After rushing to the altar and moving across the country, Harper Duquaine (or is it MacLaughlin, now?) is in uncharted territory. What once seemed like a promising opportunity to advance her husband’s career while giving her some much-needed independence and adventure has proven to be a bust. By the time fall rolls around again, she’s back in a boring job by day and overstocking her inventory of crocheted scarves by night. Not even the prospect of a new football season holds much excitement.

At least that’s what she thought. Harper suddenly finds herself the manager of not one but two fantasy football teams—each with its own set of drama. Between the added pressure of her new marriage, an unexpected career prospect, and the hiccups created by people from her past and present worlds, Harper quickly finds herself going from bored to overwhelmed.

Can she hold up under the pressure, or will Harper learn the hard way that the turf isn’t always greener on the other field?

Harper MacLaughlin together with her husband Brook and their cat Blitz, have moved to Seattle where Brook coaches college football. It’s a new life with fresh challenges, and changes for both of them. However, their fantasy football league remains a constant along with the other team members such as Gio, Wade, and JJ.

During a dinner at Brook’s boss’ house, Harper and Witney (another of the wives), get pushed into joining a new fantasy football league. The Real Coach’s Wives of Seattle is run by Angie O’Dwyer, the wife of Brook’s boss. This throws Harper and Witney together and they become firm friends.

As with previous books in this Queen of the League series, the chapters have a score tally and run-down on the progress of the leagues that Harper has joined. It’s a fun and different addition which works well.

JJ makes more of an appearance in this book than in the previous two. An ex-colleague of Harper, and friend to Brook, JJ shows up in Seattle looking to stay with them. There’s an air of mystery to why he’s visiting and Harper tries her best to get to the bottom of it. JJ isn’t the most reliable or trustworthy of people. I’d had my reservations about him before and they resurfaced in this third instalment. For all his faults, JJ is Brook’s friend and that shines through. He steps up to the plate and supports Harper in her hour of need, redeeming himself. I loved JJ’s ‘sofa king.’ I caught on immediately but it took Harper and Brook an age to figure it out. I won’t go any further on ‘sofa king’ but once you read it, you’ll know what it refers to. I might even use it myself!

There are plenty of new characters to get to know – a few of which sounded off alarm bells. Again, I don’t want to spoil the surprise or plot line, but you’ll know who they are when you come across them.
Team Stitches, Harper and Amelia’s online boutique selling knitted and crocheted garments, also make a comeback. They work hard to make the business a success despite no longer living in the same State as each other. It’s not easy for them but with a little help from a surprise stranger, things move full steam ahead.

Although the book probably falls into the category of chick-lit, it has some current topics running through it. In today’s society sexual harassment occurs. It always has done. The difference being that the victims are now coming forward, standing up and saying ‘hey, this has happened to me, and it’s not acceptable.’ It was an excellent addition that drills the message home that sexual harassment is not okay and will not be tolerated. Well done to Laura Chapman for bringing the subject up and putting that message out there.

I’m not giving away the ending, so you’ll have to read it for yourself. The whole story from start to finish had me captivated. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a brilliant third instalment in the Queen of the League series. Here’s hoping for a fourth!

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.

www.laurachapmanbooks.com
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