Game Changer

I've dipped my toe in the Game Changers universe by watching the first episode of the super popular Heated Rivalry TV show and more recently, reading Game Changer, the first book in the series written by Canadian Rachel Reid.

I knew going into Game Changers that I was in for a lot of spice with a nod to the sport Canada is known for ... and that's what I got. It's a sports romance, I get it, but I was disappointed at how simplistic the plot really was. Here's the gist: a chance meeting between a smoothie barista and a celebrity hockey player at a smoothie shop (as one does), InstaLove (more like Insta-Lust), sex, more sex, very little conflict and an ending that was satisfying, sweet and predictable. End scene.

There are some brief tender moments, but the spicy scenes overshadowed the growing bond between the guys. Even Scott's experience as a closeted gay athlete didn't get as much attention as I had expected until very late in the proverbial game. 

I wanted more tension and tender moments between Scott and Kip to show that their bond was more than between the sheets. The spice was excessive and felt more like page filler (I skimmed several scenes to get to the plot). I wanted stronger main characters. I liked Scott a lot, but Kip came off as immature. It's not great when you love the secondary characters (like Scott's teammates and Kip's female friends) more than a main character (ahem, Kip). But I do enjoy a good cameo, so it was fun to see Ilya Rozanov grace the pages.

Overall, this was fine. I liked that the book addressed the topic of the pressure on gay pro athletes to stay in the closet, but the spice was over the top. Will I read more of the series? Probably not. Will I watch at least finish the first season of Heated Rivalry? Ummm, to be honest, it's much more likely that I'll be watching The Pitt and fangirling over Noah Wyle. The heart wants what the heart wants.

 

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Rachel Reid

Genre: Sports Romance, LGBTQIA2S+, Canadian

Series: Game Changers 1

Type and Source: ebook from public library

Publisher: Carina Press

First Published: Oct 22, 2018

Read: Feb 11-16, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pre-game rituals very seriously. In this case, it’s not just a lucky smoothie he’s craving—it’s the man who made it.

Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic...and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, nevermind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors.

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career…like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?