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Queen of the League #1
First & Goal
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.
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.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2015
46 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Laura Chapman
26 books134 followersLaura Chapman is the author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies, including Playing House, The Marrying Type, the Queen of the League series, and other stories. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 30, 2015
Review to Come...
What can I say about Queen Harper. I mean Harper. She is good at her job. Sticking to herself and she is alright with that. Until her boss says she has to be social with the guys. When she hears that there is a fantasy football league, she jumps at the opportunity since they need one more person.
You meet Gio, JJ, Brook, Wade and several others.
Some work at the dealership with her but others are not. Her competitive nature comes out during this time with her older brothers helping her win. She is on a streak. Eventually she starts to have feelings for one of the guys and he her. Their lives keep coming together in a way that seems like fate or so much more.
My question is, is there going to be more of this series? I want to see Wade and Amelia. I want to see more from Harper and Brook. Will JJ stop being a douche?
I loved this because seeing Amelia's kids with Scott's son doing the fake draft was to cute. I'm one of the only girls in my fantasy football league and it stinks sometimes. So this felt like me (though I'm married.) I need more. Want more. Laura you are on my watch list. I think I might be going through your other books and see what else I can find.
What can I say about Queen Harper. I mean Harper. She is good at her job. Sticking to herself and she is alright with that. Until her boss says she has to be social with the guys. When she hears that there is a fantasy football league, she jumps at the opportunity since they need one more person.
You meet Gio, JJ, Brook, Wade and several others.
Some work at the dealership with her but others are not. Her competitive nature comes out during this time with her older brothers helping her win. She is on a streak. Eventually she starts to have feelings for one of the guys and he her. Their lives keep coming together in a way that seems like fate or so much more.
My question is, is there going to be more of this series? I want to see Wade and Amelia. I want to see more from Harper and Brook. Will JJ stop being a douche?
I loved this because seeing Amelia's kids with Scott's son doing the fake draft was to cute. I'm one of the only girls in my fantasy football league and it stinks sometimes. So this felt like me (though I'm married.) I need more. Want more. Laura you are on my watch list. I think I might be going through your other books and see what else I can find.
September 30, 2015
Harper Duquaine knew she was always doing her best at work, and it was evident that her boss was impressed with her. But he also realized that Harper needed to make friends and bond with her officemates. So he asked her to improve her social skills so they wouldn't call her Harper the Harper.
JJ, Gio and Wade had a fantasy football game coming up and they needed another player to complete the gang. Enter Harper and everyone was surprised when she volunteered to join the game. Who would have thought that a lady like her knew anything about football?
Well, the guys were in for a big surprise. Thanks to her brothers who were big football fans and players, Harper ventured and risked on a high stakes game with her wit, determination her heart in her sleeves. A fantasy game that will change her and her colleagues perception of her.
After finishing this book, I thought Queen Harper was an inspiration. I liked how she had transformed herself from a reluctant co-worker into a brave and compassionate game player. Brook, one of Harper's football fantasy competition was also a likable character. He wasn't working with Harper and the boys in the same company, but he was friends with them.
Brook had this charismatic appeal that made me love him. A school teacher who thinks of other people's welfare first before himself. A loving uncle to kids who meant the world to him. He was a man worth rooting for.
First & Goal featured a lot of football players, techniques and ideas that football aficionados would easily relate to. While I may not have been aware of all these people and sports jargon, I liked the feel of the story, I liked the pacing and world-building and I liked mostly the characters individual personalities. Laura Chapman hit the jackpot with this novel!
JJ, Gio and Wade had a fantasy football game coming up and they needed another player to complete the gang. Enter Harper and everyone was surprised when she volunteered to join the game. Who would have thought that a lady like her knew anything about football?
Well, the guys were in for a big surprise. Thanks to her brothers who were big football fans and players, Harper ventured and risked on a high stakes game with her wit, determination her heart in her sleeves. A fantasy game that will change her and her colleagues perception of her.
After finishing this book, I thought Queen Harper was an inspiration. I liked how she had transformed herself from a reluctant co-worker into a brave and compassionate game player. Brook, one of Harper's football fantasy competition was also a likable character. He wasn't working with Harper and the boys in the same company, but he was friends with them.
Brook had this charismatic appeal that made me love him. A school teacher who thinks of other people's welfare first before himself. A loving uncle to kids who meant the world to him. He was a man worth rooting for.
First & Goal featured a lot of football players, techniques and ideas that football aficionados would easily relate to. While I may not have been aware of all these people and sports jargon, I liked the feel of the story, I liked the pacing and world-building and I liked mostly the characters individual personalities. Laura Chapman hit the jackpot with this novel!
September 4, 2015
There was something about the blurb which attracted me to this book. Generally I'm on the fence where chicLit is concerned but I really enjoyed this one despite as a Brit "not knowing a keeper from a sleeper". Fantasy football is very dominant is this book, unlike me Laura and Harper do know a lot about American Football. Harper herself like her father and brothers is a dedicated "Packers" fan.
Laura is good at her job but new at the office having taken a transfer when her relationship with a coworker ended. In the testosterone world of car dealerships she needs a way to become one of the guys. An opening in the fantasy football league seems like the ideal solution.
Whilst this is a romantic comedy it is also about the value of friendship, family, being one of the guys and not putting work before people. The story is well paced and features well defined three dimensional characters. Harper is an easy character to like and emphasise with whilst Brook came over initially as too good to be true. I liked the strong contrast in character between Brook and JJ as the two ex footballers and how the differences were such a strong part of the story.
It is a really engaging read which had me hooked from page one and didn't let go making it hard to put down. This is a book that you can recommend to friends. Needless to say I really enjoyed this book. It had a good plot and would make an excellent movie. I don't consider myself a sports fan but I am and always have been a sucker for light feel good sports films.
Highly recommended.
(Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by the author and CLP Tours in exchange for an honest review.)
Laura is good at her job but new at the office having taken a transfer when her relationship with a coworker ended. In the testosterone world of car dealerships she needs a way to become one of the guys. An opening in the fantasy football league seems like the ideal solution.
Whilst this is a romantic comedy it is also about the value of friendship, family, being one of the guys and not putting work before people. The story is well paced and features well defined three dimensional characters. Harper is an easy character to like and emphasise with whilst Brook came over initially as too good to be true. I liked the strong contrast in character between Brook and JJ as the two ex footballers and how the differences were such a strong part of the story.
It is a really engaging read which had me hooked from page one and didn't let go making it hard to put down. This is a book that you can recommend to friends. Needless to say I really enjoyed this book. It had a good plot and would make an excellent movie. I don't consider myself a sports fan but I am and always have been a sucker for light feel good sports films.
Highly recommended.
(Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by the author and CLP Tours in exchange for an honest review.)
September 18, 2015
Reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Harper Duquaine comes from a family of football enthusiasts. Problem is, she never paid much attention to the ins and outs of the game. In an attempt to play nice and gain acceptance from her co-workers, she joins their fantasy football league, only to find out that it’s not nearly as simple as she figured it would be. Who knew the intricacies involved with choosing a lineup? Taking into account real-life player’s stats, not to mention the role fate plays during any given game, there’s never a sure guarantee. It’s a gamble from one lineup to the next! What did she get herself into?
Harper doesn’t like to gamble. Not with her stats, or her heart. When she finds herself falling for Brook, a high school football coach who has a heart of gold, she knows she needs to put her feelings in check and keep her eye on the prize. He’s a fellow league member. It’s not a good idea to get involved with your competition, especially the guy who has a winning streak. It’s best to keep things as professional as possible. If only her heart would obey!
I have to admit to something. Me, personally? I’ve never been a fan of football. I didn’t grow up around football enthusiasts. No one in my family ever took in a game, we never got excited over throwing the ol’ pigskin around, or had a favorite team we rooted for. I catch the occasional Super Bowl while chowing down on chips and dip, but that’s about it. Laura Chapman has done a phenomenal job creating fun, realistic characters that you will easily identify with and fall for, no matter your football background. After reading Harper's experiences, I’ve had a major change of heart. I want to sign up with a league myself!
It takes a lot of guts to play in what might be considered a “man’s game.” First & Goal proves to all of us that it doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a girl. All that matters is whether or not you’ve got your head in the game.
Harper Duquaine comes from a family of football enthusiasts. Problem is, she never paid much attention to the ins and outs of the game. In an attempt to play nice and gain acceptance from her co-workers, she joins their fantasy football league, only to find out that it’s not nearly as simple as she figured it would be. Who knew the intricacies involved with choosing a lineup? Taking into account real-life player’s stats, not to mention the role fate plays during any given game, there’s never a sure guarantee. It’s a gamble from one lineup to the next! What did she get herself into?
Harper doesn’t like to gamble. Not with her stats, or her heart. When she finds herself falling for Brook, a high school football coach who has a heart of gold, she knows she needs to put her feelings in check and keep her eye on the prize. He’s a fellow league member. It’s not a good idea to get involved with your competition, especially the guy who has a winning streak. It’s best to keep things as professional as possible. If only her heart would obey!
I have to admit to something. Me, personally? I’ve never been a fan of football. I didn’t grow up around football enthusiasts. No one in my family ever took in a game, we never got excited over throwing the ol’ pigskin around, or had a favorite team we rooted for. I catch the occasional Super Bowl while chowing down on chips and dip, but that’s about it. Laura Chapman has done a phenomenal job creating fun, realistic characters that you will easily identify with and fall for, no matter your football background. After reading Harper's experiences, I’ve had a major change of heart. I want to sign up with a league myself!
It takes a lot of guts to play in what might be considered a “man’s game.” First & Goal proves to all of us that it doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a girl. All that matters is whether or not you’ve got your head in the game.
September 14, 2015
Finally! Author Laura Chapman takes her personal passion for fantasy football leagues and creates a hilarious chick lit story with a football theme to kickoff the 2015 NFL season! Yesssssssssss!
First & Goal is an entertaining chick lit tale that follows the trials and tribulations of Harper Duquaine as she delves into the competitive world of fantasy football leagues.
Author Laura Chapman weaves a sassy tale full of humor and drama that easily draws the reader into Harper's story as she tries to fit in with her new co-workers by joining their fantasy football league. As a newbie, it doesn't take long for Harper to set aside nicety and realize the competitive edge to the league ... and when you add in two sexy men who vie for her attention but who are also her challengers, what are her chances at winning the game and finding love?
As a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan who also plays the various fantasy sports leagues, I can so relate to the author's passion, and to Harper's competitive side as she learns the ins-and-outs of fantasy football leagues, and the drama that comes with it. I couldn't help but snicker as I read the story, it is just plain fun. I absolutely loved the intertwining of romance with a football theme, football fans get the best of both worlds in this nifty little story!
First & Goal is an exciting and fast paced story that flows smoothly and easily keeps the reader turning the pages. Author Laura Chapman sure knows how to weave an enjoyable tale that keeps her readers in stitches. You can't help but get caught up in Harper's roller coaster ride of a life full of crazy co-workers and fantasy football drama, and a sweet chance at romance, it's simply delightful!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in the virtual book release blitz hosted by the author and publisher.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
First & Goal is an entertaining chick lit tale that follows the trials and tribulations of Harper Duquaine as she delves into the competitive world of fantasy football leagues.
Author Laura Chapman weaves a sassy tale full of humor and drama that easily draws the reader into Harper's story as she tries to fit in with her new co-workers by joining their fantasy football league. As a newbie, it doesn't take long for Harper to set aside nicety and realize the competitive edge to the league ... and when you add in two sexy men who vie for her attention but who are also her challengers, what are her chances at winning the game and finding love?
As a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan who also plays the various fantasy sports leagues, I can so relate to the author's passion, and to Harper's competitive side as she learns the ins-and-outs of fantasy football leagues, and the drama that comes with it. I couldn't help but snicker as I read the story, it is just plain fun. I absolutely loved the intertwining of romance with a football theme, football fans get the best of both worlds in this nifty little story!
First & Goal is an exciting and fast paced story that flows smoothly and easily keeps the reader turning the pages. Author Laura Chapman sure knows how to weave an enjoyable tale that keeps her readers in stitches. You can't help but get caught up in Harper's roller coaster ride of a life full of crazy co-workers and fantasy football drama, and a sweet chance at romance, it's simply delightful!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in the virtual book release blitz hosted by the author and publisher.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
September 17, 2015
Review originally posted on my blog www.livinglifewithjoy.com
First & Goal is a fun, fantasy football-filled chick-lit novel about figuring out love and life. We start off with Harper, an office manager at a car dealership that is fabulous at her job, but not so great at connecting with the team. After a little encouragement from her boss to become friends with the guys, Harper finds herself getting pulled into her work’s fantasy football league as their 12th member. She figures since her brothers are football fans, they can help her figure out how to draft her team and not look like a total football fool by failing miserably.
Cue the beginning of Harper’s hilarious path on her pursuit to become one of the guys. Throw in a cute co-worker and a sexy high school football coach and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some major drama and laughs.
One of the main themes in this novel is the importance of learning to stop second guessing yourself. Learning to let yourself be happy and believe that you deserve the best is vital on your path of love and life. You can’t let your rocky past dictate your bright future and ultimately, you must realize that nobody’s life is perfect, but that’s no reason to not keep pushing towards your goals and living life to the fullest.
First & Goal was wonderfully written and was a thoroughly entertaining novel. Who knew fantasy football could be so stressful but exciting at the same time? I’m not a football gal myself but it piqued my interest and you don’t need to know a thing about the game to enjoy this novel. Whether you’re a football fan or simply a chick-lit enthusiast, this novel is for you!
First & Goal is a fun, fantasy football-filled chick-lit novel about figuring out love and life. We start off with Harper, an office manager at a car dealership that is fabulous at her job, but not so great at connecting with the team. After a little encouragement from her boss to become friends with the guys, Harper finds herself getting pulled into her work’s fantasy football league as their 12th member. She figures since her brothers are football fans, they can help her figure out how to draft her team and not look like a total football fool by failing miserably.
Cue the beginning of Harper’s hilarious path on her pursuit to become one of the guys. Throw in a cute co-worker and a sexy high school football coach and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some major drama and laughs.
One of the main themes in this novel is the importance of learning to stop second guessing yourself. Learning to let yourself be happy and believe that you deserve the best is vital on your path of love and life. You can’t let your rocky past dictate your bright future and ultimately, you must realize that nobody’s life is perfect, but that’s no reason to not keep pushing towards your goals and living life to the fullest.
First & Goal was wonderfully written and was a thoroughly entertaining novel. Who knew fantasy football could be so stressful but exciting at the same time? I’m not a football gal myself but it piqued my interest and you don’t need to know a thing about the game to enjoy this novel. Whether you’re a football fan or simply a chick-lit enthusiast, this novel is for you!
June 10, 2018
Even though I'm not a fan of football (fantasy or not), I'm a fan of Laura Chapman's writing and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Harper was a relatable main character and I liked that she showed vulnerability and weakness without being a pushover. If you like swoon-worthy heroes, I especially recommend this one! Some of the football references (like "bye week") went over my head, but you don't need to follow the sport to enjoy the story.
Want to read
March 14, 2020🎁 The complete Queen of the League Series (3 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/14/2020)! 🎁
January 12, 2016
First of all, what did it take me so long to read this? That was a total fumble on my part, sorry Laura!
Second, I am IN LOVE with this cover! It's simple yet gorgeous!
Where do I begin - this story has a little bit of everything - Fantasy Football (which I have called Fairy Football in the past haha), love, family, and DRAMA for days! Perfect Touchdown if you ask me!
Harper has become one of my favorite character's in 2016, she is smart, funny, not afraid of a challenge, goal oriented, and knows a little about football!
When she arrives at the dealership she is all business, she has been sent there to turn it around and she is set on doing just that. That is until her boss calls her into the office - did he really tell her she is TOO productive? She needs to relax on the changes that she is making? So basically he wants her to be a slacker and make friends? That is insane...and yet entertaining all at the same time!
And what better way to fit in with the good ole boys network, join their Fantasy Football League! Boy does she have her work cut out for her, she knows her Packer's, but will that really help?
Football aside, she learns which co-workers are trying to get in her pants, which she can trust to save her, and maybe which to fall in love with?
You will not be disappointed with this sexy, witty, and dare I say football oriented romantic comedy (do those words really all fit together?)!
Sit back, grab a beer, watch a little football and watch the sparks fly!
Second, I am IN LOVE with this cover! It's simple yet gorgeous!
Where do I begin - this story has a little bit of everything - Fantasy Football (which I have called Fairy Football in the past haha), love, family, and DRAMA for days! Perfect Touchdown if you ask me!
Harper has become one of my favorite character's in 2016, she is smart, funny, not afraid of a challenge, goal oriented, and knows a little about football!
When she arrives at the dealership she is all business, she has been sent there to turn it around and she is set on doing just that. That is until her boss calls her into the office - did he really tell her she is TOO productive? She needs to relax on the changes that she is making? So basically he wants her to be a slacker and make friends? That is insane...and yet entertaining all at the same time!
And what better way to fit in with the good ole boys network, join their Fantasy Football League! Boy does she have her work cut out for her, she knows her Packer's, but will that really help?
Football aside, she learns which co-workers are trying to get in her pants, which she can trust to save her, and maybe which to fall in love with?
You will not be disappointed with this sexy, witty, and dare I say football oriented romantic comedy (do those words really all fit together?)!
Sit back, grab a beer, watch a little football and watch the sparks fly!
October 20, 2015
First & Goal is a delightful Chick Lit novel with a side of football. Ms. Chapman never disappoints in delivering entertaining characters and an enchanting romance. Harper Duquaine is a straight-laced woman (read: Type A) who is transferred to an office where personal relationships matter just as much as job performance. Out of her element, she enlists the support of her two brothers to join a fantasy football league so she can show her coworkers just how much of a team player she is. Ms. Chapman's lively dialogue and rich storytelling will keep you turning those pages as quickly as you can. Prepare yourself for laughter, tears and lots and lots of swooning. All is fair in love and football!
September 8, 2015
I received an ARC of this from the author. I enjoyed this book. I loved it was centered around football! It was fun, entertaining, and close to home! Being from Iowa the location of the story Lincoln, NE and references in the area were familiar. The flow of the story was very good and the book grabbed my attention from the first words! Highly recommend!
July 7, 2020
Super cute. I love a good sports romance.
January 25, 2016
When we met Harper she has recently moved due to some “personal issues” which we find out has to do with her ex. In her new job she is closer to home and is living with her brothers but her social skills at work aren’t helping her at all. So what is a girl to do? Well she joins her coworkers in their fantasy football league. She didn’t really want to but she figures if it helps her socially why not but once she starts she finds herself all caught up in it and not only that she might get some friendships and maybe even a little romance thrown in for good measure.
While she finds some good friends along the way she finds herself in the sights of JJ who is a ladies man and thinks every woman wants him but when Harper isn’t taken by his slick ways he makes it a mission to beat her not only at fantasy football but also unmask her secrets and reveal her past and let everyone know she isn’t so innocent as they all think she is. All the while Harper has eyes for Brook who is everything she would want in a man. He is kind, he coaches the local high school football team and looks after his sister and loves his nieces to no end. However she doesn’t know how he feels about her, he keeps his feelings close to his chest so Harper doesn’t know if what she thinks is real or if she’s getting mixed signals. As time goes by and the more they spend time together they both admit there is something there but they can’t tell anyone because if they do the other people in the league will think this was all a plan to up their chances in winning.
For those of you who don’t get football much less fantasy football it’s all about taking chances. You never know what can happen because things can change in a blink of an eye. That’s how I see life and love also. You never know what is possible if you don’t just dive in and take that chance. It’s all about the thrill of the game and cheering for that underdog or sleeper to get that win. Harper is that sleeper. She had a bad time in the past with her personal life but you never know what’s out there for you if you don’t take that chance and luckily she did.
This is one book that I fully enjoyed not just because I LOVE all things football and I’m a fantasy football junkie [what can I say I won my league last year!] but this book is funny, romantic and definitely has you cheering for Harper when things get stacked against her. Bottom line: never sleep on a sleeper you have to watch out sometimes because they are the ones you didn’t think had a chance but are usually the ones who will surprise you and win it all in the end.
While she finds some good friends along the way she finds herself in the sights of JJ who is a ladies man and thinks every woman wants him but when Harper isn’t taken by his slick ways he makes it a mission to beat her not only at fantasy football but also unmask her secrets and reveal her past and let everyone know she isn’t so innocent as they all think she is. All the while Harper has eyes for Brook who is everything she would want in a man. He is kind, he coaches the local high school football team and looks after his sister and loves his nieces to no end. However she doesn’t know how he feels about her, he keeps his feelings close to his chest so Harper doesn’t know if what she thinks is real or if she’s getting mixed signals. As time goes by and the more they spend time together they both admit there is something there but they can’t tell anyone because if they do the other people in the league will think this was all a plan to up their chances in winning.
For those of you who don’t get football much less fantasy football it’s all about taking chances. You never know what can happen because things can change in a blink of an eye. That’s how I see life and love also. You never know what is possible if you don’t just dive in and take that chance. It’s all about the thrill of the game and cheering for that underdog or sleeper to get that win. Harper is that sleeper. She had a bad time in the past with her personal life but you never know what’s out there for you if you don’t take that chance and luckily she did.
This is one book that I fully enjoyed not just because I LOVE all things football and I’m a fantasy football junkie [what can I say I won my league last year!] but this book is funny, romantic and definitely has you cheering for Harper when things get stacked against her. Bottom line: never sleep on a sleeper you have to watch out sometimes because they are the ones you didn’t think had a chance but are usually the ones who will surprise you and win it all in the end.
December 7, 2018
Reviewed by Katherine Williams for Readers’ Favorite
First & Goal is a chick-lit novel by Laura Chapman. This book is the first in the Queen of the League series. Harper Duquaine is a young woman, working at a car dealership, who wishes to move on from her old life and her old cheating coworker/boyfriend. She requests a change in position. From there, she moves away to the town of Lincoln in Nebraska to start her new job. At first she has a hard time fitting in with the men at her new job, but as soon as she hears they need another fantasy football league member, she starts to fit in. She doesn’t know much about football, but with some help from her brothers, what could go wrong, right? Not only does she start to fit in with her coworkers, but she starts to find out more about the guys at her job, and even learns more about herself along the way. Harper didn’t expect that this job would help her find love, a new best friend, and a completely different life than what she had thought possible for herself. But the journey she takes to find herself is hilarious, heartwarming and rewarding.
First & Goal is the definition of a well-rounded chick-lit novel. All the characters are charming and well written; you will quickly fall in love with the protagonist Harper and her undeniable wit and humor. The electricity between Harper and Brook is clear and their relationship is one to cherish. It is easy to quickly become addicted to the other characters and their relationships as well. Any sports fans will be delighted to know that football is a central part of the novel’s plot. The concrete details about the sport are fun to read and learn, and the little facts here and there actually helped me learn more about football in general. Laura Chapman’s writing is unmatched; she does a beautiful job of creating an original plot with rich dialogue and concise imagery. The narrative flows very well and the pacing is quick in a good way. I suggest this book to anyone who is interested in football, or to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted and funny love story. This book teaches you that even though you may have a plan, things won’t always turn out the way you want them to.
First & Goal is a chick-lit novel by Laura Chapman. This book is the first in the Queen of the League series. Harper Duquaine is a young woman, working at a car dealership, who wishes to move on from her old life and her old cheating coworker/boyfriend. She requests a change in position. From there, she moves away to the town of Lincoln in Nebraska to start her new job. At first she has a hard time fitting in with the men at her new job, but as soon as she hears they need another fantasy football league member, she starts to fit in. She doesn’t know much about football, but with some help from her brothers, what could go wrong, right? Not only does she start to fit in with her coworkers, but she starts to find out more about the guys at her job, and even learns more about herself along the way. Harper didn’t expect that this job would help her find love, a new best friend, and a completely different life than what she had thought possible for herself. But the journey she takes to find herself is hilarious, heartwarming and rewarding.
First & Goal is the definition of a well-rounded chick-lit novel. All the characters are charming and well written; you will quickly fall in love with the protagonist Harper and her undeniable wit and humor. The electricity between Harper and Brook is clear and their relationship is one to cherish. It is easy to quickly become addicted to the other characters and their relationships as well. Any sports fans will be delighted to know that football is a central part of the novel’s plot. The concrete details about the sport are fun to read and learn, and the little facts here and there actually helped me learn more about football in general. Laura Chapman’s writing is unmatched; she does a beautiful job of creating an original plot with rich dialogue and concise imagery. The narrative flows very well and the pacing is quick in a good way. I suggest this book to anyone who is interested in football, or to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted and funny love story. This book teaches you that even though you may have a plan, things won’t always turn out the way you want them to.
December 26, 2016
I loved this book! I was fortunate to receive a code for the audiobook version. And I was delighted and charmed from the beginning to the end.
Harper is positively irresistible! She is smart, hard-working, sassy, quirky, and absolutely hilarious. (Though I'm not sure she always intends to be so funny.) In an attempt to win over some of her coworkers and distract them from her super-organized, workaholic tendencies; she spontaneously agrees to join their fantasy football league. The trials and tribulations of her weekly fantasy match-ups are comical!
With the new league, her social circle expands significantly. Enter Brook. Multi-time league champion, high school football coach, and hunky, sweet, specimen-of-a-man; Brook is a dream! And Brooke and Harper soon find themselves in a budding relationship that exists both inside and outside of the league.
This book made me laugh out loud. There were several parts that had me in tears - and not the sad kind. First & Goal: Queen of the League is smart, sassy, funny and romantic. The book is set in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was so much fun reading about characters in a setting that I know so well. Lincoln is a sports town, especially for football. And it provided the perfect backdrop for this story. The football parts of the story are smartly written but can be enjoyed by a football pro or rookie. And, if you or anyone you know has ever participated in Fantasy Football, you will really get a kick out of this!
First & Goal: Queen of the League is one of my favorite books from this year. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing from start to finish. If you are looking for a sports romance, with great characters and LOL-moments, this one will definitely deliver.
An advance copy of this audiobook was received from the author via Audiobook Boom. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: butterflies, character development, funny, hero, heroine, romance and sweet.
Harper is positively irresistible! She is smart, hard-working, sassy, quirky, and absolutely hilarious. (Though I'm not sure she always intends to be so funny.) In an attempt to win over some of her coworkers and distract them from her super-organized, workaholic tendencies; she spontaneously agrees to join their fantasy football league. The trials and tribulations of her weekly fantasy match-ups are comical!
With the new league, her social circle expands significantly. Enter Brook. Multi-time league champion, high school football coach, and hunky, sweet, specimen-of-a-man; Brook is a dream! And Brooke and Harper soon find themselves in a budding relationship that exists both inside and outside of the league.
This book made me laugh out loud. There were several parts that had me in tears - and not the sad kind. First & Goal: Queen of the League is smart, sassy, funny and romantic. The book is set in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was so much fun reading about characters in a setting that I know so well. Lincoln is a sports town, especially for football. And it provided the perfect backdrop for this story. The football parts of the story are smartly written but can be enjoyed by a football pro or rookie. And, if you or anyone you know has ever participated in Fantasy Football, you will really get a kick out of this!
First & Goal: Queen of the League is one of my favorite books from this year. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing from start to finish. If you are looking for a sports romance, with great characters and LOL-moments, this one will definitely deliver.
An advance copy of this audiobook was received from the author via Audiobook Boom. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: butterflies, character development, funny, hero, heroine, romance and sweet.
March 21, 2020
Harper's life so far wasn't great. She followed her boyfriend to Dallas - where he cheated on her and she retaliated by sleeping with one of their colleague. In hindsight she shouldn't have done that and ashamed she relocated to another city, moves in with her two bothers and tries to start over but isn't happy. When her boss asks her to find a way to get on better with her colleagues and she overhears them talking about an open slot in their fantasy football league, she steps. Being the only girl in the group and having basic knowledge of playing fantasy football, the adventure starts - and it's getting hot when she catches the eyes of not only one player in her group..
Being a huge football fan, I tried fantasy football once - without having any clue what I'm doing, it was a disaster. I read so many books about football romance but when I read the blurb and found out it's about fantasy football, I was intrigued. I liked Harper very much and it was funny how she bluffed her way into JJ's fantasy league. At first I was worried she might fall for shallow JJ but thankfully that changed quickly when Harper and I discovered what a douche he was. Seriously? Get a life, JJ!! He is still stuck on his glorious high school and college days and bathes in old achievements. His behaviour is horrible and juvenile and at times I was wondering how he could have any friends at all. He states more than once that Brook is his best friend but his treatment is simply atrocious. The night when Harper got drunk after her first win and stumbles and falls - and instead of helping her up, JJ snaps pictures. I liked Harper's speech in the end where she basically told him to grow up and get a life. Maybe Harper is the better person. I still don't like JJ. Looking forward to the next book, this was very entertaining. Haven't read anything by Laura Chapman before but definitely liked her writing.
Being a huge football fan, I tried fantasy football once - without having any clue what I'm doing, it was a disaster. I read so many books about football romance but when I read the blurb and found out it's about fantasy football, I was intrigued. I liked Harper very much and it was funny how she bluffed her way into JJ's fantasy league. At first I was worried she might fall for shallow JJ but thankfully that changed quickly when Harper and I discovered what a douche he was. Seriously? Get a life, JJ!! He is still stuck on his glorious high school and college days and bathes in old achievements. His behaviour is horrible and juvenile and at times I was wondering how he could have any friends at all. He states more than once that Brook is his best friend but his treatment is simply atrocious. The night when Harper got drunk after her first win and stumbles and falls - and instead of helping her up, JJ snaps pictures. I liked Harper's speech in the end where she basically told him to grow up and get a life. Maybe Harper is the better person. I still don't like JJ. Looking forward to the next book, this was very entertaining. Haven't read anything by Laura Chapman before but definitely liked her writing.
August 24, 2020
Harper works in the office at a car dealership and as recently transferred to a new location in a football crazy town. Her boss let her know that the other employees found her to be rather aloof and she needed to make more of an effort to be friendly so she joined their fantasy football league. She relied on her brothers for help and advice and got to know the guys she worked with much better as well as Brook, a high school teacher and football coach with a fantasy team in her league. Will her coworkers have more respect for her and make the workplace better? Will Harper and Brook find they have more in common than just football?
I enjoyed the story but must say that if I didn’t know and love football the frequent football references would be very confusing. The personal interactions often got lost in all the football talk but I liked reading how Harper was able to build relationships with coworkers, others on the fantasy league as well as her brother’s girlfriend and Brook’s sister.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the story but must say that if I didn’t know and love football the frequent football references would be very confusing. The personal interactions often got lost in all the football talk but I liked reading how Harper was able to build relationships with coworkers, others on the fantasy league as well as her brother’s girlfriend and Brook’s sister.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2020
I really enjoy Ms. Chapman's writing style. She always delivers a fun, unique, and entertaining story that will have you immersed in the story till the end. This is a cute and fun story about Harper - she is great at her job but doesn't seem to have many friends. In an attempt to become more social and be accepted, she joins the fantasy football league with her fellow co-workers. Only she didn't realize how involved it would be. She begins to fall for Brook, a high scool coach and a fellow competitor. I enjoyed seeing these two interact. The fun and witty banter kept me smiling all the way through. Loved this book and I'm looking forward to reading more by Ms. Chapman. You should definitely add this to your reading list!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
This was such a fun book! I love the premise of Harper trying to get to know her coworkers better by joining their Fantasy Football league when they have an emergency opening. I have never played in a league, but have had friends talk about how crazy it can get. I also liked the initial meeting between Harper and Brook. I felt like I was there with how the author wrote that scene. I like that Harper is a string female character, and also like the humor that Laura Chapman uses when writing her scenes and characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2020
A fun, entertaining, laugh out loud rom com. A delightful story line you won't want to put down and the characters are fun to get to know, realistic and just as entertaining as the story line. This is one you definitely want on your summer reading list, a perfect read for those evenings relaxing after a long day. A great read to help you unwind.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2020
This is my first read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. I love seeing how much Harper grew from the beginning of the book to the end. She slowly started to lose her rigidness. I totally love Christopher’s nickname for her. I would definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series.
September 21, 2019
Flirty fun
If you like football and have been the lone woman in a fantasy league you will relate to this book.... It's funny and full of football. Who says it is just for boys? I like the relationships and the characters. Cute and endearing.
If you like football and have been the lone woman in a fantasy league you will relate to this book.... It's funny and full of football. Who says it is just for boys? I like the relationships and the characters. Cute and endearing.
May 1, 2020
Fun Storyline for Any Football Fan
If football is your thing and you like to read romance, First and Goal is the book for you. Not being a football fan, it took a bit for me to catch on. Now, I’m ready for book 2.
If football is your thing and you like to read romance, First and Goal is the book for you. Not being a football fan, it took a bit for me to catch on. Now, I’m ready for book 2.
August 24, 2020
A cute read with a football fan theme about Harper and Brook a fellow fantasy foot player. It's somewhat predictable but it's a nice romance story without any hassles or drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2020
I liked the well developed characters they are engaging and entertaining which made this a storyline to read and enjoy throughout the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2019
Wonderfully written and sweet love story.
March 24, 2020
Lots of fantasy football here!
I liked this romance, funny, interesting, through it I got educated about fantasy football, which wasn't too bad, well written book!
I liked this romance, funny, interesting, through it I got educated about fantasy football, which wasn't too bad, well written book!
February 24, 2016
Harper Duquaine requests a transfer in her job at a car dealership and moves to Lincoln from Dallas after six months of working with her cheating ex-boyfriend Dirk, and making a few mistakes in the man department.
Living with her two brothers, Scott and Christopher, Harper gets back on her feet and grabs life again. She makes a go of her job and within a month reduces the spending of the company by twenty percent.
Her boss Anderson is impressed but he encourages Harper to make more of an effort with her new colleagues, and in an attempt to be more sociable, Harper ends up joining the fantasy football league with Gio, Wade, J.J, and their friends.
Harper is a very likeable character. She’s not perfect. She makes mistakes – like most of us do, and that enables us to relate to her. She’s not a girly girl, but although she’s one of the guys, she isn’t a ladette either.
Harper tries her hardest to win the league and I loved her competitive streak. She wanted to win and prove to everyone, including herself, that she can do it.
Harper begins to fall for Brook MacLaughlin, one of the guys in the fantasy football league, and one of her biggest competitors. You can see why she finds him so appealing. He’s strong, kind, and a true gentleman who has family at his heart. He is the father that his nieces never had and he’s a rock to his sister, Amelia.
Brook loves his family and friends dearly and could be seen as too good to be true, but like Harper, he is a very likeable character. He stands up for what he believes in and will do anything to protect those he holds dear.
All the characters are unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses, which make them more realistic and believable. There was one character in particular with whom I had a sense of foreboding throughout the entire book (I won’t say who) and my instincts were right. That person was vindictive and jealous and their true colours were revealed at the end.
The author either knows her football, or has done her research extremely well. The passion for the game is evident in her writing and she draws you in.
I usually join the fantasy football (soccer to those in the USA) league at work and we’re planning on a family league next season too, so I can relate to Harper’s character – she supports a team, watches the games, but doesn’t know every player in the league or every rule of gameplay and occasionally has to ask for a little help.
I am clueless about American football but the book was so well written and the games were superbly described that it didn’t matter that I didn’t know what a hook was or what a wide receiver does.
This story was such a refreshing change to a lot of the chick-lit that has been published mainly due to the football aspect. I’m not sure if I could even class this as chick-lit.
I also liked the way the chapters were set out. From chapter six onwards, once the games were underway, the fantasy football weekly recaps were written up for Harper. They were funny and gave a brief recap of how her team were getting on each week. It was an unusual but clever addition to the book.
I absolutely loved this book and could barely put it down. I would highly recommend reading it regardless of whether or not you’re a football fan. I can’t wait to read the sequel ‘Going For Two.’
Reviewed by Jodie at www.whisperingstories.com
Living with her two brothers, Scott and Christopher, Harper gets back on her feet and grabs life again. She makes a go of her job and within a month reduces the spending of the company by twenty percent.
Her boss Anderson is impressed but he encourages Harper to make more of an effort with her new colleagues, and in an attempt to be more sociable, Harper ends up joining the fantasy football league with Gio, Wade, J.J, and their friends.
Harper is a very likeable character. She’s not perfect. She makes mistakes – like most of us do, and that enables us to relate to her. She’s not a girly girl, but although she’s one of the guys, she isn’t a ladette either.
Harper tries her hardest to win the league and I loved her competitive streak. She wanted to win and prove to everyone, including herself, that she can do it.
Harper begins to fall for Brook MacLaughlin, one of the guys in the fantasy football league, and one of her biggest competitors. You can see why she finds him so appealing. He’s strong, kind, and a true gentleman who has family at his heart. He is the father that his nieces never had and he’s a rock to his sister, Amelia.
Brook loves his family and friends dearly and could be seen as too good to be true, but like Harper, he is a very likeable character. He stands up for what he believes in and will do anything to protect those he holds dear.
All the characters are unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses, which make them more realistic and believable. There was one character in particular with whom I had a sense of foreboding throughout the entire book (I won’t say who) and my instincts were right. That person was vindictive and jealous and their true colours were revealed at the end.
The author either knows her football, or has done her research extremely well. The passion for the game is evident in her writing and she draws you in.
I usually join the fantasy football (soccer to those in the USA) league at work and we’re planning on a family league next season too, so I can relate to Harper’s character – she supports a team, watches the games, but doesn’t know every player in the league or every rule of gameplay and occasionally has to ask for a little help.
I am clueless about American football but the book was so well written and the games were superbly described that it didn’t matter that I didn’t know what a hook was or what a wide receiver does.
This story was such a refreshing change to a lot of the chick-lit that has been published mainly due to the football aspect. I’m not sure if I could even class this as chick-lit.
I also liked the way the chapters were set out. From chapter six onwards, once the games were underway, the fantasy football weekly recaps were written up for Harper. They were funny and gave a brief recap of how her team were getting on each week. It was an unusual but clever addition to the book.
I absolutely loved this book and could barely put it down. I would highly recommend reading it regardless of whether or not you’re a football fan. I can’t wait to read the sequel ‘Going For Two.’
Reviewed by Jodie at www.whisperingstories.com
March 1, 2016
If you told me I'd love a book about Fantasy Football, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But, I loved Laura Chapman's The Marrying Type, which I reviewed previously, so I wanted to give First and Goal, and it's sequel Going for Two, a shot - and I was happy I did!
In this series, Harper Duquaine joins her workmates' Fantasy Football league as a way to make friends in her new job, and ends up with a boyfriend, a best friend, and a life she loves. Harper's character is sweet, and relatable - at 27, she both panics about her life plan and gets fall-down-drunk at a bar. It's a dichotomy I (at almost 27) recognise all to well. Surrounded by the men in the league, her brothers, and her co-workers at the car dealership, Harper finds herself.
In First and Goal, I fell in love with Chapman's cast of characters. It was refreshing to read chick lit that had more men in the line up than women! Each of the guys was completely different, and all added something to the story. Really, there were only two women; Harper, and Amelia (a sister to one of the boys). I loved Amelia as much as Harper, she was strong and feisty, with a realistic dose of insecurity and hopeless romanticism. I would give First and Goal a solid 4/4.5 stars, as it kept me hooked from the beginning, and I was even invested in the results of the Fantasy Football tournament. Who would've thought!
Chapman's sequel, Going for Two, saw the same characters, back for another season of football. This time, Harper's life is a little more serious than it was the year before, and the book focuses more on actual 'adulting' - a work/life balance, marriage and kids. Because of these more serious topics, the competition of Fantasy Football was almost an afterthought, and overall the story was a little less bright than the first book in the series. I still liked it, but it did have a little less magic than the first instalment. All of the characters were still there, but the focus was definitely on the relationship between Brook and Harper, rather than Harper and everyone is the bigger group, which I really liked in the first book.
That said, I read that there's a third book coming soon, and I'll definitely be picking it up. After the ending of Going for Two, I'm very interested to see how the book brings the group back together for a third season in the League!
In this series, Harper Duquaine joins her workmates' Fantasy Football league as a way to make friends in her new job, and ends up with a boyfriend, a best friend, and a life she loves. Harper's character is sweet, and relatable - at 27, she both panics about her life plan and gets fall-down-drunk at a bar. It's a dichotomy I (at almost 27) recognise all to well. Surrounded by the men in the league, her brothers, and her co-workers at the car dealership, Harper finds herself.
In First and Goal, I fell in love with Chapman's cast of characters. It was refreshing to read chick lit that had more men in the line up than women! Each of the guys was completely different, and all added something to the story. Really, there were only two women; Harper, and Amelia (a sister to one of the boys). I loved Amelia as much as Harper, she was strong and feisty, with a realistic dose of insecurity and hopeless romanticism. I would give First and Goal a solid 4/4.5 stars, as it kept me hooked from the beginning, and I was even invested in the results of the Fantasy Football tournament. Who would've thought!
Chapman's sequel, Going for Two, saw the same characters, back for another season of football. This time, Harper's life is a little more serious than it was the year before, and the book focuses more on actual 'adulting' - a work/life balance, marriage and kids. Because of these more serious topics, the competition of Fantasy Football was almost an afterthought, and overall the story was a little less bright than the first book in the series. I still liked it, but it did have a little less magic than the first instalment. All of the characters were still there, but the focus was definitely on the relationship between Brook and Harper, rather than Harper and everyone is the bigger group, which I really liked in the first book.
That said, I read that there's a third book coming soon, and I'll definitely be picking it up. After the ending of Going for Two, I'm very interested to see how the book brings the group back together for a third season in the League!
January 19, 2016
LOVED this book! I could totally relate to Harper in the sense that I don't play Fantasy Football (I do play the March Madness pool and have no idea what teams to pick but low and behold, I won last year!) :-) I loved the mix of romance and sports - the weekly fantasy football recaps were great touches! Being from Iowa, I enjoyed that the story took place in Nebraska. If you enjoy chicklit and some friendly competition, this book is for you! I truly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next book, Going for Two!
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