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Laura Chapman

BOOK FEATURE: “Let It Be Me” by Laura Chapman

October 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

Let It Be Me banner This is my stop during the book blitz for Let It Be Me by Laura Chapman. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 21 till 27 October. See the tour schedule here. Let It Be MeLet It Be Me (Amarillo Sour #2) By Laura Chapman Genre: Romantic Comedy Age category: Adult Release Date: September 30, 2019
Blurb: Who says history is boring? Professor James Mitchell has a rock star reputation. With a waitlist for all his classes, a best-selling book, and the requisite leather jacket, the university and publisher are eager to capitalize on this British sensation. But after his girlfriend leaves him for another man, James goes from rising scholar to spiraling bad boy. Forget contracts and tenure, James wants out—of his job, his book deal, and, better still, the country. He’s well on his way when his boss’s daughter walks into his favorite bar . . . Aspiring filmmaker Ali Ferguson-Day doesn’t scare easily. She’s been given the means to make a film of her own—on the condition she tames the professor. As the daughter of a famed documentarian and a renowned historian, she’s more than ready to step out of her parents’ shadows and shine on her own. She won’t let anyone—not even an unexpected charmer—get in her way. James and Ali butt heads from the start, but it isn’t long before their sparring gives way to attraction. There’s the promise of even more, if they can get past the fear of history repeating itself to let love in . . .

EXCERPT: Ali swiveled in her seat, searching the faces of the dozens of men crowded in the bar. It wasn’t an easy task. Amarillo Sour catered to an eclectic mix. There was everyone from a group of barely legal college guys to a couple of white-haired men stooped over their pints. “Okay, I give up.” She shook her head. “Which one is he?” “Do you see the guy with the Link Digital shirt and the pretty blonde who are chatting up Ford?” Nodding, Ali squinted her eyes in an attempt to get a better look. The guy was tall and lanky, and like Sidney said, wearing a royal blue T-shirt with the LD logo on it. Even though she’d been away for the better part of a decade, Ali had heard about the tech start-up that had become one of the city’s top employers during the past five years. Not that he couldn’t wear whatever he liked, but why would the professor have one of those shirts? Ali had been way off on her description of the professor. He looked more like a software developer than a historian. “You’re right. He’s not at all what I expected.” “That’s not him either. That’s Ian.” Ali’s eye twitched. “Are you trying to drive me crazy, or are you just being cute?” “See the guy in the leather jacket on Ian’s other side? That’s the professor.” “The leather jack . . .” Ali trailed off as her eyes landed on the man Sidney claimed was James Mitchell. She’d still been wrong in her guess. Beyond the leather jacket, his thick brown hair was neatly cut but messily styled. She wondered if that came from running his fingers through it or careful minutes spent in front of the mirror. She had the same questions about the tattoos she saw scattered over the knuckles of his fingers. If she had to guess, she wouldn’t put him over his early thirties. Not much older than her. He was . . . hot. There were better ways to describe him. As a storyteller, she should have found countless words, but she was drawing a blank. It was hard to believe the dangerous-looking young man was the historian behind the book tucked away in her purse. Then again, Ali hadn’t even looked him up online yet. “Who would have thought?” Ali murmured. “That’s James Mitchell.” “Or so he tells us.” Sidney cocked her head to the side. “I actually read his book. It’s pretty good.” Ali had too many questions to dwell on his writing style. “What’s he like?” “He’s . . . complicated. Honestly, I’m not sure this will be an easy assignment. He’s been through a lot.” “Like what?” Sidney shook her head. “You’ll have to get that out of him yourself. Doctor-patient confidentiality.” “You’re not a doctor.” “No, but I’m a bartender. That’s almost as good as being his therapist. But”—she lowered her voice—“anything he’s told me was off the record.” That was a term Ali understood. That made it all the more intriguing. “You think I’m going to have a hard time cracking him?” “You’re going to have your work cut out for you.” It was a good thing Ali didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. Especially when a project intrigued her. And James Mitchell definitely seemed intriguing.

You can find Let It Be Me on Goodreads You can buy Let It Be Me here: – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Apple – Google Play

Check out book 1 in this series: Counting on You Counting on You Is love worth the risk? Links: – Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Google Play – iTunes
About the Author: Laura Chapman is the award-winning and Amazon best-selling author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies. A born and raised Nebraska girl, she loves watching football, traveling, crafting, and baking. When she isn’t writing her next story, she is probably working at a museum by day and binge-watching Netflix with her cats Jane and Bingley at night. So, basically, she’s living large. You can find and contact Laura Chapman here: – Website – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – Amazon – Instagram – Newsletter Giveaway There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Let It Be Me. One winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card. For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway banner Lola's Blog Tours

Filed Under: Let It Be Me Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Laura Chapman, Let It Be Me, New Release, Romance, Women's Fiction

BOOK FEATURE: “Love in Charge: Powerful Women, Powerful Love” by Laura Chapman, Jules Dixon, and Michelle Morgan

September 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

About the collection: When this woman steps into a room, heads turn and people listen. Whether she’s commanding a new business venture, coaching a collegiate football team, or diagnosing and healing people, she’s focused, influential, and passionate, and she’s not about to apologize for it. 

But there is loneliness and fear she can’t ignore, and questions soon follow. Is a second chance meant to be, when the first was a disaster? Is her distrust of all men warranted when only one has truly ever hurt her? Can she set aside an age difference to find love? 

Most of all…when a man who is everything she’s never realized she wanted is right in front of her, will she be ready for the biggest undertaking of her life? 

Lose yourself in these three novellas of powerful women learning that sometimes love is the one in charge. 

All earnings from this anthology will be donated to the GLSEN Omaha chapter. GLSEN Omaha’s mission is to “ensure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression.”

ABOUT THE STORIES

Go for Love by Laura Chapman: When a glitch threatens Sarah Burton’s start-up launch, only one person can help. Beck Spencer swore he’d never give her another chance to break his heart, but he can’t say no to this offer. Despite keeping it professional, the spark between them might reignite hotter than ever. 

Her Playbook by Jules Dixon: Head football coach Hazel Stone’s childhood showed her she’d never trust another man. Payne Maxwell’s scarred face isn’t his deepest wound. Their attraction is a touchdown, but when Hazel finds a discrepancy in the department’s finances with Payne’s name attached, not to mention that he’s the ex-head coach’s son, foul flags fly in her head. When it comes to love, what play will be the right one?

No Turning Back by Michelle Morgan: 36-year-old chiropractor Cara Mann was doing just fine running her own practice and raising her young daughter—alone. When she hires Jack Dennis—the nerdy kid she used to babysit—for computer help in her office, he’s nothing like she remembers. But he certainly hasn’t forgotten her. Even if Cara can accept the help and support Jack is eager to offer, can she learn to love a much younger man?


**Click HERE to grab your copy of “Love in Charge: Powerful Women, Powerful Love” now!


About the authors:

Laura Chapman: Laura Chapman is the award-winning and best-selling author of sweet and steamy romances. A former journalist, she works at a museum by day and pens love stories at night. She also enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, sampling local libations, bingeing true crime podcasts and documentaries, and hanging out with her cats, Jane and Bingley.

Find her on: 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurachapmanbooks

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laurachapmanbooks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lchapmanbooks

Jules Dixon: Fuzzy sock collector, martini connoisseur, baseball fanatic, and dandelion lover, author Jules Dixon is addicted to everything related to the amazing emotion of love, probably instigated by her own happily ever after of almost 30 years with her beer-brewing hubby. Their own love story created a spirited and artistic daughter and a computer genius but an ultrasarcastic son.

Jules is a 2018 RITA Finalist for her novella, In His Arms: Monroe Falls Romance.

Jules explores the rich psychology of sexuality, choices, and conflicts of high school, college, and young adult characters with sizzle and humor in her novels and novellas. She’s a busy writer, and she loves it!

Find her on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JulesDixonAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JulesofTripleR

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JulesDixonAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesdixonauthor/

Michelle Morgan: Michelle Morgan lives in Dallas, Texas with fellow writer, IT genius, and her real-life hero, Jeremy Morgan, and their two sons. She is a 2018 RITA Finalist Editor for the romance novella, “In His Arms,” by Jules Dixon.

Nothing ignites Michelle’s passion for editing like working on her own fiction. Since publishing After Henry: A love story in 2014, Michelle released her first true romance novel, Work in Progress (Love in Progress Book 1) in Summer 2019. No Turning Back is a companion novella. A follow-up novella, No Stopping Now, will release in Spring 2020, followed by Life in Progress (Love in Progress Book 2) in 2020 or 2021.

Michelle is a member of Romance Writers of America and The Editorial Freelancers Association. To learn more about her editorial services and upcoming books, visit fictionedit.com. Or you can email Michelle at michellemorganromance@ gmail.com.

Find her on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmorganwrites/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmorganwrites/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8117461.Michelle_Josette_Morgan_

Filed Under: Laura Chapman, Love in Charge: Powerful Women, Powerful Love, Michelle Morgan Tagged With: Anthology, Books, Chick-Lit, Jules Dixon, Laura Chapman, Love in Charge: Powerful Women Powerful Love, Michelle Morgan, New Release, Romance, Women's Fiction

BOOK BLITZ: “Counting on You”

August 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

Counting on You banner
This is my stop during the book blitz for Counting on You by Laura Chapman. Read on for more information about this book and there’s an US only giveaway. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 27 August till 2 September. See the tour schedule here.

Counting on YouCounting on You (Amarillo Sour #1)
By Laura Chapman
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 28 August 2018

Blurb:
Is love worth the risk?

Math teacher Haleigh Parde has no desire to change her single status until she receives an invitation to her high school reunion. With her ex spreading rumors she needs a date and fast. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Haleigh finds herself meeting a blind date at a neighborhood bar called Amarillo Sour . . .

After watching Haleigh crash and burn, app developer Ian Henning makes her a proposition. If she’ll provide honest feedback on his new dating app, he’ll guarantee her a date to knock the socks off her former classmates. Even better, he—and the other Amarillo Sour regulars—will help her navigate the rocky road of dating.

Through setups ranging from awkward to absurd, Haleigh discovers her matchmaker might just be better than the matches. And Ian wonders if she’s the answer to everything he’s worked for professionally. Or is she something much, much more . . .

*****

EXCERPT:

She must be crazy. While she’d cut someone out of her life for calling her that, it was the only logical explanation Haleigh could come up with as she downloaded a beta copy of XO On Demand onto her phone.

Only the day before she’d been set up on her first blind date ever. Now, here she was, giving online dating a shot.

What a difference a day made.

She’d been completely serious about never considering online dating. She knew people who had tried it—and successfully. Not that she judged, but it seemed like such a direct and confrontational way to meet someone. By putting your profile out there, you were proclaiming to the world that you were on the prowl.

In another five minutes, she’d be one of those people. After she finished the setup and the survey Ian assured her would be fun, she’d have her first string of potential dates. Brought to her through the magic of technology.

All because she couldn’t stand the idea of her classmates judging her.

If she was one of her own students, she’d tell them it didn’t matter. That after high school, no one cared what people thought. And she’d be lying.

The download completed, and the app opened on her screen. She followed Ian’s directions to create her account. His play-by-play wasn’t entirely necessary. The directions were pretty self-explanatory, but he seemed eager to help. It eased her nerves. Some.

“This where it gets interesting.” Ian clicked a button, taking her to the next page. “Instead of having you answer fifty questions about who you are and what you want, we’ve created a quiz of sorts. Would you rather go camping or stay in a five-star hotel? Which breakfast looks most appetizing? What—”

“I’ve got it.” She flashed him a grin to soften her tone, but she needed to concentrate.

There were so many questions. None of them were too complicated or earth-shattering, but she had to choose correctly. Her future lineup of men depended on it.

Question One: Which of these dishes would you order right now?

She selected a basket of chicken strips with fries.

“That’s what I’d pick, too,” Ian said. “What do you use for dipping?”

“Honey mustard.”

“Barbecue.” He shook his head. “I knew there had to be something wrong with you.”

At least his teasing made this a little less nerve-racking. “You guys aren’t going to use these answers and sell my information to restaurants now, are you?”

“Of course not.” But he tapped his chin thoughtfully. “It isn’t a bad idea, though.”

Question Two: Where would you rather spend a Saturday afternoon?

She didn’t even have to consider this one. She picked “Binge-watching TV in my bed.”

“What’s your go-to show?”

“You heard that one last night,” she reminded him. “Doctor Who. But I’ve been known to do a Lord of the Ringsor Star Warsmarathon from time to time”

“Which episode is your favorite?”

“Five.” That’s what everyone always said. There was probably something about the bad knocking down the good at the end of the Empire Strikes Backthat made a person seem deep. After Greg had explained that to her years ago, she’d made it her customary response.

Only when she was being totally honest, she’d admit she liked Return of the Jedibest. She loved those Ewoks.

*****

You can find Counting on You on Goodreads

You can buy Counting on You here:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– Google Play
– iTunes

Laura ChapmanAbout the Author:
Laura Chapman is the author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies. A born and raised Nebraska girl, she loves watching football, traveling, crafting, and baking. When she isn’t writing her next story, she is probably working at a museum by day and binge-watching Netflix with her cats Jane and Bingley at night. So, basically, she’s living large.

You can find and contact Laura Chapman here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Instagram
– Newsletter

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Counting on You. One winner will win a Amarillo Sour Starter Kit, that includes two shot glasses, two coasters, a bottle opener and pens with the bar’s logo on them plus a $10 Amazon card. US Only.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


banner Lola's Blog Tours

Filed Under: Counting on You Tagged With: Book Blitz, Books, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Counting on You, Laura Chapman, New Release, Romance

Summer Reading Challenge

June 9, 2017 Leave a Comment

Hey, book lovers! Remember those summer reading programs from when we were kids? You would read a certain number of books and get a pizza. Or maybe if you completed a list of books you received a certificate and a prize from the librarian. Why should the fun end just because we’re adults? Join us this summer for the inaugural Romantic Summer Reading Challenge.

*****

Now through midnight (CDT) September 4, read all ten books on our reading list to win prizes. This year’s featured books include:

The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen by Victoria Alexander

New Attitude by Kathryn R. Biel

Playing House by Laura Chapman

Makeup & Murder by Stephanie Damore

Click Date Repeat Again by KJ Farnham

Love, Hate, and Other Lies We Told by Deirdre Riordan Hall

Tequila & Tailgates by Andrea Johnston

Reality Rocks by Liberty Kontranowski

Pas de Deux by Wynter S.K.

This is 35 by Stacey Wiedower

*****

How does it work? When you finish each book on the list, leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Then, once you are done with all ten, copy the links on the entry form, complete the rest of the information, and submit it. After September 4, everyone who completes the challenge will receive a free ebook from one of the authors’ backlist. You will also be entered in the drawing for a chance to win one of ten prize packages created by the authors (valued at $20 each) and the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card. (No purchase necessary to win. Prize packages limited to U.S. residents only this year.)

What if you’ve already read one (or more) of the books on this list? It still counts. Just post your review and share the link on the form.

If this sounds like fun way to discover new authors, score a free book, and enter for a chance to win prizes, please join us! You can also follow the Facebook page, which will include author takeovers that give you a chance to interact with authors and other readers throughout the summer.

*****

ENTRY FORM   FACEBOOK EVENT

The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen

Victoria Alexander

New Attitude

Kathryn R. Biel

Playing House

Laura Chapman

Makeup & Murder

Stephanie Damore

Click Date Repeat Again

KJ Farnham

Love, Hate, and Other Lies We Told

Deirdre Riordan Hall

Tequila & Tailgates

Andrea Johnston

Reality Rocks

Liberty Kontranowski

Pas de Deux

Wynter S.K.

This is 35

Stacey Wiedower

Filed Under: Laura Chapman Tagged With: Books, Laura Chapman, Romance, Summer Reading Challenge

RELEASE DAY: “Playing House”

March 21, 2017 Leave a Comment

“Playing House” by Laura Chapman

Blurb:

She’s a work in progress . . .

Bailey Meredith has had it. As an assistant at a prestigious interior design firm, she’s tired of making coffee and filing invoices. She’ll do just about anything to get out from under the paperwork and into the field for real experience. Then she sees an ad for a job that seems too good to be true.

He’s a fixer upper . . .

Wilder Aldrich knew she would be perfect for the crew the moment he saw her. His hit home improvement show only hired the best, and Bailey had potential written all over her. It isn’t just her imaginative creativity and unmatched work ethic that grabs his attention. There’s just something about her.

With chemistry on screen, it’s only a matter of time before sparks fly behind the scenes as well. But with Bailey’s jaded views on romance and a big secret that could destroy Wilder and everyone he cares about are either of them willing to risk it all for love?

**Click HERE to get your copy of “Playing House” now!

Filed Under: Playing House - Release Day Tagged With: Books, Chick Lit, Laura Chapman, New Release, Romance, Women's Fiction

BOOK FEATURE: “Playing House”

March 14, 2017 1 Comment

“Playing House” by Laura Chapman

Blurb:

She’s a work in progress. . .

Bailey Meredith has had it. As an assistant at a prestigious interior design firm, she’s tired of making coffee and filing invoices. She’ll do just about anything to get out from under the paperwork and into the field for real experience. Then she sees an ad for a job that seems too good to be true.

He’s a fixer upper . . .

Wilder Aldrich knew she would be perfect for the crew the moment he saw her. His hit home improvement show only hired the best, and Bailey had potential written all over her. It isn’t just her imaginative creativity and unmatched work ethic that grabs his attention. There’s just something about her.

With chemistry on screen, it’s only a matter of time before sparks fly behind the scenes as well. But with Bailey’s jaded views on romance and a big secret that could destroy Wilder and everyone he cares about are either of them willing to risk it all for love?

**Available on March 21! Available on: Amazon   Apple   Barnes & Noble   Kobo

*****

“PLAYING HOUSE” EXCERPT

Keeping a close distance, she followed Waverly up the cracked path to the house. Bailey took quick mental notes of her surroundings. The exterior needed a lot of work. The sagging roof missing gutters made her think they’d find the inside in similar disarray. They stepped through the front door, nearly tripping over Wilder Aldrich, who was measuring the entryway.

“Hey!” He sprang to his feet and out of their way. “What did I tell you about waiting until I gave you the all clear?”

“You were taking for-frickin’-ever, and some of us were freezing our tits off.” She pursed her lips and took on a warrior stance, seemingly daring him to say something else.

Conceding victory to her, Wilder turned and flashed an apologetic grin at Bailey. “Hey.” He offered a hand. Warmth permeated through the thin material of her glove. “Welcome to Casa de Waverly.”

Giving him a smug grin, Waverly sipped her coffee and faced Bailey. “Do you have a smart phone?”

Bailey stared blankly for a second, still dazzled by seeing Wilder up close. But she quickly snapped to attention and dug her phone out of her coat pocket.

“Good,” Waverly said after inspecting it. “While you’re on the job, I’d like you to snap some photos for our social media accounts. I’ll want to vet everything before we post it, but we need to start building the buzz for the next season while we’re filming. In exchange, we’ll cover your phone payments to take care of your data usage. Understood?”

“I can do that.”

“Good. Now . . .” She pulled out her own phone. It was the latest model that had come out on the market a month ago. With all of its reported bells and whistles, it put Bailey’s poor phone to shame. “I’m going to make a quick call. I’ll be back in a few minutes, and we can get started on,” she gestured around her, “this mess.”

She spun on her heel and waltzed out of the room, cooing into the phone.

Wilder cleared his throat, and Bailey turned to give him her full attention. She estimated he was only a couple of years older than herself—maybe in his late twenties or early thirties. He looked younger in real life than he did on TV. He was leaner and a little shorter—though she still had to crane her neck a little to meet his gaze.

He was also more handsome. Not the GQ model, your tongue-sticks-to-the-top-of-your-mouth kind of sexy. But he was hot in the same way the guy you sat next to in Chemistry was. It was enough to distract you from formulas and Bunsen burners every so often, but not enough that you’d ever set the lab on fire or forget to finish your final exam.

So far, he seemed much more serious. Where was the guy who scared Waverly with a stuffed dummy in a closet in the last episode she’d watched before calling an end to the marathon?

He was, she realized, studying her every bit as closely, with those hazel eyes speckled with green. Noting that, she didn’t feel quite as rude taking mental notes on the man in front of him.

At least she looked good. She’d laid out three outfits that morning in the hotel room. The first was a long, silky turquoise tunic that she’d paired with a pair of black leggings and knee-high boots. It was similar to the clothes Waverly favored on screen—only hers weren’t name-brand knockoffs. Then she had the casual jeans, a gray T-shirt that she could dress-up with a navy blue blazer. And there was option three: dark-wash, fit jeans, a chambray shirt, and a scarf. It was an ensemble that fell somewhere in the middle. It was the one that looked the most like her when she inspected herself in the mirror.

It was the one that felt most like her now in the middle of the foyer.

She wondered what he saw when he looked at her. Did he see a confident young woman ready to tackle major projects adeptly? Or did he see someone who was desperate to create, no matter what happened? Both were correct, but which one shone through right now?

Like a light switch, that triggered something in her. She offered her hand again. “We haven’t officially met. I’m Bailey Meredith.”

*****

GUEST POST

HOW IS PLAYING HOUSE DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OTHER BOOKS AND WHAT MADE YOU WRITE IT?

Playing House marks a bit of a change for me as a writer. Though it still carries the comedy—and hopefully whimsy—of my previous books like The Marrying Type and the Queen of the League series, this story is different. It focuses primarily on the love story in line with contemporary romances. Plus it’s steamier—there’s no fading to black here. (Sorry, not sorry, Mom and Dad.)

That’s why I’m calling it a sexy romantic comedy. You’ll still find laughs and giggly situational elements, but there are also a few scenes that made me blush to write.

I didn’t add these scenes to be gratuitous by any means, or because I was trying to be edgy. I just realized—once this story came to fruition—that it called for some spice. Because sometimes when a woman cares for a man, and he feels the same admiration for her, they want to express it in a physical sense.

As a reader and writer, I was raised on great love stories told by the likes of Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood, and Judith McNaught. Not only were they some of my favorite writers, but they also became my teachers. It felt like a natural profession to shift my writing more squarely under the romance umbrella, because these stories are among my favorite. That’s not to say I won’t return to another chick lit story or sweet romance in the future. But right now, my current roster of books to-write tends to lean in this direction. It’s been a lot of fun.

As for why I felt the need to write Playing House in particular . . .

The idea for Playing House came to me the weekend after I published First & Goal, the first book in the Queen of the League series, back in September 2015. I was attending a conference in Indianapolis for my day job at a museum. My co-worker and I, by mutual agreement, kept our TV tuned into HGTV whenever we were in the room. When we weren’t in lectures or meetings, we were in front of that TV. It amounted to hours and hours of home décor, home purchasing, and so on.  At a certain point, I started to wonder . . . how much of it was real? The work, the relationships, all of it—how much of it is true and in the moment, and how much is manufactured for TV?

And I let my imagination wander.

By the end of the weekend, I whispered to my co-worker that I was pretty sure I had an idea for my next stand-alone novel. So I did what I always do when I have a story idea. I obsessed about it and researched it. I ended up reading blogs and message boards to answer some of my questions about what happens when the cameras are off. I also watched way more hours of some of my favorite HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, and House Hunters. By the time National Novel Writing Month came around in November, I had the gist of my story.

Even with all of my watching and reading, the characters and situations are original in Playing House and it is a work of fiction. I did not use any of the real-life stars as inspiration, nor did I take any true stories and make them my own. The only thing I really stole was the consistent element I saw throughout every post: most of the work happens when the cameras are off and there’s always more to the whole story than what we see on TV.

I hope readers will enjoy reading about the world in Playing House as much as I did imagining and writing it.

*****

**About the author: Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, Going for Two, Three & Out, The Marrying Type, and Playing House. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. She loves talking to readers. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also get the latest news from her website, blog, and monthly newsletter.

*****

**GIVEAWAY**

This month, during the Playing House blog tour, you can enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win one of 1 free Audible copy each of The Marrying Type, First & Goal,  Going for Two or 1 $20 Amazon gift card.

**Click HERE to enter the giveaway!

Filed Under: Playing House Tagged With: Chick Lit, Coming Soon, Excerpt, Giveaway, Laura Chapman, Playing House, Romance, Women's Fiction

Guest Post/Feature: Laura Chapman

October 25, 2016 Leave a Comment

To my dear, beloved Fall,

Hey, it’s me, Laura. Again. I hope you aren’t getting tired of hearing me say it, because I love you, I truly do, and I’m not sure I could ever stop singing your praises.

I love your sights. My hometown and state never look more gorgeous than they do on a clear (or, let’s be real, even stormy) autumn day.  And I’ll never forget just how gorgeous New England was in the fall when those leaves change color. (It’s like nature putting on a new, limited engagement performance once a year.)

I love that it’s the only time of year when I feel halfway outdoorsy. Raking leaves is the only yard work I can handle. You only have to do it once or twice a season, and it makes for gorgeous photos. Plus, I think we can all agree that mowing and shoveling suck, and Fall, you don’t force me to do either. Oh, and how about traipsing through pumpkin patches and plucking apples from trees? That’s all the nature I could ever need. (And probably the most I can handle, if we’re being totally honest.)

I love the fruits of those outdoor adventures. Apple butter, apple pie, apple crisp, apple muffins, apple donuts, apple fritters. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancake, pumpkin lattes. Don’t even get me started on everything you can do with squash for easy, but totally fancy seeming, meals. Seriously, nothing dresses up a salad like some sliced acorn squash. And there have to be a million ways to decorate with pumpkins, corn husks, and baskets of mums. Oh–and pumpkin painting! Every time I break out the paint brushes and acrylics to have my way with you, I feel like I’m the greatest thing to happen to art since Michelangelo got his hands on the Sistine Chapel. (Who doesn’t love to feel like they’re a legendary artist once a year?)

I love pumpkin beers and hard ciders. And, Fall, now that you’re here, it means stouts are just around the corner. Now that it’s sweater weather, I can drink as much of these tasty beverages as I want with zero guilt. (It’s not like anyone will see me in anything but clothing that resembles burlap sacks until spring.) Speaking of clothes…

I love getting dressed up for you. The boots! The scarves! The sweaters! The sweater dresses! The leggings! The jeans! I think we can all agree my fashion sense thrives under your autumnal influence. (Plus, burgundy and browns are fabulous with my complexion.)

I love the way the air gets chilly enough at night that I can burrow deep under my covers. Bingley usually curls up next to me to stay warm, which is one of my favorite things. (I’m not too proud to admit that I’m willing to force this sign of affection from my cat. He’s just too sweet and independent to resist.)

I love that you give me football–one of the only things I love as much as you. From my Nebraska Cornhuskers to the Green Bay Packers, football gives me more drama and excitement than a year of soap operas. (And it also reunites me with the candidates for future Mr. Laura Chapman, like Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson, and Ha-Ha Clinto-Dix. I don’t care if they aren’t on the market. It could still happen.)

Yes, fall, we’ve built a beautiful life together. I’ll continue to cherish you while you’re here. And once you’re gone for the year, well, don’t be a stranger for too long.

With the deepest love and devotion, your faithful companion,

Laura


**New from Laura Chapman, the third installment of her fantasy football romantic comedy Queen of the League series . . .

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?

Buy it Now
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

*** BARGAIN ALERT *** To celebrate the new release, for a limited time, you can pick up the first two stories in the series for only 99 cents each. EBooks First & Goal and Going for Two are available for only 99 cents each. ***

In Laura Chapman’s Queen of the League series, Harper Duquaine joins a 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). Her competitive streak soon emerges, and she catches the interest of her top two competitors. 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.

First & Goal
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
 
Going for Two
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

About the author:  Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, Going for Two, Three & Out, and The Marrying Type.  Her holiday novellas Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight will be released on November 8, and are now available for pre-order. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Connect with her online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube and on her website at www.laurachapmanbooks.com.

**GIVEAWAY**

**Click HERE to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Laura Chapman, October Guest Blogger, Seasons

EXCERPT: “Going for Two” by Laura Chapman

February 24, 2016 2 Comments

Going for Two

“Going for Two” by Laura Chapman

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.


Harper Duquaine – the fun, (sometimes) fearless, and fabulous heroine of my Queen of the League series – has a knack for baking. In Going for Two, the second book in the series, she develops a penchant for mug cakes. When it comes to food in books, I take my research seriously, and I tried my hand out at making a variety of mug cakes for myself. Here’s one of my favorite recipes from the experiment.

Sour Cream Coffee Mug Cake_IMG_1426

Sour Cream (Mug) Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon softened butter

1 tablespoon sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons sour cream

Dash of almond (or vanilla) extract

1/4 cup flour

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

For streusel topping: 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour

Directions: Spray a mug with no-stick spray then soften 1 tablespoon of butter. Mix in ingredients one at a time resulting in a thick batter. In a separate small bowl, combine ingredients for streusel and sprinkle on top of the batter. Microwave for a minimum of 1 minute or a maximum of 1 minute and 30 seconds until done. Pro tip: watch it closely while it cooks in the microwave to make sure it doesn’t overflow. After that, enjoy!


EXCERPT

With one day to go until our fantasy draft, I have a lot of prep work to do.

Last year I joined the league a few hours before the draft. My education had been a crash course from Wade on how to use the computer program and a few tips from my brother. I didn’t care at the time. I wasn’t in the league to win. I only joined in a desperate attempt to make my new co-workers at the car dealership like me. By the end of the season, my interest in the game—and Brook—had been piqued. I’d been willing to fight hard for a victory with both. Winning Brook’s heart had been easier than winning the league championship. Even after a major late-season rally, I finished in fourth place.

Not this year. I’ve spent the off-season studying the game and planning. And I’m determined to go all the way. Even if that means humiliating the man I love when we go head-to-head against each other. The worthy, but humble, opponent he is, I’m sure Brook will ultimately forgive me when I hoist the figurative league trophy over my head.

Unlike last year, I have a legitimate game plan. It’s called, “Study Up On All of the Top Players and Draft Them.” Subtitle: “Within Reason.” I still don’t feel right about having bad boys or total douches on my team, but I’ve made my peace. You have to make tough decisions like that when you’re in charge.

I plan to stock up on top-tier wide receivers and tight ends. In our league, we get points for each catch, which means I need players with good hands. Hands not unlike my ex-wide receiver boyfriend, only I put his hands to a much different, but equally important, use.

The other part, which is slightly more controversial, is my intent to plan one bad week. Theoretically, during one week—in my plans it’s week eight—I’ll have several of my top players out on bye weeks. That means I’ll likely lose, which should suck. I’ll have a total juggernaut team every other week of the season, so it won’t matter if I take a knee once. In preparation for implementation, I’ve done a few mock drafts online. Okay, I’ve done ten, but I really want to get all of the jitters out of me before the real thing. While it’s been interesting to watch some of the trends going in these fake draft rooms—it seems like we’re in another year of the overrated running back—I’m not going to let that influence the way I pick my team. I have a wish list, and I don’t plan to stray far from it.

We’re a ten-person league this year, so I’ve done a mock draft from each spot in a ten-person league. I have a good idea of who will and won’t make it on my team no matter when I draft. It’s comforting to feel this in control of my destiny.

**Buy “Going for Two”: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo   Goodreads


 

LauraChapmanNewPic**About the author: 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.

**Contact Laura: Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   YouTube   Goodreads   Blog   Website


 

**GIVEAWAY**

**Click HERE for your chance to paperback copies of all 4 of Laura’s books, (US and Canada, only)!


Filed Under: Going for Two - Excerpt Tagged With: Chick-Lit, CLP blog tours, Excerpt, football, Going for Two, Laura Chapman, Recipe, Romance, Sour Cream Mug Coffee Cake, Women's Fiction

Release Blitz: “GOING FOR TWO”

January 27, 2016 3 Comments

GFT now available

 

About “Going for Two”: 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.

**Find “Going for Two” now!: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Goodreads   Kobo

**And from January 20-29 you can get First & Goal, book one in the Queen of the League series, for only 99 cents!:   Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo


In honor of Going for Two’s release, I’m sharing some fun facts about the book and Queen of the League series.

Fact 4Harper needed to have some interests outside of football, and so I made her a crochet enthusiast. I have fond memories of learning how to crochet from my late Grandmother Huneke. Grandma could not only knit and crochet the most beautiful and perfect pieces, but she was also one of the best sports fans and aficionados around. Though a quiet and reserved woman, she could spout out facts like no one else. My brother likes to tell the story about the time he and my grandmother were in line somewhere. They overheard the men in front of them incorrectly discussing the stats from a recent game. My grandma politely interrupted and corrected them. So having Harper crochet throughout the season was a way for me to pay homage to my grandma. It also ended up creating some new opportunities for her, which are explored in more detail in Going for Two.

I hope you will check out the other facts—view a complete listing of locations and dates on my website, www.laurachapmanbooks.com—and the series.

Thank you, Isabella, for featuring Going for Two—and me—today. Enjoy!


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

In five sentences, what made you write your book, “GOING FOR TWO”?: The short answer: Because the Queen of the League series wasn’t done and needed another installment. The longer answer: When I set out to write a book about a girl who joins a fantasy football league I interviewed a couple of assistant coaches for local high school teams. While talking to them, I realized there were more angles to explore. I could visualize more conflicts and situations to write my characters into and out of again. Plus, once I got to know Harper, Brook, J.J., Wade, Amelia, and the rest of the crew, I wanted to know what happened next for them.

How much does football encourage you to write? It can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, participating in fantasy football and being a fan of football was my inspiration for writing this series. On the other, if my teams have a bad week, I can get a little bummed out about everything. The flip is that I get really excited to write when there’s harmony in my football world. Maybe I should imagine Clay Matthews sitting in my office with me, willing me to work faster and harder, while I write. It’d be worth a shot.

Who is your all-time favorite football crush, and if you two were to go on a first date, what would you two do? It’s hard to pick just one! Right now I’m in a bit of a tug-of-war with Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers, because each of them fulfills different… needs, shall we say. Sadly, neither of them are on the market. But if this is my football fantasy (see what I did there), my dream date would probably involve one of them taking me on a personalized and unique first date—maybe to a bookstore or play starring one of my other crushes, like Michael Fassbender or a Hemsworth—and the other one would jealously interrupt it, and they’d fight over me, before deciding we could all just get along and I could date both.

What is the fastest part of the publishing process, (ex: the writing, editing, cover art)? The slowest? I would say the cover is the fastest. I designed the covers for the Queen of the League series, and they just sort of came to me. The slowest is probably a tie between writing and editing. So far I have found that each story is a special snowflake and plays out different. First & Goal and Going for Two took me longer to write than to edit, but Hard Hats and Doormats and The Marrying Type both took longer to edit than to write. That may be because I am more aware during the writing process now than I was with my first two books. That’s probably a good thing, though I had a lot of fun writing with total abandon on those earlier stories.

Do you have any writing superstitions? Oh sure. My biggest is that I’m afraid to say too much about any of my projects while they’re in the writing phase. I kind of feel like book ideas and works in progress are like birthday wishes in that they don’t come to fruition if you tell them to anyone. (Also, earlier in my writing career I would talk more about whatever I was writing, and then I wouldn’t finish the project and felt like a liar.) I break the rule for my sister and one of my best friends, who are my sounding boards while I work.

As an author of four books and taking part in three anthologies, have you had an “AH-HA” moment? All the time. I feel like I have AH-HA moments every day both as an author and a human. I’m constantly evolving on both fronts, which means a new experience that leads to an epiphany. It should also be noted that almost every day brings an “oh my God, why doesn’t any of this make sense?” moment too.

With a busy schedule, what has motivated you to keep going as an author? Really it’s just a calling. There are stories running through my head waiting to be told. And both of those statements sound super pretentious. Really what it comes down to is this: I’ve always wanted to be an author. It’s my dream, and that dream keeps me going. Also, I like to keep busy. Even my downtime ends up being productive. “Laura, what did you do on Saturday?” “Oh, nothing. I tried a new recipe. Re-read one of the Little House books. Watched Hallmark. Started making a baby blanket for one of my friends. Had my sister over. Just a quiet little day.”

If you played football, what position do you think you’d be best at? I’d like to think I’d make a great quarterback. I like being in charge and telling people what to do. I can think quickly and make adjustments on the fly as needed. But I could also see myself thriving in a linebacker. It’d be fun to lay people out all the time and flex my non-existent muscles for my adoring fans.

If you would want anyone to read and review your books, who would it/they be? Actually, the person I most wanted to have read and review my books did. My dad hadn’t read any of my books until First & Goal came out. Because it related to football, he was more willing to give it a try. While he was reading, my mom gave updates such as, “I keep hearing him laughing” and “he was telling the people at the bar about it.” Once he finished, he sent me the best review I’ve ever had in the form of a group-text to my whole family: “Laura, just finished First & Goal. Very good read and I really enjoyed it.” And we had a pretty lengthy conversation about it—and his hopes and dreams for all of the characters. It was pretty gratifying to have my dad’s approval and pride.

How do you plan to celebrate if the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl? Oh, I’ll probably get drunk and go streaking through the quad, like usual. I’m totally kidding, but I’m also not entirely sure. The last time the Packers won I jumped up and down and screamed, which wasn’t the best idea on a belly full of beer cheese and beer. I’m more grownup and mature now, but I’ll probably do the same thing. And if I drink a little too much, I’ll probably end up sharing some embarrassing posts on all of my social media platforms including, but not limited to, selfies of me, pictures of my cats, praise for Clay Matthews’s arms, admiration for Aaron Rodgers’s cleverness, and promises to marry Eddie Lacy on top of a mountain with flutes playing, trombones, flowers, and garlands of herbs while everyone dances until the sun rises and our children will form a family band—and only fellow Packers fans will be invited.

Author-wise, what are your New Year’s resolutions? I actually didn’t make any resolutions this year, but promised myself I would strive to find balance and happiness this year. That applies to my writing, too. I often freak out and stress—I’m big on extremes. And this year I’d like to stay somewhere in the middle—to do (and write) what makes me happy and be the best person (and author) I can be while hopefully spreading some joy to others.

What are you working on now? I’m working on the third book in the Queen of the League series along with a couple of other projects that I’m not yet speaking about, because of that whole superstition thing. 😉

**About the Author: 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.

**Connect with Laura: Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   YouTube   Goodreads   Blog   Website


Thanks for having me as a guest. I hope you all enjoy Harper’s latest adventure in Going for Two!

Now Available square


Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, football, Going for Two, Laura Chapman, Marching Ink, Release Blitz, Romance, Women's Fiction

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