Game Changer is a story about love conquering all, about overcoming adversity to be something better; to create something better. It is a novel which embodies the message that you need to be the change that you wish to see in the world.
Kip is stuck in a dead-end job, paying off student loans for a degree he has yet to use, and is still living with his parents. His life is so ordinary, he's stuck, surrounded by friends who are actively working to better themselves, so when Scott Hunter, famous hockey player, walks into the smoothie bar he works at Kip is sure that he isn't being flirted with.
Scott Hunter is hockey. From a boy who faced many challenges, to a man who has the weight of the sports-world on his shoulders, the only thing on Scott's mind is proving himself by winning the Stanley Cup in honour of those he has lost and those who wish to be like him. So what he's gay and single, the world doesn't need to know, it's the least interesting thing about him.
Fresh off a losing streak, Scott finds himself in a smoothie shop, and can't help but notice how adorable the guy behind the counter is. When he suddenly finds his groove once more, he tries to repeat his steps, drink the same smoothie, talk to the same adorable worker. He falls for Kip fast. But this breaks too many of his rules. Can he really letting himself fall for a guy so close to home?
Maybe a secret relationship could be the answer?
When I first started to read, Game Changer was a bit difficult to get into. Despite the first few chapters catching my attention straight away, jumping straight into the plot, the chapters that followed became rather tedious and repetitive. By page 80, the smut had become a repeat occurrence, and, although at first it added to the narrative, it quickly became sporadic and gave the pacing this stop-and-start feeling.
Sure, the first few smut scenes worked towards the story, as Scott is feeling all of these feelings for the first time so close to home, allowing himself new experiences with a guy he never dreamed he'd allow close, but for a few chapters it's all they were doing, I'd have been happy with a few fades to black.
Despite my dislike with the lull of the first half, I persevered with the book, and I'm glad I did. As more of the narrative unfolded, and cracks start to form in the relationship, we see a story of want vs need, of allowing ones self to be more than one thing. The fantastical element of the first half started to fade, leaving us with something a tad more real.
Scott is a well rounded character who feels true to real life. Sure, he's a hot, super-athlete, millionaire, but his drive, fear, and somewhat anxious nature is easy for the reader to relate to. His story is told perfectly, his inner tournament explored with as much care and nuance as needed.
Kip too is quite a relatable character. A boy who thinks he's a failure, allowing himself to get caught up in a fantasy, escapism, because Scott Hunter won't really love him, right? Wrong! Kips struggle between what's right and what's wrong, about what he can be and who he can't, is a plot carefully trodden. Secret meetings are all fun for a while, but can he really be in love with a man and not scream it from the rooftops?
Although this book is great, it's far from perfect. The plot feels authentic, and the characters are a joy to read, but the narrative can feel a tad stop and start. The action, in places, suffered with the introduction of smut scenes. There we're a few that could have been removed, especially near the later half of the book.
Altogether, though, Game Changer is a read that I think many should enjoy. Once I managed to get passed some of my peeves, I found the experience fulfilling and I look forward to continuing onto book 2, Heated Rivalry.
Writings Of A Queer Mind 