I really tried to get into this one, but unfortunately it just didn’t click for me. I made it about 40% through before I had to set it aside. The writing style was tough for me to follow, and I struggled to connect with the characters. I also didn’t realize the miscommunication trope would play such a big role, which isn’t my favorite. That said, I can definitely see the potential here and I know this story will resonate with the right reader—it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

I adore a good second book in a series. I was hooked on these characters after book one, so was excited to see Ethan and Maya have their own story. The college setting was fun. Watching Ethan struggle with anxiety was also realistic and as he tried to figure out his place in the world you couldn’t help but root for him. Perfect start of school and early fall read.

This is a sweet, heartfelt college romance. Ethan and Maya’s chemistry is full of yearning and tenderness, making their story impossible to put down. I appreciated the authentic portrayal of anxiety that was handled with care and depth. This is a charming sports romance that perfectly blends swoon worthy moments with emotional ones.

I was initially drawn to this book after reading Playmaker! The relationship between Ethan and Maya was cute. I also loved that it included anxiety rep. Overall, I didn’t love all the characters but I would still recommend!

Dual POV, anxiety representation, second chance

I was hooked in that first chapter, feeling for Ethan as his intrusive thoughts took over. I really liked how he overcame it, and found that he had such a great support system with his friends and family.

I think Maya wanted Ethan's approval and love since she met him. I felt her character development was well done, and I think she took her time to find her way.

I loved the side characters too! And how the focus was more on Ethan's friends circle than anything else. I did wish there was more football

I loved that our MMC was the one with the anxiety in this instead of our FMC. It made me like him even more knowing he wasn’t a put together, arrogant athlete. His insecurities and anxiety pulled me into the story. Both MCs faced struggles during the story and I loved how they supported each other. The side characters were also amazing and I loved the friendships!

This is book 2 in the Hidden Attraction series but it can be read as a standalone. This book follows Ethan Davis and Maya Garcia who we met in the first book. Ethan has been obsessed with Maya his sister's best friend for years. Then one night they hook up but she ghosts him after that. He is ready to turn his life around and ready for a fresh start in a new college after giving up his football scholarship due to his anxiety and panic attacks. Then he sees that Maya is his new next door neighbor in his dorm his confidence and insecurities return.

Maya really cares for Ethan but her parents don’t like him and don’t think he’s good enough for her. They also want her to pursue a more stable career than being in the beauty industry. She doesn’t want that but doesn’t want to disappoint her parents. She also doesn’t tell Ethan the real reason she ghosted him she doesn’t want to hurt his feelings.

This was such a heartwarming story of self discovery and growth from these characters. I really enjoyed the mental health rep in this story from the MMC perspective. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the book and the sexual chemistry between these two was electric!

This was my first book by this author and I can't wait for the next one. If you love sports romance you will love this series. In this book she hints at a 3rd book in the series and I am here for it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | W by Wattpad Books for and e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This story was good . The dynamic of Maya and Ethan was great and I did love the slow burn between the 2 of them. There were just times this fell a little flat for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was so excited to get more of Ethan and Maya in Game Changer by Deanne Faison. Hidden in Attraction book 2 gave us more of the relationship we got a glimpse of in book 1. It is obvious that Deanne has put so much heart and passion into developing these two and their story. With the obvious chemistry, the witty banter, and the complex relationships her books are ones that I can’t put down when I start them. I loved how these two grew into their feelings for each other and the perspective that she gave Ethan. Men struggle too and it was amazing seeing that in this book.

Ethan is an amazing character. He struggles with body image. He doesn’t mean to, but constantly compares himself to his friends at school and not being as muscular or toned as they are. I loved reading this and feel it is something not mentioned often enough in romance novels. The body positivity is strong in this book! However, he never let these struggles flow to others. He celebrated other’s sexuality and sensuality. I loved that while he struggled, he didn’t dim others' lights.

Maya is the girl on campus that every guy wants to be with and she could have her pick. Getting the flashback into her and Ethan’s original hookup helped shed light and made their relationship more intriguing. She has secrets of her own, which almost ruin her chances with Ethan. She is strong and assured and I adore how she stands up for herself when needed.

Deanne writing style is wonderful and I am excited for more in this series. The books can be read as standalones, but I highly recommend reading book 1 for a more rounded picture of other characters you meet in this book. You will love it! The couple that is hinted at for book 3 is going to be amazing and I am hoping we don’t have to wait long to get their story!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏈Unavoidable Proximity
🧡Sports Romance
🏈Sister’s Best Friend
🧡Friends to Lovers
🏈Second Chance Romance
🧡College Romance

💕Second Chance
✨Dual POV
📚College Setting
💓Sister's Best Friend
🔥Forced Proximity

"Game Changer" was an enjoyable follow-up to book one in the Hidden Attraction series.

I think Ethan and Maya's storyline was definitely a lot more emotional and complex than what we experienced in book one. I was hoping that they would both be able to work through their issues to find a way to a HEA.

I really enjoy this author's writing style and look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thank you Deanna Faison, Net Galley and Wattpad Webtoon Book Group for providing me with an ARC.

Not my cup of tea, I have tried to read and enjoy this authors other books, but I fear her writing style is just not for me! But I would still reccommend this book to others!

Thank you to Wattpad Webtoon Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC of Game Changer in exchange for an honest review.

Deanna Faison is back again with her follow up book to Playmaker, one of my favorite reads of last year. The Hidden Attraction series is shaping up to be one of my favorite romance series, which is a bold claim indeed, Cotton (who doesn’t love a good Dodgeball reference).

Game Changer focuses on Ethan and Maya’s story. Ethan is the bother of Maddie from book one and is Cam’s best friend from book one. Maya just so happens to be Maddie’s best friend and Ethan’s lifelong crush. Five months ago, the inevitable finally happened and Maya and Ethan sealed the deal. However, shortly after their hook up, Maya completely ghosts Ethan, sending him into an anxious spiral left wondering where he went wrong. Fast forward five months, Ethan and Maya find themselves both enrolled at State for college and are determined to find themselves in the process. As fate would have it, they end up living next to each other in the dorm, which makes the avoidance impossible. In the coming months, Ethan and Maya will rekindle their connection and not only find their own passion, but possibly find their way back to each other.

Gosh, I love this series so much. I have a solid idea who book 3 will focus on, but I won’t give any spoilers here. Game Changer is a fast paced read that has dialogue flowing naturally and lovable characters for days. I also enjoy just how much our characters from Playmaker are wrapped up in this second book. Such an adorable read! I cannot wait to get my hands on book 3 of this series!

I found this story cute. I enjoyed the chemistry that brewed between the MC’s. I also found it somewhat repetitive and as much as I love the anxious MMC Rep, it felt like it was a tad overdone. It’s still an enjoyable story overall

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Game Changer is the second book in the Hidden Attractions series. I read this book like it was a standalone and had no issues. A lot of context is provided, as well as some of the timeline set 5 years in the past.
This was a really cute read. It's not often that we read about the MMC lacking confidence, struggling with body issues and anxiety. It's also not often that the MMC chooses to forego the big college/NFL track. Those facets made this a fresh and engaging read. I appreciated the way the author touched on issues of self-image and mental health.
My favorite part about this book was the unwavering support of Ethan and Maya's friends. it was such an endearing read.
I'm really hoping that Tabi and Mark are getting their HEA next.

3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group. When I saw this one was the next book in this series and I really enjoyed Playmaker I knew I had to get my hands on it. This book certainty did not disappoint. Even though the characters Maya (FMC) and Ethan (MMC) are in their early 20's still in college the themes in the book are definitely things that early adults and even adults deal with. The book talks about anxiety and everything people do to please their parents. I resonated so much with these characters even though I could be their mother. It had funny moments and aha moments but this was on subjects that are very real and we can all relate to and lots of moments to cry. I think I cried the last 20% of the book if not more. I hope Mark and Tabi are next (fingers crossed)

Thank you to NetGalley, Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, & Deanna Faison for e-arc.


Ethan and Maya, who grew up close, become neighbors in the same college residence hall. Despite their brief romantic relationship, Ethan and Maya have different motives for only being friends. With Ethan controlling his anxiousness and figuring out his position in the football world, and Maya feeling pressured by her parents to be the ideal daughter, they support one another on their path and perhaps discover more in the process. I'm looking forward to reading more from this new author.

This was such a cute and fun read! I really enjoyed the story and all the side characters. I loved how sweet and caring Ethan was and he was exactly what Maya needed. It was so nice watching them come together and help each other grow and find themselves.

5⭐️ 3🌶️ This book was everything I was hoping for and then some!! This second chance, best friends brother, childhood crush romance had every element needed for a perfect romance story!

I love the anxiety and low self esteem rep in this book and loved it even more that it was tied to the MMC Football player/coach! Ethan has always struggled and Maya was always so supportive and encouraging! I love how they helped each other through their mental blocks to come out on top together.

The friend side characters in this story were so great. I can’t wait to go back and read Maddie and Cameron’s story and am crossing my fingers for a Mark and Tabi book! Maya’s parents are infuriating, especially when we learned how their relationship started.

Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad Books for this advanced copy!

Game Changer was a sweet endearing romance, and an easy read for me. I always find it fun to return to return to the same world as earlier books so it was nice to return to the same world as Playmaker.

I thought the anxiety rep was well done and appreciated how real both Maya and Ethan were as characters. Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes and combined with a bit of a second chance romance trope was so fun and spicy!

3.5 stars because there was a bit of the misunderstanding trope in the book and I struggle with that trope.

Thanks W by Wattpad for the arc, all thoughts are mine.

Ethan and Maya had a brief relationship a while back that ended abruptly and left them both wanting more. So when Ethan transfers colleges and ends up living in the dorm room next door to Maya, they both realize that this could be their second chance.