Game Changer by Rachel Reid is currently scheduled for release on October 22 2018. 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, never mind 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?
Game Changer is not just a romance, it is also about being comfortable in your own skin and in how the world sees you. Kip is not exactly living his dream. He has great friends and family, but is not using the degree he is still paying off and feels adrift. When he connects with Scott, who is certainly living his dream, neither is prepared for the relationship that develops. The only problem is that Scott is still firmly in the closet, and being famous that means staying under the radar. I thought the emotional and personal issues that the pair need to face are very well written and had me alternating between cheering the pair on and getting frustrated with them. It was so real and relatable- the worries and fears that they face in a relationship and in the bigger picture. I also loved that the romance and related issues were the focus of the book, each of the characters had separate conflicts and questions to deal with that had nothing directly to do with the relationship. The problems were all things that can and do happen, and I felt like all of the characters are people I could meet, and would love to join for a drink or a meal.
Game Changer is an emotionally engaging story, and I enjoyed the read. It is about more than just two people falling in love, that that is still the heart of the tale.
