First Down, Second Chances by Deb Goodman: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Falling for my brother’s best friend was a terrible idea.

Falling for him again? Catastrophic.

Pro quarterback Taysom Reed was my first crush—and my first heartbreak. I learned the hard way that wanting things—wanting him—can be dangerous. So when he shows up out of nowhere at my workplace just minutes after I lose my job, the timing feels cruel.

With funding cuts, my career—and my young clients’ access to treatment—hang in the balance. Desperate, I ask Taysom for help. He can’t give it, though, and suddenly things are even more awkward between us.

Except, he keeps showing up in unexpected ways, and the feelings I swore were long gone come rushing back. I don’t trust his foundation, the university’s politics, or my own heart—especially after how badly things ended before.

Unfortunately, my rescue kitten, Miley, has already decided she loves him.

The little traitor.

Second chances are risky. But when Taysom starts proving he’s in this for real, I have to wonder…

What if some plays are worth running twice?

First Down, Second Chances is a closed-door sports romcom featuring a golden retriever hero, brother’s best friend tension, and second-chance chemistry that sizzles without the spice.

The Author

Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. She yearned to know what it said, but by the time she learned to read, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day she still doesn’t know.

Being raised in a small town in Idaho (like, less-than-500-people small), meant that Deb learned early on the importance of home-grown roots, communities that feel like family, and the benefits of a good, hearty potato. Now, she and her husband and kids live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little dog, Mavis.

Deb writes funny, no-spice romance where there’s always a small town and a big family. Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love.

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Book Review

A handsome NFL player rescuing a tiny kitten... honestly, do you need any other reason to pick up and enjoy this one!? In all seriousness though, this was such a sweet story. Taysom and Charlotte had such a great dynamic- the perfect blend of awkwardness and chemistry. He was her first crush as a child, being her older brother's best friend... he later returned that crush, but nothing ever came of it. Years later, he shows up to her work to shoot a documentary on the day she finds out she's losing her job due to funding... and let's just say, she's not at her best. Despite their awkward reintroduction, it doesn't take long for those old crushes to come back in full force. I loved how supportive these two were of one another- in their careers, but also in their insecurities too. These two (and Miley, the kitten) won me over right from the start and kept me smiling throughout. If you love football romance, cute pets and brother's best friend, this is one you won't want to miss. A great addition to the series! 

First Down, Second Chances is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of The Love Playbook series. This is a multi-author series with each book featuring a different sport and pet. They can be enjoyed as standalones or in any order. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4sLOpVX