Game Changer

4.5/5 starsGame Changer is the first book in Rachel Reid’s spicy MM hockey romance series. NHL captain Scott Hunter believes in pre-game rituals. So when a smoothie breaks his scoring slump, he keeps going back for more and it has nothing to do with the cute juice bar barista. Kip Grady is just hustling to pay off his student debt and in preparation for grad school and allows himself to be swept off his feet by Scott. But when the fun turns serious fast, Scott wants more of Kip but cannot come out so Kip must decide if being a secret is enough.This is the one that started it all—the one that made Heated Rivalry possible in the trailblazer or “game changer” that is Scott Hunter. I did love it. It feels like a classic romantic comedy. It’s the quintessential closeted athlete falling in love and having to balance career and truth. It’s a lot of fun and has a lot of charm and not as angsty as you would expect.I loved Scott Hunter. He is just so likable and relatable, and I completely understood what he was going through. I understood Kip too, but boy would I have given in. I don’t know if I just have no self respect whatsoever, but I’d have been willing to be a millionaire’s dirty secret. The standout of the book that really elevates (and carries) the story is its swoon-worthy ending—utterly romantic and certainly what romcom dreams are made of.Game Changer is a swoony, spicy, straightforward gay romance.

Game Changer by Rachel Reid★★★½☆I picked this up needing a sugar-high kind of read, and that's exactly what I got. Scott and Kip's story delivers that instant-attraction, swoony romance that doesn't ask much from you except to enjoy the ride.The setup is charming enough—NHL captain Scott Hunter stumbles into Kip's juice bar, gets a "magic" smoothie that breaks his scoring slump, and suddenly can't stay away. Their chemistry ignites immediately, and the book wastes no time getting them together. Maybe too little time, honestly. Their connection feels primarily physical at first, with emotional depth coming later than I would've preferred.What worked for me was the gradual shift from pure fluff to something with actual stakes. When Scott's reluctance to be seen publicly with Kip starts causing friction, the story finds its heart. There's something painfully relatable about watching Kip struggle with being someone's secret, even as I understood Scott's professional concerns."There was an urgency in Scott's eyes, but when he finally leaned in and kissed Kip, it was slow and deliberate. It wasn't a conversation; it was Scott telling him something important, and making sure Kip was listening."Moments like this showed promise, but I wanted more of them. The relationship development felt rushed, with their emotional connection playing catch-up to their physical one. For a professional athlete grappling with coming out, Scott's journey could have used more nuance.This isn't a book that will emotionally wreck you or make you think deeply about life. It's comfort food—sweet, satisfying in the moment, and sometimes exactly what you need. I had fun even when I was rolling my eyes at the breakneck pacing and occasional lack of depth.📦 What to Expect💖 Instant Attraction🏒 Sports Romance🔥 Steamy Scenes🤫 Coming Out Storyline🍹 Meet-Cute at a Juice Bar💭 Dual POV🏙️ New York City Setting📚 Book TagsKeywords: Hockey Romance, LGBTQ+, Sports Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Hidden RelationshipTropes: Closeted Athlete, Instant Connection, Secret Relationship, Different WorldsTriggers: Homophobia (discussed), Career Anxiety🎯 Final ThoughtsIf you're looking for a low-stakes, feel-good romance with plenty of heat and a dash of heart, Game Changer delivers. Just don't expect it to change your world—it's more smoothie than soul food, but sometimes that's exactly the refreshment you need.

I enjoyed it but there is not a lot of fleshed out character building here. I found the dialog to be cheesy most of the time, especially during the bumpity bump scenes.There is so many changes in the show vs the book that it borders ridiculousness. What is the point of the book. .. i guess inspiration.I wish scotts monologue to kip was in the book when he is talking about how intense he is etc.Not even the banana is in the book.I did enjoy it on its own terms once I accepted it was extremely different.

Can we just collectively gather around & give Scott & Kip hugs please? I love them! Scott absolutely breaks my heart because his closeted life has been so lonely & caused him such emotional pain. He’s never been able to keep people close to him & for a person without a family of his own, it’s devastating to read. And then Kip, who lives in an out-&-proud world, has fallen in love with this guy, the perfect guy for him, but he can’t tell anyone about it since he’s kinda forced into a closeted life too, hidden away from society in a secret bubble with Scott. Both of them deserve to love each other out loud, without shame. And while this part of their story is hard, it’s a stark reminder about the reality many queer people are forced to navigate. I loved how Rachel tackled this because she really fleshed it out from all possible angles, which made it feel real. But while part of this story is sad & angsty, the majority of it is truly beautiful. The way these men carve out small, safe places for their love to grow, is amazing & will have you clutching your heart & adoring these characters. And the side characters? OMG, they’re nothing short of spectacular too. Allies through & through... it’s awesome.Alright, I’m keeping this review strictly to the bookish content (I’ll probably make a TV-related post to continue to gush about how much I loved the show), but it would be remiss of me to exclude it entirely since it was the driving factor of me picking up this book & this series. I’d never heard of the author or the series until the teaser for the show dropped & then I literally dropped everything to read the series & watch the show congruently.Narrowing an entire book down to a single episode (& change) is a challenging feat, but Jacob (the showrunner) does it well. He represents Scott & Kip in a great way on screen. But, this book has so much more backstory. I’ve seen some people online, who haven’t read the books, ask questions about their relationship that are easily explained in the books. The big moments? Those are included in the show. But the extra moments that really show the depth of their relationship? We find those within the pages of this story. I highly recommend anyone who loved episode 3, dive into this book. It’s beautiful.

This is a modern queer sports romance, the first book in a series best read (or listened to) in order. I read this book years ago but just finished listening it for the first time. I loved being able to get into the minds of Scott and Kip as their secret romance unfolded. They got their “Happy Ever After” but so many do not get that beautiful ending. I am eager to get back to book two but there would be no HEA for them without Scott and Kip!!

I am disappointed to say I watched the show on HBO before reading this book and I really really wish I would've read before watching because I could only imagine Scott and Kip as there actors and I truly think I would've imagined them differently (especially because the audiobook voices didn't match the vibes of the actors IMO).I LOVE Scott and Kip and really fell in love with them in the show. I know they are probably most people's second favorite couple but they really stole my heart. This book gives them the spotlight and I think it is really well done. I love the drawn out love story we saw bites and pieces of on TV.- Professional Hockey player x Smoothie Barista- Secret Romance- MM romance- Found Family

What a story!Anyone who has hidden their true identity will definitely identify with Scott. Hiding yourself IS exhausting; something I did for over 4 decades. As Scott felt, you’ve put so much effort into hiding and sculpting your public persona, those first few steps into the light are so damn scary.Scott hid due to his being a celebrity, but in reality, people hide for so many reasons. For those of you reading this who haven’t had to hide who you are, I hope reading this will give you just a glimpse of what hiding is. It really is true that straight people don’t have to proclaim their sexuality the way non-straight people do.Of course, I loved the book as a whole. Scott and Kip make an amazing couple. I love the insta connection between the two, and the shy way their relationship begins. Kips friends are amazing. Scott isn’t the only one dealing with issues, as Kip has doubts he has to deal with as well.I highly recommend reading this book. It’s absolutely going on my reread list!

I’m not a huge fan of romance books. No offense, but a lot of them rather cheesy. As a lot of recent reviewers will be, I’m here after watching the first season of Heated Rivalry. That show is a cultural phenomenon and I’m glad to be part of it. What I loved about this book was that it wasn’t too “fast”. Things developed at a bit of a slower pace than I’ve read in other romance books, so it was more believable. Add to the fact that it’s a M/M romance, something about reading guys being tender and sweet and romantic has always hit me right there. Probably why I was always reading fanfic of it when I was younger. The relationship of Scott and Kip is just so sweet and the story of Scott coming out and in the world of hockey was exciting and a bit scary. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, despite watching the show. I know it’s a fantasy type book, but I was so ready to hear characters pushing back on them or bring homophobic and I’m glad that wasn’t in here. It was hinted at, but stayed on a more positive side of it. I love queer stories that actually let you enjoy the story and it’s not just full of bigotry and self hate. Definitely plan to read more, though I’m not sure I’ll read beyond Shane and Ilya’s story. That’s not a knock to Rachel Reid, she writes well, but that might just be all I’m interested in. We will see.

I really liked reading this book. I love how they switch. Most of the time when I read MM there is usually a preference and they stick to it. I was laughing so hard at when Scott’s team mates/coach kept asking if it was a certain player. I also liked how fast their relationship came to be. I know sometimes that seems like too much too fast. Sometimes you just know. I loved reading how they were thinking it was just them and that the other couldn’t be in love too. So good. I can’t wait to keep reading the series. I’m starting after the TV series. I knew I wanted to read them. I’m weird and have to see who is casted so it doesn’t mess with my brain. I picture them a certain way and then I have a hard time getting into it.

Rachel Ried hit the puck hard through the net . As a 6 plus decades old gay man I have read many many gay themed novels. Rare I have found anything that could hold its own against Patrick Nell Warren's The Front Runner series until now...Ried's use of environment, character development and plot and theme came together her to bring reality to fiction. Growing up in the PNW on the Canadian border hockey is a lifeblood of sports. I have known many a gay hockey player who shared the horrors of not being able to come out, to being forced into a life of clock and dagger hiding and lies to friends and family. Reid's telling of the story brought a lot of emotional awareness and support to many. Read the book then watch the series.

I’m jumping on the Heated Rivalry bandwagon! I loved the series so much that I decided to read the books. Game Changer is Scott and Kip’s story. They are so sweet as they fall in love, stumble a bit in their relationship, then come out of the other side. Kip and Scott are charming together, and I was rooting for them.I know y’all won’t believe this because I love my spice, but there might have been a bit too much spice in this one - it’s not a complaint, just an observation.Scott Hunter is the gorgeous, Star captain of the New York Admirals pro-hockey team. He is very much closeted. When he and Kip, who has a history degree but is not sure how to use it, start dating, Kip begins to feel like Scott’s dirty little secret. Their journey is angsty and beautiful. I love that Kip’s parents and Scott’s friends are so supportive of them.I recommend Game Changer. Read it and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!

2025 reread: I hadn't picked up Game Changer in nearly 4 years, since the first time I read it. Episode three was clearly the catalyst for it, so my reread review is around that lens. My overall feelings towards the book have not changed: it does important work setting up the series, and brings a lot of value if you plan to read the whole series. But, in Ilya's words, Scott is kind of boring; this book won't ever be my favorite, but the conflict feels real and necessary. It reads like a debut, so give it some grace for that, too. Having watched Episode 3, though, I had actors with electric chemistry to put to the characters. I *never* picture characters while I'm reading, unless I've seen show/movie, and then my brain will often supply images for me, so on this reread, I read all the emotion that Reid wanted to convey because Francois Arnaud and Robbie GK bring subtlety that the debut book lacks.As a reminder to us all: DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS ON AUDIOBOOK. The accents in the audio make this an incredibly difficult listen. If you do not have time to read this with your eyes, do yourself a favor and skip ahead to Heated Rivalry. Even a strict series-order reader will be ok.2022 review: Scott Hunter, center, and captain of the New York Admirals, is in a major slump. But after a chance encounter while purchasing a blueberry smoothie leads to a hat trick that night, like any good superstitious hockey player, Scott repeats his trip to Straw+Berry. It’s so he can score more goals, not to keep seeing the very cute barista Kip Grady…right? (Obviously wrong. This is a romance. Duh!) Kip and Scott are obviously head over heels for one another. But no player in the NHL is publicly out of the closet, and as Scott’s Admirals near the playoffs, Scott and Kip feel pressure to make some decisions.I have a new obsession. This series. Before I started reading it, I thought I might post a review for the whole series, but by the time I got halfway through the first book I realized I would be doing a major disservice to these books.Hockey romances are easily my favorite sports romance, and MM hockey romances just bring me even more joy. The first book in this series, Game Changer, is a really sweet setup for the other books. Scott and Kip’s HEA paves the way for the other books in the series, as the closeted or quietly gay players get a chance to see a league super star come out publicly and stop hiding their own lives.

This Game Changers series has completely captured my heart and soul. I'm reading the books out of order; first 2, then 6, and now 1 - but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story one iota. Right from the get-go I was heavily invested in both Scott and Kip, and I had the pleasure of also watching episode 3 of the TV show to cement the story and actors in my mind. Following their journey to a committed, soul-deep love was absolutely addictive, and I couldn't put this book down. Once Scott made up his mind to be open, he bravely walked the walk and opened the door for the other characters in this wonderful series. And knowing that Scott's actions led directly to Ilya and Shane at the cottage? Pure magic. All the other characters in this story were equally compelling, and I look forward to reading about them in the rest of the Game Changers series. Finally, the little tidbits about Rozanov that popped up in this book were delightful! Don't miss this wonderful book!

Very sweet and fun!Heavy coming out, closeted angst that got to be a bit much at times. A lot of internal monologuing about the same thing.This was also a QUICK timeline. Kip was wanting Scott to be a totally different person within a few weeks. That’s a lot to ask. This overall would’ve felt more believable over maybe a year of even several more months. Altogether it was less than 3 months I believe. I get that no one wants to be in the closet or a secret, but Kip was giving very little grace. He also didn’t really ever talk to Scott about his feelings before the big fight where he blew up and left.I think it was a quick attachment and some serious conversations could’ve happened along the way, but it was overall sweet and Scott’s attitude about being a role model was nice.

At times, I felt like their connection was based solely on hooking up, but the latter half of the book really was sweet and romantic and you could feel the connection between Scott and Kip, and I just loved their whole story. I think, after having read this after watching Scott and Kip's episode of the Heated Rivalry, I went into it already halfway in love with Scott and Kip and knew I would love the book regardless, because I really loved their episode. I think the television episode does a better job at showing the angst and the deep love, a bond and connection that goes deeper than just s*x. I absolutely loved Scott though; he was so pure and adorable and shy. I loved Kip too! He was such a sweetheart and so deserving of all that is good. It's such a hard line to walk of being in love and wanting to show that person off, but being afraid to come out with so much on the line. I really felt for Scott, and I just wanted to hug him. This book definitely has a different vibe than Heated Rivalry (that one is enemies to lovers, this is more insta love), but I felt like it was just as good. And I know how important Scott and Kip's relationship and their journey is to Shane and Ilya's story (Scott and Kip walked so Shane and Ilya could run), and that alone means they will always have a special place in my heart.

I didn't know this existed until the show Heated Rivalry from Crave came out. I fell in love with Shane and Ilya first, then I saw episode three and I had to read this because I needed to see Scott and Kip full romance play out. I was not disappointed. Thank you Rachel for this book and series to come.Scott goes into Straw + Berry for a smoothie because hos game has been suffering bad and he needs something to change. He orders the Full Moon Over Brooklyn one and things change for him that night at the game so he goes back the next day. I loved the banter and flirting they had. It was sweet and had me squealing kicking my feet.Kip didn't know who Scott was at first, but was told when he left by a customer. He took a chance the one time he comes in dropping a line about how likes the beards that make look like lumber jacks. He gets invited to the game and things take off from there.There are up and downs in the relationship because of Scott not being out, but I total get that. (Personally experience). I wanted to hug them both so much. The romance was beautiful and heartfelt. Scott coming into him self after hiding for so long. The emotion that Kip feels at not being enough. It takes time to get to the point and not wanting to live without Kip, but the way Scott slowly co!as out was beautiful and then the telling the world, another squealing moment.So much love shown in the words and emotions. I can't wait to see more of this on screen. The two of them are paving the way. I loved how Scott's friends and coach reacted. They have his back. Also the moments with Ilya in the book especially the ending one were little gems I loved.I am so happy to have read this. Hope to get a physical copy next month because I need to hold this in my hands and reread it. Thank you Rachel for this. You are excellent creator of words on one that have so much emotion and come to life.

Do you like hockey? Do you like romances featuring a gorgeous, kind, sweet, and lonely millionaire hockey player falling in love with a gorgeous, sweet, smart, and funny "regular" guy? Do you like a lot of insanely hot sex? Do you love stories where one character is in the closet, but could decide to possibly throw his entire career away all for LOVE?There's a little miscommunication in Game Changer, but it doesn't feel like manufactured angst. It made sense that Kip wouldn't initially push for the two to make a big announcement at the beginning of their relationship, and it made even more sense that he would eventually tire of being kept secret and having to, in a way, be pushed back into the closet.I really enjoyed Game Changer. I liked the dual POV, and the story sucked me in quickly and completely. I especially loved the secondary characters in this, especially Rosanov who's my favorite character in the series, and thoroughly enjoyed the humor Scott's teammates and Kip's best friends provide in the story. Plus there's a great, sigh-inducing, happy ending.

I have 0 clue why people decide to skip this book and dive directly into Heated Rivalry because Game Changer is an AMAZING book.Scott and Kip are so adorable, I don't have enough words to describe them.Their meet cute was more than that, cute is not a good enough word, and I love how insta-lovie it felt. We know for a fact that when Scott laid eyes on Kip it was Game over for him... or a game changer, however you wanna see it.I liked how both of them thought they'd never have a chance with the other, only to end up being the love of each other's lives.They were so stup dly in love with one another it's not even funny. Like... it's a good thing not a lot of people saw them together cuz it would've been impossible to pretend they didn't think the other one was the best thing that walked on the face of the Earth.Even though this was insta-love, and super spicy from the beginning, this book also tackled some serious issues, and the couple did went through quite a few things to get their HEA. It wasn't a walk in the park, and they both dealt with the reality of their situation in different ways.It was heartbreaking sometimes to watch them navigate the landm!ne it is to date a pro athlete, how their insecurities and fears sometimes played a big role in their decisions, but I loved seeing them overcome all that by communicating and being there for each other.I am excited about this series, especially now that the show is out, and I am incredibly happy I listened to my gut and started the series with this book instead of Shane and Ilya's.Scott Hunter walked so the others could run, and Kip was there to hold his hand through all that, being the best boyfriend to ever exist and Scott's biggest supporter. Our boy Scotty truly deserves all the love, support and appreciation. He is absolutely amazing and he deserves people in his corner to have his back and call him family.5✨️ are not enough for this one. I LOVED IT doesn't quite sum up how I truly feel about these two and their journey and love. I am obsessed.Please start the series with this book, you will not regret it, and Scott deserves to have his story read. My baby deserves the world.

I'm a person that likes to read her book series in order if I plan on reading more than one. So with Heated Rivalry coming to cable, I had to pick up book 1 in the series. After hearing so much about HR, I was expecting something completely different with Game Changer. But what I got was so much queer joy, that it left me with mostly a smile on my face.Game Changer is the first book in the series and we meet Kip the smoothie maker and Scott the NHL star. When Scott causally walks into Kip's place of work to order a smoothie on a game day, he feels an immediate spark with Kip. Even thought that was not his MO, when his team wins that night, you know hockey players and their superstitions. He must go in again to keep up the luck.I really liked how sweet and easy this story was between Kip and Scott. So easy that they go from 0-100 in a blink of an eye. And boy do we get a lot of sex! Almost too much sex? I mean, I'm all for lots of intimacy, but sometimes it seemed like a filler. Especially when we weren't getting much else from the pair. But soon, Kip wants more and Scott isn't sure he can give him more since he's closeted and not out. THAT's when things got good for me. I needed some tension. Something to mess with the equilibrium since a lot of everything was lining up too well. Everything but Kip and Scott being able to share their relationship with the people they care about most.With all that said, I enjoyed the main characters and the side characters, from Scott's teammates to Kip's BFF and his parents. Everyone really helped push the story forward with their love and acceptance of the MC's. And while I thought there may have been an abundance of sex, it was because that was what the characters could do in their bubble. When we got the tension towards the end, it all played out with the storyline in such a cohesive way. And LOVED the hockey moments. You could tell the author has a love for the sport and it showed. I can't wait to dive into HR next and get more queer joy along the way.3.75 stars.