Very fun sports romance. After growing up together, Ethan and Maya end up neighbors in the same college dorm. With a brief romantic history, Ethan and Maya each have their reasons for keeping it to just friendship. But with Maya under pressure from her parents to be the perfect daughter, and Ethan managing his anxiety and finding his place in the football world, they help each other on their journey and maybe find more along the way.

This book was so cute!

Ethan and Maya were very likable characters and well developed. Faison made it so you could feel and understand each of their struggles with family and anxiety.

I love how Ethan was able to overcome his fears to be an assistant football coach and I’m so proud of Maya for confronting her parents about her education. Very relatable to today’s world.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

**Game Changer** is the second installment in this captivating series, and this time, the spotlight shifts to Ethan, Maddie's brother and Cameron's best friend, and Maya, Maddie's close friend. Throughout high school, these two have been quietly harboring feelings for each other, but it takes a flirty night to ignite some turbulent changes in their friendship. Fast forward a few months, and they find themselves back in each other’s lives, where the chemistry is undeniable and sparks are set to fly.

While I found **Playmaker**, the first book, enjoyable, I didn't connect as strongly with Ethan and Maya's story. At times, Ethan’s constant fixation on his size became a bit grating. I understand he struggles with anxiety, but it felt like every conversation would circle back to his body image. It was frustrating to see him focus so much energy on his worries instead of taking steps to address them.

Maya also frustrated me. She was all too aware of her parents' expectations yet chose to make decisions that led to inevitable conflict, all while acting shocked when things got out of control. Ethan, on the other hand, was so head over heels for Maya that it seemed like he was holding back his own happiness to ensure she was his endgame. I appreciated the twist of Maya being the more experienced one, but I couldn’t help but wish Ethan would explore other options before diving headfirst into their relationship.

On a positive note, I absolutely loved the alternating perspectives! It was great to reconnect with familiar characters from the first book, adding depth to the story. While this might not have been my favorite in the series, I believe many readers will still find it relatable and engaging.

I really loved the first book in this series and I wanted to love this book but I found the MMC insufferable. I had a hard time getting into this book because of this. I love Deanna's writing and I cant wait to read more of her books but this book wasn't my favorite.

This book isn’t my cup of tea but I could see it being better for others! Almost DNF’d around 10% because I didn’t like the style, but stuck with it because it was a shorter read. It also looks more like a sports romance than it is - it’s definitely a college romance with like 5-10% of the story being about the MMC’s football career. If you want a sweet & spicy read with a couple funny moments, I think this would be worth a try.

The writing style was a big struggle for me. This book is mainly internal thoughts with dialogue, and almost no description of any locations or scenery. I prefer to be able to visualize every scene, but this gives enough to get invested in the story. It’s a predictable and surface level story, but I read far enough where I wanted to stick with it and find out what happens at the end. This is definitely a character/relationship driven book - there isn’t really a plot line besides the characters’ relationship.

I’m sorry but this is just not for me. All he does is whine and complain. I have really bad anxiety so the anxiety and overthinking I get but the way this was written in the book just did not make sense nor did it make for an attractive or interesting character. He just talked about how he was terrible at football and fat, except for there was a point where he was gonna maybe get a scholarship for football so that doesn’t make sense. And then he whined about having no idea what he wanted to do with his life and yeah, wasn’t gonna do anything about it. I don’t know just I didn’t like that at all and then the girl also just let her parents control every aspect of our life, even though she was an adult like they made her break up with him because they didn’t like that he was friends with Cameron and she listened to it and she wanted to owner own salon, but they didn’t approve so she didn’t and she was going to school for business but she just complain about how she couldn’t be with him even though she wanted to, but she’s an adult so she doesn’t have to do it. her parents says I don’t know these two were just whining basically the whole book and they seemed like 12-year-olds not adults in college so this one was just definitely not for me, unfortunately.

Ethan is a very lovable MMC. It was great to see that he’s not usual MMC who has everything put together but instead deals with anxiety issues but doesn’t let it stop him from pushing through. Ethan has history with Maya but unfortunately that didn’t end very well. Now she’s back in his life when he least expected it. They both faced internal and external challenges which made their character very lovable. Maya is trying to make her parents happy. She knows how hard they have worked to provide her with the life she has but she also has to do what makes her happy. This is cute read with the tropes of forced proximity, best friend’s brother, college romance and found family. I loved seeing their story unfold and I rate it 4 stars.

*** I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

This felt to me like high schoolers trying to act older. A lot of cringy moments to make it believable. Nothing really special to stand out.

I finished this book about 2 weeks ago and I just forgot to write about it!! I enjoyed this BUT I also felt there were times where it was too cringey for my liking. ALSO I didn’t know this was the second book in the series and I would love to read that one to get a better understanding of the characters! Maya and Ethan’s relationship was very cute and sweet. I didn’t like how Insecure Ethan was though, that really put me off. So I think maya took the cake with this. I’m a total fan of side characters that have my feet giggling and tabi did that for me!!

I really wanted to like this book. I tried so hard and it just didn’t work for me. I felt like the characters acted younger than what they were. I was so annoyed how the FMC treated the MMC.

I did like having a POC for the FMC ( I don’t see enough of them) and I like how the MMC had mental health struggles ( again I don’t see this enough)

I’m sure this will appeal to others, it just didn’t to me.

I want to thank NetGalley for giving me an advance screening on the book.

This book was unfortunately not for me. I really enjoyed the first one but this one didn't work for me. Also the characters felt very YA to me.

If you like an extremely insecure MMC you might enjoy it. I usually don't mind it, I like flawed characters and the anxiety rep was nice but it was the constant deprecating inner monologue and actions that were really annoying to me.

I didn't like the FMC much more. I absolutely hate when the reason for a break up is the parent's disapproval (It's not a spoiler you literally learn this on chapter 2). She lets her parents dictate her life even though she's miserable and I couldn't stand it. "My parents don't want me to open my own salon so I can't" Are you not a grown ass adult??? Ugh

I also didn't like how Maya was playing with Ethan's emotions through the whole book, she knows she "can't" be with him but leads him on anyway.

With that said, I still liked the college setting and the little cameos we got from Cameron and Maddie were nice. The writing is very fast paced and easy to read. I also really liked the side characters, Leo is so funny he was the best part of the book for me.

I absolutely loved Game Changer! Ethan and Maya’s story felt like a perfect blend of sweet and steamy. Ethan’s journey to find direction in life, paired with Maya’s struggle to balance her own desires with family expectations, created such a compelling dynamic. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

Game Changer by Deanna Faison is a heartwarming and tension-filled second-chance romance that truly hits all the right notes. Ethan Davis is finally ready to move on from his past, but when Maya Garcia—his first love and the girl who ghosted him—shows up right next door, the past comes rushing back. Their first confrontation, filled with awkward tension and old emotions, sets the stage for an intense, slow-burn journey. The chemistry between them is undeniable, especially when Ethan helps Maya with a personal crisis, showing just how deep their connection runs despite everything that happened between them.

The pivotal moment when Maya reveals the true reason behind ghosting Ethan—a family secret that has shaped much of her life—adds emotional depth to her character and gives Ethan the closure he’s been longing for. As they navigate their complicated past, the support they offer each other, whether through late-night talks or small gestures, is so well-done and provides some of the most swoon-worthy moments in the book.

Faison expertly navigates the complexities of love, personal growth, and the struggles of overcoming mistakes. The book’s emotional depth and the characters’ vulnerability are perfectly balanced with the slow-burn romance that keeps you turning the pages. If you’re a fan of second-chance romance with real stakes and heart, this one is a must-read.

Game Changer was a great read facing head on mental health and the day in and day out fight one battles even on medication and treatment. Faison doesn’t hide from the bad in this book and lets it be verbalized, which I find refreshing. She writes with realistic prose that is rare in this day. I loved the MMC so much. I really saw myself in him. My anxiety is nowhere near as bad as his, but at times it is debilitating. So I get it. I do like the FNC and my heart hurts for her. It must be extremely hard to have dreams and desires that parents refuse to let you have. But the way she treats the MMC angers me. It’s like she thinks if she’s honest with him he will shatter like glass. Even worse, she never gives him a chance to try. The minor characters are awesome and need books of their own. Especially Mark and Leo.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC #GameChanger for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion and review of the book.

ARC Review NetGalley - 2.5⭐️
This book is so short but I really really struggled to get into it. The miscommunication trope and narrative about not being good enough for her parents was not my cup of tea and I did not enjoy reading about them both having such an identity crisis the whole time. The ending felt rushed, third act breakup was predictable because were they ever really doing well?
I really enjoyed the prior book in this series but this book did not float my boat.

Game Changer was a cute read! Maya and Ethan were very likeable and sweet. I just think I probably wasn't the right public since a couple of the characters traits weren't my favorites. I am not a fan of insecure MCs and the miscommunication didn't help. Although I did love the writing and the side characters. I loooooved Tabi and would love to have her story!!!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽

"Game Changer" by Deanna Faison is an exhilarating sports romance that captures the excitement and intensity of athletic competition while exploring the complexities of relationships. The novel centers around a talented athlete whose life takes unexpected turns both on and off the field. Faison's writing is energetic and engaging, drawing readers into the heart of the story with vivid descriptions and relatable characters.

The protagonist is not only passionate about their sport but also faces personal challenges that resonate with anyone striving for success. The romantic subplot adds an extra layer of depth, showcasing the tension and chemistry between the main characters as they navigate their ambitions and feelings for each other. Faison skillfully balances the thrill of sports with the emotional rollercoaster of love, making it a compelling read.

The pacing of "Game Changer" is well-executed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot unfolds. The dialogue is natural and witty, enhancing the connection between characters and making their interactions feel authentic. Themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the importance of following one's dreams are beautifully woven throughout the narrative.

Overall, "Game Changer" is a delightful and inspiring read for fans of sports romance. Deanna Faison has crafted a story that not only entertains but also encourages readers to chase their passions and embrace the challenges that come with it.

I just finished Game Changer and it was such a fun, emotional ride. From the first chapter, I was completely drawn in—the story had just the right balance of heart, tension, and unexpected depth. What I thought would be a typical romance turned into something much more layered, with characters who grow, mess up, and learn in really honest ways. There were moments that made me smile like an idiot and others that totally caught me off guard. It’s one of those books that stays with you after the last page. Definitely a new favorite.

Loved it! I haven’t read Playmaker yet but I’ll be going back to read it after loving this story!

Lately I’ve been loving second chance romances & this delivered on the romance! I really enjoyed it & cannot wait for more from Deanna Faison!

Thank you for this ARC!

So happy to finally get Ethan’s book!! It was a cute story, enjoyed reading it though would have liked a bit more action? Spark? Not sure just felt there could have been a little more I guess but regardless it was good to the point I did struggle to set the book down while reading it!