mad at how many times Brian let Jason down and how he had no interest in being there for anything until Jesse came into the picture and then all of a sudden he was there. Karen had courage and I was glad she finally allowed herself to lead with her heart.
The chemistry between the two was a long time coming but I loved how adamant Karen was to Jason that she wouldn’t have changed anything as he meant more to her than anything else. I could definitely relate to that in my own life. I thought it was great how accepting all the kids were of each other and how they were all there for each other.
Through the book I became more and more angry with Brian and the things he began to say and do. Towards the end I was absolutely furious when Jason was blamed for something that he was the victim of. I was shocked at the end but I was not surprised and I was happy for the sense of peace that it brought.
The very end was so awesome in the way that Jesse was able to pull everything off and I can’t wait for the next book if it contains all these characters! - By Rebecca
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,098 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2018
This is the second book in the series and I loved that we still got more from the characters that we loved from the first book.

I liked Jesse and I felt bad when we learn about what happened with his marriage to Della but I loved that his mom, Josephine, really helped him out and was there for the kids. You could tell that Jesse was a great dad and that he would do anything for his kids.

My heart broke for Karen and I hated the way that Brian treated both her and Jason. I was mad at how many times Brian let Jason down and how he had no interest in being there for anything until Jesse came into the picture and then all of a sudden he was there. Karen had courage and I was glad she finally allowed herself to lead with her heart.

The chemistry between the two was a long time coming but I loved how adamant Karen was to Jason that she wouldn’t have changed anything as he meant more to her than anything else. I could definitely relate to that in my own life. I thought it was great how accepting all the kids were of each other and how they were all there for each other.

Through the book I became more and more angry with Brian and the things he began to say and do. Towards the end I was absolutely furious when Jason was blamed for something that he was the victim of. I was shocked at the end but I was not surprised and I was happy for the sense of peace that it brought.

The very end was so awesome in the way that Jesse was able to pull everything off and I can’t wait for the next book if it contains all these characters!
Profile Image for Liz.
3,493 reviews58 followers
August 6, 2018
I absolutely loved Refuse to Lose, book one in A Coach’s Love series, so when I saw book two, Hustle and Herat by Alison Mellow was coming, I could not wait to read it! Let me tell you I was not disappointed. If anything, I loved this second chance romance even more!

Jesse and Karen knew each other in high school, but then life happened and both went down different directions. Jesse is now a widower and single father raising his two kids. When one decides to join football, Jesse is excited to be a part of the team as a coach, but he never expected to see Karen there as well after all these years.

Karen is in the process of getting divorced from her cheating husband and trying to find her way as a single mother. Seeing Jesse was the last thing she expected, much less her reaction to him! With this second chance, they both go down a path that was so sweet. I loved seeing these two families blend together and how much support they got from their family and friends. But life is never easy and when Karen’s past comes back, can they find a way to make it through?

This was such a sweet and charming second chance romance. I loved Jesse and Karen so much. They were both honest, caring and supportive. Their story will captivate you from start to end!

4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Shannanaghans.
52 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2019
Another great Melo story

The beautiful story of second chances, learning life lessons, and finding love. Melo has a way about creating characters you either love or hate, you can’t help but fall in love with Karen and Jesse and hope they end up together after everything. It was nice to see the mom squad back at it, supporting each other and lifting each other up. I cannot wait for book 3 and basketball season!!!
Profile Image for Alicia Harrietha.
547 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2018
Hustle and Heart by Alison Mello is book two in the Coach’s Love Series and it is equally as beautifully as the first book. Alison has created a story of second chance romance that fills your heart and makes you sigh with joy.

Karen and Jesse has known each other since their time in high school and even thought they never dated, Jesse always had a soft spot for her. Now years later, both marriages have failed and they are once again living in the same town. They meet while Karen was signing up her son Jason for football. Jesse just happens to be the coach and persuade Karen to help out.

As things grow, the bonds between both families get s stronger even though Karen’s ex is causing problems. Both families are supportive of each other and it shows in the love that is growing between them.

Definitely a feel good, sweet story you wouldn’t want to miss. Awesome job Alison Mello!!!
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
August 5, 2018
This story made me smile, well during most of it. It was complicated not in the normal sense but in the relationship baggage that comes with divorce or loss. This couple had known each other as kids and the same man that caused problems when they were adults was the obstacle that came between them. Years later he's all in but she has deep scars that he will have to help her heal first. Great story. Not too sure Grace would survive in my house but at times she was cute. Love the boys and the message to them throughout the mess. Great friends and support help out as well especially when you have a Josephine in the midst.

Love the direction of this series. This author shows she can tear your heart up over non-military and military alike. Love the spunk and strength of her characters and of course let's not forget the steam factor. We are always guaranteed some steam but it never takes away from the story.
Profile Image for D.
1,051 reviews
August 15, 2018
Hustle and Heart

Should I start by saying what I don't like about this book? I felt the Karen and Jesse relationship happened too fast, especially since both of them had kids. I would have loved for the author  to allow this couple to progress slowly into a relationship. Other than that, it was a good story. I love that Jesse loved and adored his kids, and that he knew he wanted to be in a long term relationship with Karen. I don't feel that Karen had a strong voice in this story, I really felt that this was Jesse's story.

I like Karen, and I do  think the author did a good job of showing how Karen's relationship with her husband affected her relationship with Jesse. But I did think that the author missed the mark, when it came to writing a realistic portrayal of how a divorce affects kids.  Overall, it was a fun read, and I would give it three stars, because it lacks depth.

Profile Image for CoffeeMom H.
173 reviews12 followers
July 16, 2018
First off I will state that yes this is book 2 in A Coach's Love Series. While I suggest it is better if you read the first one where you get to know the mom squad, it is not necessary as I feel that this book could be read as a stand-alone. Now on to my review. Wow, what to say about Hustle and Heart by Alison Mello. This book had me from the first few pages. It was a wonderful, heart-shattering and compelling story and is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ. Jesse and Karen have known each other from early on. Events sent them both on different paths until life throws them together once again. Can they both work through their problems for a happy ending or will it end before it even starts? Really you think that I am going to tell you. Nope, you need to grab a copy of this book and find out for yourself.
Profile Image for Steph.
500 reviews24 followers
August 5, 2018
Five stars are not NEARLY enough for this second book in A Coach's Love series.

In this book, we meet single mom Karen and Jesse. Both these characters knew each other in high school, but then life got in the way, and they diverted to separate paths. Karen ended up marrying a man she thought she knew, while Jesse moved on with his life, lost a wife, had children, and went into the Army.

But football brings them back together, when Karen's son joins Jesse's football team, and soon, there are sparks on the field, and off!

This is a book I have read over and over again because I absolutely LOVE the storyline and the characters. Alison did a fabulous job developing the plot, and manages to make you fall in love instantly with the characters.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
2,983 reviews23 followers
August 6, 2018
Wonderful story about a second chance to get it right.

Jesse and Karen meet again, years after they knew each other in high school, and now they're both single parents with sons on the same youth football team. Their hearts pick up right where they left off, even if their heads try to be more mature and take things slow. There's still plenty of heartbreak ahead before they find their HEA, but their love proves strong enough to survive any test.

I loved seeing the Mom Squad again, and Jesse's mother is an absolute gem. Karen has had to develop a spine of steel to stand up to the hand life has dealt her, but she does it with grace and her love for her son always shines through. It's a beautiful slice-of-life story and I loved every bit of it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
16.8k reviews199 followers
August 6, 2018
This is the second book in this awesome series, and is Karen and Jesse’s story. Jesse is a single dad and Karen is in the process of getting a divorce from her cheating ex. These two knew each other previously, and went on separate paths in life. As soon as they set eyes on each other again the chemistry as intense as it always was, but will they be able to overcome obstacles in their path? No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This talented author has done a wonderful job in writing this story, which is a steamy and emotional page turner. I was completely hooked and intrigued throughout, and cannot wait to read more of this authors’ work, and I highly recommend her work for all readers! In my opinion, this story is worth so much more than the 5 stars allowed!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews84 followers
August 6, 2018
After the death of his wife a few years earlier Jesse has become a single father to his son and daughter. When his son decides he wants to play on the football team he volunteers to coach.

Karen married her high school sweetheart and they have a son. She is in the middle of a divorce after he was unfaithful and is happy when her son shows some interest in playing football.

Jesse and Karen attended high school together and when he sees Karen he feels the connection that always exists between them. A relationship ensues but are their feelings for each other strong enough to overcome the forces that are trying to tear them apart?

I really enjoyed these two characters as their experiences with marriage were less than perfect, but they were still willing to open their hearts up to a new love. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
3,717 reviews47 followers
August 6, 2018
This is the second book in A Coach's Love series. I loved the first book so I knew I had to read this one too. It has a single dad which is what I'm gobbling up right now. I really enjoyed this one. Jesse coaches the the kids football and that brings a blast from the past back into his life. Karen and Jesse are given a second chance will they learn from their previous mistakes? Karen's ex is a piece of work. Alison Mello created a great character that's easy to dislike wholeheartedly. The rest of cast of characters were well written. The children sometimes stole the show for me. They had funny moments, but also some really serious punch you in the heart moments. Well balanced book that delivered on heat, heart, and humor.
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