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. 

 

 

 

Laura's Guest Post:

In First & Goal, book one of my new Queen of the League series, my main character Harper gets caught up in the drama surrounding a fantasy football league. Rather than ask for Harper’s take on football, the league, and everything—you can read her perspective in the book—today I thought we’d give a few of her colleagues a chance to weigh in.

 

Harper’s interest in joining the league begins when she overhears three salesmen talking about their need for a twelfth player in their league. Having recently been admonished for being too task-driven and not friendly enough, this seems like the perfect opportunity for her to get to know them better. For the three salesmen—Gio, J.J., and Wade—Harper’s involvement in the league means something else.

 

Gio is the senior man on the job. The father of two teenaged daughters, he has a joking nature mixed with a paternal instinct. J.J. is a former local college football star, who almost had a chance at the pros. He works at the dealership as more of a mascot than a salesman. And Wade is one of the top salesmen at the dealership. He also has the ability to see through most people’s machinations.

 

What were your first impressions of Harper when she came to work at the car dealership?

Gio: She was definitely Type A. She was intense and obsessed about making everything perfect. When I met her, she struck me as someone who might be…

J.J.: A pain in the ass?

Gio: Not my word choice, but basically.

J.J. I thought she was a pain in the ass.

Wade: I wouldn’t call her that either, but… I had a feeling she’d complicate our lives. And she did. She’s a real stickler for the rules and doesn’t back down.

 

What was your take when she joined the league?

Gio: I was relieved we’d have enough people to play. It would’ve been a bummer for us to be short a person.

J.J.: I was glad to see my chances at winning had gotten a lot better.

Wade: I thought she probably had no interest in being in our league, and only did it to win over J.J. I figured she’d come to regret her impulsive decision.

 

Describe your fantasy football strategy in three words.

Gio: Just have fun.

J.J.: Dominance. Annihilation. Murder.

Wade: Jesus, J.J.

J.J.: That was only two words.

Wade: One of these days—

J.J.: Oh what? Are you going to suddenly become a tough guy? If you try anything with me, you know you’ll—

Gio: Boys, boys. Let’s get through this questionnaire without turning it into a bloodbath.

J.J.: Oh, bloodbath. That’s a good word for my strategy. Let’s use that one instead of murder.

 

Who do you think will win the league this year?

Gio: That’s easy—Brook MacLaughlin. He always wins.

J.J.: His lucky streak is over. I’m saying this is the year of J.J.’s dominance—on and off the field.

Wade: I wouldn’t mind seeing some fresh blood win, but Wade’s right. My money is on Brook. He’s really good.

 

What is one piece of advice you’d offer a first-time fantasy football team owner?

Gio: Enjoy the ride. Even if you don’t win, fantasy football can be a lot of fun.

J.J.: He’s kidding. Fantasy football is only fun if you win. That’s why you have to destroy the competition, no matter what. Show them no mercy.

Wade: My advice: don’t play in a league with J.J.