Synopsis:
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?
Review:
I went into Game Changer hoping I would love it even a fraction of the amount I loved Heated Rivalry. Sadly, that wasn’t entirely the case. I did like this book, but it’s far from a five star read.
I think if it didn’t feel like I was reading the book for weeks on end, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more. When reading Heated Rivalry, I had to stay up late to finish the book as it completely captured my attention, I didn’t have that happen with Game Changer. It was an enjoyable enough read for me to rate it 3.5 stars but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
I can’t even begin to tell you how refreshing it is to have a character be seen with someone of the opposite sex and not assume they’re straight. “He frowned. Kip might be bisexual. Maybe that woman he had been with was his girlfriend.” I know Kip heavily implies to Scott that he’s gay, but this isn’t something you see very often so I appreciate it.
Scott was a goner from the get-go. They only interacted two times and he was already grinning like an idiot at Kip in public “Okay, he sees you.” “How can you tell?” “Because he just lit up like the goddamn sun. Jesus. You guys are doomed.” Their early on interactions were so cute.
Unfortunately, after a while Kip’s whole ‘I know we need to be a secret but it’s making me sad’ bit got a little annoying. I can understand how this situation would make you feel but it was mentioned constantly and it got very repetitive – to the point that I was finding the book a little depressing and didn’t really want to pick it up. We didn’t get a whole lot of Scott and Kip in the show, but I definitely liked them more than the book characters.
I think the funniest thing that is said throughout the entirety of Game Changer is: “What’s wrong with the closet? It’s a wonderful place crammed full of professional athletes.” Not only is it funny, but it’s most likely also true. Scott Hunter the comedian that you are.
Another funny part of Game Changer is Ilya. I’m obsessed with the fact that he is a constant menace, even when he’s not a big part of the other books in the series. “How many minutes would I get if I just killed him?” Scott grumbled as he watched Rozanov skate away. “I’d have to give you at least ten,” Hal said dryly. “Not worth it in the playoffs.”. There’s also a moment where they talk about how Ilya wishes Scott was interested in him and having read and watched Heated Rivalry first, that’s hilarious.
I will be continuing the Game Changers series at some point in the future as I’ve just bought most of the series. I think I’ll check out The Long Game next as I want to read it before we get season two of the show.
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