This "falling for my best friend’s brother" romance is set in local to me Boston, and author Ferguson does the city and its climate and sports fanaticism proud. Delilah’s homegrown cooking show isn't generating interest, and is in danger of being canceled. Hockey star Ian Chase’s recent public breakup is bad PR for his nice guy persona. The baker and a hockey player join forces to boost ratings for her baking show and to make over his reputation. Delilah's had a crush on Ian forever (they've known each other since childhood), and she knows he’s off-limits as her brother's buddy; they just can’t help themselves in this sweet and spicy story.

Each character has ambition, gets support, and meets their goals in a very satisfying way. The flirty banter is fun, AND they communicate well; the pacing is quick, and the culinary details fun and delicious. This is a solid addition to the hockey romance ouevre, with slightly older characters and a real setting.

I received a free advance reader's review copy of #TheGameChanger via #NetGalley courtesy of Berkley.

This book was so fun! There was east coast hockey, baking, and fake dating. Delilah and Ian are fun characters, but it did feel like they fell in love too quickly. Almost felt like Delilah was thinking "Oh my childhood crush" and they didn't spend as much time getting to know each other as adults as they could've. The conflict also felt a little rushed at the end, but there was no act three breakup, which was amazing. Delilah's brother was a super fun side character that I honestly wish we had gotten more of.

I will read anything Lana Ferguson writes. The Game Changer pulled me out of a reading slump and I'm so glad I found myself in love with reading again!

Lana Ferguson's banter is absolutely unmatched, I know without a doubt that every time I pick up one of her books I am going to kick my feet and giggle!

This was a great, swoony hockey book!! I loved. I am so thankful for the opportunity to read it early!!

SO cute, but I felt like there was too much spice at times.
I will definitely recommend for anyone looking for a sports romance or looking for something with a lot of spice.

Lana Ferguson’s The Game Changer was absolutely adorable. I loved the banter between characters, the relationships they had with each other, and the storyline as well. There is nothing better than a “don’t date the best friend’s kid sister” trope.

This was cute, but kind of just meh after reading some others. It felt like and now they're together the end.

Brothers best friend AND fake dating??? Sign me up!!! I’ve enjoyed Lana Ferguson’s work previously so I knew I’d be a fan of THE GAME CHANGER as soon as I read the synopsis. I love a hockey romance and the twist on this one was perfectly done! Overall I thought this book was ann adorable, funny, quick read. The childhood friends element added so much depth to an otherwise unproblematic relationship. I loved that there was no 3rd act breakup and LOVED the ending! Perfectly spicy and sweet.

Sweet and fun and Lana Ferguson shows in this that Romance books can in fact be freed from the shackles of the third act breakup when it's not needed!

A quick and fun spicy read! i book was overall really easy to read but the repeating of the pet names got to be a bit much after a while. i love the sports romance x baking show combo, that was fun and new!!

I liked this but didn't love it. Honestly it was a little to spicey for me but that's just my opinion.

I just love Lana and her stories so much! This book had me hooked from the very first sentence!

If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I totally would. A MUST READ!!!

Loved this one! Holy hell was it steamy, too. It felt very sex positive, which I am always a fan of. Delilah’s character was a bit off to me but I can’t put my finger on why. I also couldn’t get over that her last name was Baker and she was a baker, drove me nuts lol.

Lana has a way with writing that if you're reading her book, you get sucked in and it won't let you go until you're finished. And even though you're completely satisfied, you still want more because it's LANA and her books are pure gold.

We got: Childhood friends to lovers, fake dating, sports romance, brother's best friend, age gap, no third act breakup, and more.

This book was so good! Ian and Delilah were so good together and the chemistry was off the rails. I love a good fake dating stick and this one lived up to my expectations. Ian's healing arch was well-done too. I was very surprised by the plot twist! I also loved Jack (and I'm fervently hoping he gets his own book.) ALSO THE SHOWER SCENE.

That is all. You should def read this!

🌟🌟🌟🌟

*The Game Changer* by Lana Ferguson is an engaging and fresh take on the sports romance genre, delivering both heart and humor in equal measure. Ferguson’s writing is sharp and witty, making it easy to become invested in the story from the very first page.

The main characters are well-developed and relatable, each navigating their own challenges while trying to balance love and ambition. The chemistry between them is electric, and their banter is both fun and authentic, bringing a delightful spark to the narrative. Ferguson excels at capturing the ups and downs of their relationship, making readers root for their happily ever after.

The pacing is brisk, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the plot lively. While some secondary characters could have used more depth, the primary storyline remains strong and compelling throughout. The themes of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth add layers to the romance, making it a well-rounded read.

Overall, *The Game Changer* is a charming and enjoyable novel that will resonate with fans of sports romance and contemporary fiction alike. It’s a perfect pick for those looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful escape. I can’t wait to see what Ferguson has in store next!

Well, I am a SUCKER for hockey romances so I knew I was going to love this one.

Read if you are a fan of:
spark and banter
spice
brother's best friend
fake dating
friends to lovers (my fave!!!)

and if you are sick of those third act breakups, have no fear!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Delilah and Ian. They have known each other for all their lives. Ian is Delilah’s brother best friend. Delilah is a baker on a tv cooking show. Ian plays professional hockey. Ian has just recently moved back to his hometown. There is an attraction. Delilah’s boss wants to raise her viewership, she ask Delilah to star with Ian on her cooking show. She says ok if Ian is ok with it. Ian says ok. It is the most watched episode. They start fake dating. They fall in love.

The Game Changer
Rating: 5/5
Finally!!! An amazing book with no miscommunication or third act break-up. Lana Ferguson has such great books that hook you in so quickly. I really loved the tropes of this one and it's a perfect fall read.
Tropes:
–Brother's BFF
–Fake Dating
–Childhood Friends to Lovers
–Hockey Romance
–Celebrity Romance

Huge thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

How I loved this couple! Ian needs to clean up his public image and he never expected to do it with the help of his best friend’s younger sister. Delilah needs to get more attention for her baking show and Ian can help with that. While they help each other’s careers they fall for each other along the way and it’s so enjoyable!