First Down, Second Chances

by Deb Goodman

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.

Enjoy the other full-length books in The Love Playbook series, which can be read in any order:
Tackle My Heart by Marion De Ré (Football/Soccer)
Love Catch by Laura Langa (Baseball)
Every Breath You Take by Larissa Hommes (Swimming)
Don't Crosse the Line by Britney M. Mills (Lacrosse)
The Neighbor Playbook by Kristine W. Joy (Basketball)
Try for Love by Dana LeCheminant (Rugby)
First Down, Second Chances by Deb Goodman (American Football)
Faking Fore-Ever by Abby Greyson (Golf)

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Sports

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2026

About 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.

Join Deb's newsletter to receive a copy of the book, Just a Road Trip, part of the Tate Brothers series, totally FREE!

Reviews

[Tiffany (Work Kids N Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“Charlotte?” I kiss her cheek softly, near her mouth. “What if I’ve already started falling for you?”

She catches my gaze and it’s like she’s looking into my very soul. “You’re a famous football player.”

“So?”

“So, I’m just Charlotte. A soon-to-Bo-unemployed hot mess.”

This was a heart-warming, golden retriever vibes sports romance!

The characters are endearing. The laughter is abundant. The swoon is real.

I loved Taysom because he is genuine, handsome, and just so dang thoughtful!Charlotte’s character called out to me because her heart is in the right place and she faces her struggles head-on.

If you are looking for a feel good, low stress romance, I recommend this one!

Read this book if you like:
🏈 Covert Operations
🏈 Miley Cyrus
🏈 Livestreams
🏈 Taco Night
🏈 Taking the Stairs
🏈 Red Hair
🏈 Holding Hands
🏈 GoFundMe

Content: struggle with parental choices, romance-kisses only.

Thank you to Deb Goodman for the gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic older brother's best friend and childhood crush romance! I loved seeing the way Charlotte's crush flared right back to life when she reconnected with Taysom. But, surprise! Taysom also had a bit of his own crush on Charlotte.

These two began to build a connection as they to spent time together with "their" cat, Miley. I loved seeing the way their romance slowly built up and the healthy way that they communicated with each other.

The author did a great job of making me really feel the emotions growing between Taysom and Charlotte. This story was a joy to read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite the treat for me. I loved the characters, and I loved their stories. Both were passionate about their careers and their families.

Taysom Reed is a professional quarterback who looks like he has it all figured out, but inside he is more than a little scared about losing his position to the new guy. He also wants to be close by to take care of his mom. This part of his character was enough to make me swoon. Then when he sang a Miley Cyrus song to a little kitten, I was toast. This guy was every girl's dream. He was the real deal. He wore his heart on his sleeve without any regret.

Charlotte and Taysom have known each other for a long time. Taysom is Charlotte's brother's best friend. She crushed on him in their younger years, but he Twinkied her (you will understand when you read the story and get a laugh out of it). Taysom comes into her place of work at a terrible time as she has just been informed that she is losing her job due to funding cuts. She has a real heart for helping young children with much needed treatment. She has been there and done that, and has a can fully understand what these young children are going through.

Two hearts could not be more perfect for one another than Charlotte and Taysom. I cheered them on like they were my own children. Miley, the cat, steals the show much of the time, and I cannot resist a furry little kitten. Sometimes heroes do not wear capes. Sometimes they quietly do things that matter to others without any applause, and that was very evident in this story.

This author always writes heartfelt romance, but this one seemed as if it really came from her heart, maybe even a place of understanding. It was interesting to learn about some of the childhood ailments that I have never heard about, and the treatments that are available, if they were caught early. So, not only was this book sweet, charming and funny, but it was educational as well.

I also love the game of football, so this was another plus in the pro column for the things I loved about this book.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

The Love Playbook series has been so fun to read so far! The second to last book by Deb Goodman has been released and what a wonderful addition. First Down, Second Chances is a sweet, kisses only sports romcom that is full of romance and swoon worthy moments. Our MCs are getting a second chance in love, but whether they will take a chance or not on one another again has yet to be determined.

I have a child who has received occupational therapy for years and I adore his OTs. This made Emily, our FMC, so easy to love and resonate with. She has a heart of gold and truly wants to help kids. She is good at her job and cares so much for each of her patients. When her job is threatened to end due to funding, she isn’t sure what she’s going to do. The same day she finds out about her job, an old crush and her brother’s best friend walks back into her life, happenstance only. When sparks begin to fly, she is determined to stay guarded because she will not let Taysom break her heart again.

When Taysom runs into his best friend’s sister on the day she finds out her job is ending, he thinks it’s pure coincidence. Now a pro football quarterback who has a foundation that focuses on sports medicine. He never meant to hurt Emily all those years ago, but he doesn’t believe you can have a thriving career and love. His past experience proved it. Yet, he can’t stay away from Emily. Finding reasons to be around her, his heart quickly has other ideas about what she is to him. When faced with a choice he has to choose either old habits or the person who makes him the happiest he’s been.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
💙Second Chance Romance
🏈Football Romance
💙Quarterback MMC
🏈Brother’s Best Friend
💙Occupation Therapist FMC
🏈Found Family
💙Chronic Illness Rep
🏈Secret Heist
💙Closed Door Romance

[Cathy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly where I'm supposed to be! 😊

A very sweet, heart-warming romance. 💗 I love how the author tells their story! Very well written and inspiring! Great characters that you can really relate with and I was totally invested in their relationship! 

Charlotte is an OT (Occupational Therapist) who finds out that she's losing her job because of funding cuts. That same day her first crush/heartbreak walks into the clinic out of nowhere. 

Taysom is a pro quarterback for the San Antonio Wolves and thinks he may be looking at a trade soon in his career since they just drafted a new quarterback. He also has a foundation he runs that funded a new Sports Medicine Institute at the university. This is how he meets up with Charlotte again while he's filming around the university and clinic she works at.

Soon he keeps showing up in unexpected ways, like helping to rescue a kitten stuck under her porch and singing a Miley Cyrus song to the kitten (which had me swooning 😍). And of course, Miley steals the show with all of her “help” with the social media that they do.

I loved this book and didn't want to see it end! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a clean, sweet, HEA! I love these quotes from the book: “It’ll come. Trust the process.” and “It’s fitting because here, with you, is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

This is the seventh book in a multi-author “The Love Playbook” series. It can be read as a stand-alone but you'll want to read the whole series!

I received an ARC of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you @debgoodmanwrites for the chance to review your book!

[Stephanie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Down, Second Chances by Deb Goodman in the Love Playbook Series hit me in all my feels. There’s just something about a brother’s best friend story that just always gets to me, but this story took it up to a whole new level.
Our beloved heroine in this story is Charlotte, an early intervention occupational therapist. As a mom of three kiddos who ALL received OT, two of them for years, her character resonated with me. Added to that, she was so passionate about helping littles suffering from hip dysplasia, wanting to help them before surgery became a necessity. While my kids did not deal with that, my middle child has a diagnosis that put that on our radar as a possibility, so again… her character, drive, and passion stuck with me.
Then we have sweet Taysom, our MMC who has intentionally isolated himself from relationships because he is under the impression that having a job where travel is required will tear apart a family. He would rather be single than go through the trauma he witnessed as a child. But then he crosses paths with Charlotte again, and the fireworks go off.
Toss in a tiny rescue kitten who steals hearts, a fundraiser to save the therapy center and program Charlie is passionate about… Taysom and Charlotte find themselves grasping to figure out what they really mean to each other.
Their journey isn’t straightforward, they both have some self discoveries and growing to do, but they also have some growing to do together, all while trying to navigate the plot twists life throws at them. Grab your copy of this sweet, swoony, closed door sports romance today!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.


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

[Livy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute read!!!

First off- I love the best friends sister trope. A slight age gap but not enough to be creepy!

Charlotte is a fiery red head OT who’s losing her job. Shes fierce, loyal, self conscious. She made me want to scream! Like girl- beggars can’t be choosers- but when she explained her reasoning I understood and admired her for it.

Taysom is sweet and kind and caring to all of those he loves. He has some emotional scars from his parents divorce and reservations on love because of his job.

These two are like chocolate and vanilla- the perfect pair. And Miley is the sprinkles to tie it all together. Their love and support is unmatched. Their communication is wonderful. It was so refreshing to read.

I will say- for a closed door romance there was still some spice! For me it was the perfect amount.

🏈Football player
🐈OT with a personal past
🏈Older brothers best friend
🐈 fur-ever friend Miley the cat
🏈Super supportive
🐈 Both at a crossroad in their career
🏈 hits every part of a plot without a 3rd act breakup
🐈 Happily ever after

I think this might have been top two of the series for me. It was a refreshingly sweet read and definitely going on my “re-read shelf.

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute story!
Charlotte was such a fun narrator! I loved her genuineness and earnestness. She cared so much for the kids she worked with and the work that they did at the Center. I really felt for her as she tried to grapple with the loss that of the Center and the sudden re-appearance of Taysom into her life. Charlotte had some hang-ups and misplaced beliefs about herself that she had to work through, but I loved seeing the support Taysom had for her.
Taysom was a sweetheart. He cared so much for Charlotte. He also had a lot of beliefs from childhood about what he could and should do for his future. Taysom tried so hard to care for Charlotte and support her. I loved how he cared for his mom! Both Taysom and Charlotte had to choose each other and what was best for them together. They were so sweet together and I loved seeing them grow. Having a shared history allowed them to really reconnect well, they already knew each other in a lot of ways.
Miley was adorable! I loved the way she brought them together and the continued thread of the Friends Fur-ever. It was really cool to see Taysom and Charlotte work together and I was rooting for them. This sports romance has only kisses.

I received an ARC.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off with Charlotte finding out her job will be ending, Taysom Reed showing up unexpectedly for an interview about her job, and he shows up again when she discovers a cat under her porch. As Taysom, Charlotte, and cat Miley spend time together, they figure out a way to solve Charlotte’s employment problems.

Favorite parts:
-how Miley the cat got her name
-Miley’s part for the live social media posts
-Charlotte’s determination for the kids she works with at her occupational therapy center
-Taysom showing up for Charlotte again and again.
-Taysom’s swoony words before a kiss.
-the ending- I loved how it all worked out.

Favorite quotes:
She catches my gaze and it’s like she’s looking into my very soul.
“You’re a famous football player.”
“So?”
“So, I’m just Charlotte. A soon-to-be-unemployed hot mess.”
I almost say, but you’re my hot mess, but thankfully, think better of it. Because the truth is, she’s not a mess at all. She’s just hot.
“You’re human. A very wonderful human. And I like that you’re ‘Just Charlotte.’ I wouldn’t want you to be any other way.”

“I’m sorry they’ve given you grief. But to me, they’re beautiful. All of you is beautiful.”

His tenderness. The way he pushes me to be my best. The fierceness with which he loves me. I know he loves me, even though he hasn’t said it yet. It’s what my heart beats out every moment of every day for him.

**I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Down,Second Chances is my ideal story by Deb Goodman . It teases ,it pleases ,it’s fun and second to none. The trope to me is ideal and I squealed when I knew that she was writing this ,knew it’s be bliss. Both because I know how bliss Deb’s writings is but also ..I’m dope for this trope brother’s best friend as this is me and my forty years history…

So ,we have Charlotte and Taysum ,does she find him handsome? Of course ! Taysum Reed was her first crush,that went to mush down the line and left her with a broken heart. So what is to happen this time around ,when her kitten he just found . This rescue might be the best play yet and one that both of them won’t soon forget…

This strong handsome NFL player and her brother’s best friend comes waltzing in with his pantie melting grin but her heart she can’t give him …can she? Can he make her see ,they were meant to be . Their back history is worth a second dance if she’ll take a chance to an happy ever after. It’s her love he’s after and he plans to make her see that he’s there for keeping and her he’s not going to make her weeping.

But sweeping off her feet he can complete ,because it’s his Charlotte that has his heart skip a beat.

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte and Taysom’s story is the sweetest. Charlotte used to have the biggest crush on Taysom as a teenager, but then he did what every stereotypical teenage boy does and ignored the kid sister of his best friend. Fast forward and they are thrown back together in the cutest re-meet cute. Working together on a project brings them closer and the swoon is strong!

I loved seeing both of them shed the stories they told themselves about what they do and do not deserve/can and cannot have in life and find their happily ever after. Together. With their adorable rescue cat, Miley. Because she is definitely THEIRS and not just hers or his. These two (three) just fit so easily together.

I really enjoyed the family aspects of this story and seeing how they each navigated those relationships. They’ve all known each other for forever, but it’s still fresh and new to take it beyond the childhood friendship they had.

This brother’s best friend, second chance romance has so much delightful pining and flirting and family drama and the cutest rescue kitten with the loudest meow you’ve ever heard. It is the seventh book in The Love Playbook multi-author series. Each features a different sport and a different rescue pet adopted through the Fur-Ever Homes pet rescue.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author.

This is part of The Love Playbook series. It can be read as a standalone, but best if you read the full series.

Such a cute read! Taysom is a good looking NFL football player, and also Charlotte's brother's best friend as well as her first crush. Charlotte is a red headed OT, who just found out she is losing her job, due to the funds being cut. Taysom ends up helping her with a rescue kitten, Miley. I loved Miley and her obsession with Taysom! Who wouldn't love a hunky, kind and sweet football player?? Second chances are risky, but are some plays worth running twice?

I loved seeing the chemistry between these two characters and enjoyed the brother's best friend trope, Deb Goodman is a great author and I can't wait to read more of her books.

"All of you is beautiful."

"It's a love that has caught ahold of me and won't let go. She's so fierce and devoted and interesting."

"Sometimes we just need a little push to do the thing we really want to do...the thing we know we need to do."

Thank you Deb Goodman for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Abby Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Down, Second Chances 🏈

Charlotte Mercer is a strong, passionate occupational therapist who loves her work and adores her pediatric patients. Unfortunately, she’s about to lose her job and the ability to help the kids who need her the most. Her former crush coming back into her life isn’t helping matters either. Or so she thinks.

Taysom Reed is a handsome, rich, incredibly athletic football player who’s worried that his spot on the only NFL team he’s ever known is about to slip through his fingers. When a documentary and a stray kitten bring him back into Charlotte’s life, her red hair and tenacious spirit shift his perspective and open his eyes to exciting new possibilities.

First Down, Second Chances is a kisses-only sports romcom. Expect adorable kitten antics, lots of appreciation for muscles, complex and relatable characters, depictions of life with DDH (Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip), some family drama, a little bit (or maybe a lot) of “big sports” bashing, and of course, a little yearning from both characters as they figure out they’re in love with each other.

I was privileged to read an early copy of this book.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such a fun series to read. I have loved how each of the books had Fur Ever Homes chats, helping the characters know what to do with their pets. I really need to find out if the pig ever got her Fur Ever Home.

I loved Charlotte in this book. She cares so much about her young clients and how they are going to continue to get care even though the Early Childhood Center is closing. She's worked so hard to help some of them and she knows that some of them are going to slip through the cracks. She's got to figure that out, but first she's got to do an interview with Taysom Reed.

Taysom is a star quarterback and one of her brother's best friends. I loved how he was just a nice guy who was willing to help when help was needed. He helps Charlotte with the kitten she finds under her porch. And he helps her when she's trying to get funding for the center.

I love how well Charlotte and Taysom work together. And how they fell in love a little at a time.

If you haven't read any of Deb Goodman's books, you definitely NEED to!

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another suite addition to this fun series. The story is about Taysom and Charlotte, who have known each other since their youth. Taysom and Charlotte‘s brother are best friends and Charlotte was the younger tagalong little sister. She never let onto anyone that she had a big crush on Taysom. Years later when he walks into her office, those same butterflies are still present. This is a sweet, second chance romance with Taysom being a professional football player and Charlotte learning, she just lost her job as an occupational therapist. The football trope is fun, but I loved the passion and fight both of them had, as they tried to get funding for families that couldn’t afford therapy for their kids. There is also a sweet, noisy little kitten named Miley that keeps them on their toes. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance. I loved hearing about the OTs as every week I drop off the 8 year old I tend for his OT appointment. I know how hard these kids work to make progress. My young friend recently graduated from his speech therapy. His mom was told he might never be able to speak normally but he has worked so hard and is great now. And he still works on the OT stuff. I've watched him progress all his life and I'm so proud of him. What would we have done without the help of these therapists? The book made me sad to think that the clinic would stop helping young children. I was happy to see one fiery red-head was working so hard to make things happen to help those children.
And the romance element lovely. A hunky football player singing to a kitten? Yes, please. I could relate to this couple because my cat meows a lot. It isn't fun to listen to endlessly. But kitty cuteness makes up for it.
I enjoyed the story, the romance and the kitty.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your typical second chance romance, and that's a good... no great thing! This is so much better than the typical second chance trope. Charlotte and Taysom were never together. She had a crush on him in high school. He wanted to ask her on a date when they meet again while she's in college but chickens out (his words, not mine). They meet again years later and through a series of events end up spending time together. That's their second chance, and it is a lovely journey as they grow together.

The story and plot are well paced, dropping hints of backstory about an event that happened when she was 13, involved Taysom, some Twinkies, and her younger sister that changed her life in a meaningful way. Taylor is battling his own securities about his football career and his belief that it should have healed his family (while growing up) while preventing him from building a family of his own.

An enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte and Taysom have known each other for what seems like a lifetime since Taysom was Charlotte’s brothers best friend. It was fun seeing them renew their friendship after many years of not seeing one another. For Charlotte, some past hurts must be dealt with in order for their relationship can move forward.

Taysom is a caring person, ready to jump in and assist Charlotte with her passion of helping children with physical difficulties. They become social media influencers with Taysom’s football career and their adorable shared pet, Miley. Readers of romantic comedies will enjoy this story of second chances that has caring main characters and a kisses-only relationship.

Tropes included:
sports romance
famous MMC
small town
friends to more
supporting each other

I received a copy of the book in the Love Playbook series from the author with no obligation to write a positive review.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun sports romance! It is part of The Love Playbook Series and it’s a great addition to it🥰 There are some moments that were so sweet and slightly awkward that I loved between Charlotte and Taysom🤭 little Miley was definitely a highlight of the book☺️
Chapter 13 had me laughing and reliving my own early teenage years😂 loved that! But it also broke my heart for little Charlotte💔
The self loathing from Charlotte did get a little tiring and old, but I can understand it.
Side note: reporting to the police department that you found a stray kitten just doesn’t quite seem logical. The police are not concerned with cats lol they have much bigger things pay attention too, no offense to kittens😂

🐱Sports Romance
🏈Child Occupational Therapist FMC
🐱Brother’s Best Friend
🏈Second Chance Romance
🐱A Secret Heist
🏈Chronic Illness Rep
🐱Slow Burn

🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the Love Playbook series and can be read as a standalone. However, you will want to read the full series so that you can follow what happens with Princess the Pig.

This is a great sports, best friend's sister romcom. There are laugh out loud moments, sweet romance moments, and moments that will have you smiling long after the last page is turned. I love how protective Taysom is of Charlotte and how they grown in their relationship. They both continued to show up for each other.

If you are looking for a sweet romance with a lovable FMC, a protective MMC, a rescue kitten, and an HEA, this is the book for you!

Quotes:
"Let your beauty shine and be proud of it."

"...sometimes we just need a little push to do the thing we really want to do...the thing we know we need to do."

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! So much more than just a football romance. Taysom and Charlotte have known each other since childhood. He was best friends with her older brother Kyle. He was her first crush. Unbeknownst to Charlotte he had fallen for her years ago but never acted on it. A small kitten stuck under the front porch of Charlotte's house, Taysom's kitten rescue and football celebrity status, plus more, nurtured the relationship between Taysom and Charlotte.
So much to love about this book! The kindness- the sincerity--the generosity-the hard work-the resolve-the humor-the caring-the honesty... all combined to make it an outstanding story. It was full of funny moments that made putting the book down almost impossible. I loved this book!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

* arc reader
* professional football player mmc
* specialized pediatric occupational therapist fmc
* second chance romance
* brothers best friend
charlottes life feels like it’s falling apart and in walks taysom, her brothers best friend and her childhood crush, what could go wrong? taysom didn’t think through reconnecting with the one that got away, and now when his life feels like something big is coming he suddenly can’t fight these feelings anymore. this was such a cute romance it didn’t focus too much on the logistics of the sport but still incorporated it well as it was his job. i think seeing taysom continually show up for her was such a sweet thing. would definitely recommend this book to people who love a green flag mmc and a dedicated fmc!!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both touching and fun
Such a sweet story. Charlotte loves her job as an Occupational Therapist working with children and focusing on preventive treatments. But then she has the bad day to end bad days. Wearing a bland outfit, told her clinic was closing, and being surprised with an interview by Taysom, her childhood crush, that is being recorded for a documentary that he is doing with ESPN, only to realize her crush is far from dead. Soon Taysom is trying to help Charlotte find a job, helping her rescue a kitten, and wondering how to approach the girl he has had a crush on forever. But the future holds more surprises as both face offers of new jobs that have the power to pull them apart. Such a fun read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yessss! I loved this one. I am a sucker for a brother's best friend and this one didn’t disappoint. It was good from beginning to end. She is an OT who loves helping kids with chronic illness, something dramatic happens that forces her to rethink life and find a new place to work. He is a NFL quarterback who gets sent to do an interview at the clinic only to find that the person working is his best friend's little sister. When I tell you the way these two reconnected was amazing. Plus our little furry friend was such a cutie pie. This book had me entertained since page one and I loved it all. Couldn't get enough !

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Down, Second Chance is a heartwarming, delightful, brother's best friend, second chance, sports romance. I had never heard of testing youngsters' gait but I love Charlotte's passion for it. What a tremendous benefit for youngsters. I was rooting for Charlotte and Taysom from the verry beginning. I liked the quiet ways Taysom supported Charlotte's efforts to test youngsters despite his growing concern about being traded. There is just so much realism and true connection in this wonderful romance. I always enjoy Ms. Goodman's books but this one really stuck a chord. You do not want to miss it and I shall be rereading it!

[Kimberly Prytherch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful sports romance in the Love Playbook Series! Charlotte grew up crushing on her brother’s best friend Taysom, but she had so many doubts about herself! Of course they reconnect on the day she loses her job! Somehow a stray kitten named Miley brings them back together. Throw in a heist, work drama, and a fundraising project, and you’ve got the recipe for success! So many sweet moments, so many funny moments, and some more glimpses at Princess the Pig had me laughing so hard! When will this poor pig get adopted?!? These stories all stand alone but the connections are so much fun if you read them all! You can’t go wrong either way! 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈

[Alayna (the.bookstrovert) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:
“Right. Okay. Yes, we’re not here to kiss or stare into each other’s eyes. We’re here to get a…measurement thing, I can’t remember what it’s called, for tomorrow’s event.I’m having a hard time remembering words right now.”


Oh my gosh! 😍 Charlotte and Taysom are the stinkin cutest couple! Miley might just be my favorite pet sidekick! 😂

I liked reading about Charlotte and her experience with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips, it was different and I liked that it became her passion in life to help kids get the help they needed.
And of course we can’t forget about Taysom and his tender heart 🥹

Thank you to the author for the advance copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I wouldn't expect anything less from Deb! This is my all time favorite trope, brother's best friend! Taysom and Charlotte were some of my fav characters. Charlotte is an OT and due to funding issues, loses her job. Her heart is broken for the kids she helps. She is very determined to find a way! Taysom, NFL quarterback, is super sweet but has insecurities about losing his starting spot to a rookie. As these two reconnect, they will both have to deal with some old wounds to find a way forward. Swooneyest part.. Taysom singing to their kitty!! Loved it!

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a part of the same series as "Faking Fore-ever". I just so happened to read them back-to-back and then realized they were a part of the same series based on the forum. Was nice to see a sneak peek of the characters from there. This was a safe and nice read - nothing too exciting but nothing too bad as well. What I loved about both these books is mainly the representation. I am so happy to see books in a series where for once, representation doesn't feel forced and has been written beautifully.