Today I’m excited to share my review of Laura Chapman’s second novel in the Queen of the League series in addition to an excerpt of the novel. Once you’ve read through, don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win 4 print novels by Laura Chapman!
Going for Two by Laura Chapman
Published: January 27, 2016
Book Blurb: Harper Duquaine is back for another season of fantasy football! This time she’s a year wiser and prepared to dominate the league. But while she finally seems to have her fantasy life in order, reality proves more challenging.
Her plans to peacefully play house with her boyfriend come to a halt when the high school suddenly names Brook its head football coach. The promotion comes with more responsibility on the field and less time at home. It also unexpectedly means more work for Harper, who already has her hands full helping a friend pull off the perfect proposal (while dodging questions about when she and Brook are going to get hitched already). Plus, a new development at work could leave her—and half of the fantasy league—jobless.
With the complications of her career and being “Mrs. Coach” adding up, Harper wonders if she’s committed to the life she’s already building or if there is something else out there.
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
My Review
Going for Two is the second book in the Queen of the League series by Laura Chapman. If you need another classic example of why I love Chapman’s writing, then you’ve got it right here. Her writing is clever, witty and downright entertaining.
In the second novel we continue Brook and Harper’s story. At this point in time, their relationship has progressed and they’ve moved in together. Can they accomplish domestic bliss when they’ve got new drama and chaos in their lives? And all on top of another season of fantasy football on their hands? To overcome last year’s season, Harper has thoroughly done her homework and flawlessly creates a total kick-ass team. Will her practically perfect team be enough to make the cut to the playoffs and bring home a win?
One of my absolute favorite things about this story is the idea that they’re a team. Their relationship may not be perfect and they’ve got things to overcome and big decisions to make, but they’re doing it together. It’s so spot on and relate-able and at the same time extremely entertaining. This novel kept me entertained the whole way through and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out!
Enter the Giveaway here: a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author – Laura Chapman
Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Goodreads | Blog | Website
Author Bio:
Laura Chapman is the author of Going for Two, First & Goal, The Marrying Type, and Hard Hats and Doormats. Her work also appears in Merry & Bright, A Kind of Mad Courage, and the holiday collection All I Want For Christmas from Marching Ink. She loves Huskers and Packers football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Laura makes her home in Nebraska, where she is penning her next novel. Be sure to check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Excerpt – Going for Two
The quarterback claps his hands once, then twice. He takes the snap and steps back. He
pitches the ball left to the running back and runs toward the end zone. The defense descends on
the running back, who has only taken a few steps forward. He can’t go any farther. If he does,
he’ll be tackled behind the line of scrimmage, and the clock will run out.
I cover my face, but peek through my fingers. I can’t watch, yet I have to see what happens.
With a hulking player lunging at him, the running back throws the ball straight to his right into
the waiting arms of a wide receiver. The game clock ticks down to zero as the wide receiver
pulls back and throws the ball into the waiting arms of the wide open quarterback.
Oh. My. God. That was one of the most ridiculous trick plays I’ve ever seen. It’s like
something from one of the epic football movies or TV shows Brook made me binge-watch with
him over the summer. And it worked.
While the crowd around me roars, I set my sights on the sidelines once more. Brook jumps in
the air and rushes out onto the field with the rest of the players and coaches. One of the offensive
linemen pulls him into a hug that lifts his more than six-foot frame off the ground for a moment.
The quarterback, who has finished his celebration in the end zone, turns on his heel and makes a
run for the celebrating crowd. Brook never has a chance to prepare for the impact when the QB
throws him to the ground. A bunch of the other players join in the pileup.
I wince through my laughter. “He’s going to hurt in the morning.”
Major MacLaughlin’s lip twitches. “Probably so, but he’ll say it was worth it.”
“I wish they’d be a little more careful with him.” Mrs. MacLaughlin darts a worried glance at
the field. “He’s not wearing any pads, and he’s not as young as he used to be.”
“He’s practically geriatric.” Amelia winks at me. “I’m surprised the AARP even lets him out
on the field.”
“I’m not saying he’s old—”
“You don’t have to.” Amelia’s face sobers, but her eyes sparkle. “I’m pretty sure I heard him
complain about an ache in his hip that bothers him whenever the weather turns cold.”
Mrs. MacLaughlin’s face grows concerned, and her husband intervenes—sending a warning
look at Amelia—assuring her that Brook is fine.
One by one the players roll out of the dog pile and spring to their feet to greet the waiting
parents and fans. The quarterback is last to stumble up. He offers Brook a hand to help him
stand. Limping up, Brook’s face is flushed but beaming. Leaning his forehead against the
player’s helmet, he says something and pats the top of the player’s head. A lump lodges in my
throat, and my eyes sting.
What is it about a great football comeback story that always makes me cry?
The ruckus on the field cools to handshakes and hugs. Brook glances up at the stands.
Amelia’s daughters, Marley and Ellery, jump around waving their arms and screaming his name.
A grin spreads across his face, and he waves back.
I’m making a resolution right now. Every time I feel the slightest ebb of jealousy or
annoyance about how much time he spends on his job, I’m bringing myself back here, to this
moment. I’ll remember the pure joy on his face, the joy swelling in my heart. And I’ll understand
why he puts in the early mornings and late nights.
His eyes scan past the girls and Amelia, past her boyfriend, Wade, and his parents until they
land on me. The grin turns up a watt just for me. He covers his heart then points at me. My
breath catches, but I manage to mouth “I love you, too” back. For a few seconds, it’s just us. Him
and me. Like we’re in a bubble, and everything around us fades away. Yeah, I’m definitely
saving this memory for later.
~~~
Check out the other stops on Laura’s tour…
February 22- Chick Lit Club Connect – Excerpt
February 23 – A Southern Girls Bookshelf- Review & Excerpt
February 24 – Chick Lit Goddess – Excerpt
February 25 – Living Life With Joy – Review & Excerpt
February 26 – Authors and Readers Book Corner – Excerpt
February 29 – Annabel and Alice – Review
March 1 – A British Bookworm – Excerpt
March 1 – Around the World in Books – Excerpt
March 3 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review
March 4 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
March 4 – Whispering Stories – Review & Excerpt
March 7 – Chick Lit Plus – Excerpt
Check out Laura’s other novels…
First & Goal
Published: September 9, 2015
Set your lineups and pull out the old game tape—football is here. This year, you can experience fantasy football vicariously through (or commiserate with) Harper Duquaine in First & Goal by Laura Chapman.
What begins as a way to make nice with her new co-workers soon becomes an obsession for Harper as she navigates the ups and downs of managing a fantasy football team. Add in a pair of meddling brothers, a crew of quirky colleagues, and a league-mate who makes her toes curl, and Harper’s football season has plenty to keep her interested.
This new romantic comedy is now available from Marching Ink on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Join in the fun and cheer Harper on as she takes on the old boys club.
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Then beat them.
About the Book: When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way).
Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.
With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads | Kobo
The Marrying Type
Published: February 24, 2015
About the Book: Always the wedding planner, never a bride, Elliot Lynch is famous for orchestrating the splashiest weddings in Charleston, South Carolina. When her father’s sloppy management practices leave them on the brink of bankruptcy, Elliot will do whatever it takes to save the family business. When asked to appear on “The Marrying Type,” a reality TV show about the people behind the scenes as couples exchange I dos, she says yes to the invasion of privacy (and the hefty paycheck that comes with it).
With a camera crew capturing every detail of her life, Elliot faces her most challenging contract yet: planning a wedding where her ex is involved in every part of the process. Add in a lazy assistant, liquor-loving bridesmaid, and rival planner encroaching on her turf, and Elliot’s wedding season goes from high-end to high-stress.
Forced to confront her past, Elliot must live out her troubled present on national TV if she has any hope of saving her future.
Check out my review on the novel here and my interview with the author here!
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Kobo | Marching Ink
Hard Hats & Doormats
Published: December 11, 2013
About the Book: Lexi Burke has always been a stickler for following rules and procedures. As a human resources manager for a leading Gulf Coast chemical company, it’s her job to make sure everyone else falls in line, too.
But after losing out on a big promotion–-because her boss sees her as too much of a yes-woman––Lexi adopts a new policy of following her heart instead of the fine print. And her heart knows what it wants: Jason Beaumont, a workplace crush who is off limits based on her previous protocol.
While navigating a new romance and interoffice politics, Lexi must find the confidence to stand on her own or face a lifetime of following someone else’s orders.
Who says nice girls have to finish last?
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Kobo | Marching Ink
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for the fab review. I’m having all kinds of feels from it. Thanks for being on the tour! XO
Hey, I’m nominating you for the Liebster award, it’ll be online soon xx