Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Release Blitz + Review: "Game Changer" by Stacey Lynn

I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz promoting "Game Changer" by Stacey Lynn, book #1 of the Las Vegas Vipers series. It's a spinoff of the Carolina Ice Kings series and includes appearances from a few familiar characters, but it's not necessary to read that series before beginning this one.
 
"Game Changer" is supposed to be a standalone novel, but as I was reading the first few chapters, I couldn't stop feeling like I had started in the middle of a story. After pausing to read several other reviews, I learned that there is actually a prequel novella, "Final Shot," included in the Scoring over the Holidays anthology. I really wish that novella had been included (or at least mentioned) at the beginning of this book because there are several aspects of the story that don't make sense for those who haven't read it. Fortunately, I already had a copy of the anthology on my Kindle so I was able to catch up before proceeding with the rest of the book, but it was still incredibly frustrating since the book was marketed as a standalone. I would definitely recommend reading "Final Shot" prior to "Game Changer" for the best experience.

Aside from that frustration, I really enjoyed this story. Main characters Lizzie Winston and Garrett Dubiak had been friends with benefits on and off since college, and while it seemed pretty clear that they had been in love with each other for years, they still hadn't figured out how to make their relationship work. They seemed to be trapped in a cycle of miscommunications and mutual distrust, and I'm not sure they ever would have broken out of it if Lizzie hadn't gotten pregnant. That said, they were both likeable characters, and they came a long way as a couple by the end of the story. I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.
 
I recommend "Game Changer" for all fans of contemporary/sports romance, with the caveat that it's not a complete or entirely enjoyable story without reading the prequel novella first. I look forward to the next book of the series.
 
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.    
 
 
About "Game Changer"

Falling for your best friend is one thing, accidentally getting knocked up by him is another...

Hockey hottie Garrett Dubiak has been my best friend since college and the one constant in my life the past seven years. Through distance, career changes, and other relationships, we've always found our way back to each other.

Including one wild weekend this winter, when he finally told me he wanted more... wanted everything from me.

Too afraid to admit I felt the same, I told him I needed time.

Twelve weeks later, here I am, pregnant with his baby, alone, and terrified.

He's my best friend. He deserves to know the truth.

So I swallow my fear, my pride, and I shoot my shot. I just hope he's still willing to have me--and our baby. 
 

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