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Bomb Squad #3
Game Changer
The author of Undefeated and Risky Business has another sexy hero for you to meet…
Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has the team captain packing his bags for greener pastures, but saying good-bye to the woman who’d captured his heart is easier said than done…
After being wounded in combat, Brandon Theroux lives every day like it’s his last. He never could have imagined that the sleek mechanics of his prosthetic leg would open so many doors, including minor celebrity status as a fitness model and a well-earned reputation as a rakish playboy. The only door it hasn’t opened is the one to Harper Johnson’s bedroom.
Harper has too much self-respect to join the ranks of Brandon’s “carpe diem” conquests, but when she needs someone to keep the peace in the tavern she owns, Brandon offers his help—as long as she agrees to a very tempting trade. It isn’t long before the two realize that a deal struck between friends who can’t keep their hands off each other has the potential to be a whole lot hotter than either of them is prepared to handle…
Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has the team captain packing his bags for greener pastures, but saying good-bye to the woman who’d captured his heart is easier said than done…
After being wounded in combat, Brandon Theroux lives every day like it’s his last. He never could have imagined that the sleek mechanics of his prosthetic leg would open so many doors, including minor celebrity status as a fitness model and a well-earned reputation as a rakish playboy. The only door it hasn’t opened is the one to Harper Johnson’s bedroom.
Harper has too much self-respect to join the ranks of Brandon’s “carpe diem” conquests, but when she needs someone to keep the peace in the tavern she owns, Brandon offers his help—as long as she agrees to a very tempting trade. It isn’t long before the two realize that a deal struck between friends who can’t keep their hands off each other has the potential to be a whole lot hotter than either of them is prepared to handle…
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2015
About the author
Melissa Cutler
33 books501 followersMelissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy contemporary romances and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin, Penguin, St. Martin's Press, and Kensington Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 15, 2015
4.5 Stars
Oh. Oh wow. This book. What a perfectly pleasant surprise this was. Admittedly, my inner cover whore first caught her eye on that cover, because c'mon, have you seen that cover. So of course I was thinking I'm getting another hot hockey player and manwhore and the woman that denies him so he wants her even more. What I got is so SO much more. The depth of these characters, their story, the romance, I think I loved everything about this book.
Brandon Theroux lost his leg to an IAD explosion while deployed in the military, but he didn't let that stop his life. A successful model and personal trainer by day, a lothario by night, he lives every day like it's his last. As much as he loves his Bomb Squad team of fellow wounded vets, he knows he's not meant for the small town of Destiny Falls and finally seizes his chance with the opportunity of a lifetime to move to Miami and appear on Meet the Groom and bring national recognition and inspiration for all wounded vets like himself. He just has some unfinished business first; in the form of the independent and feisty blonde that has been denying every single one of his advances for the last five years.
Harper Johnson has no interest in being another notch on Brandon's bedpost. She wants commitment and permanence and she knows that Brandon will never offer what she needs and she has too much pride to give into the lust between them knowing it won't last past the night. She's eight years older and he just may be too young to understand the beauty of what she wants. But then one disastrous hook up takes them from two people fighting their chemistry to two people who become each other's rocks during their most difficult times and best friends.
First of all, can I just say how much I loved the way that the author handled the first hookup between the characters. How often do you read about the hero loosing his erection because he's so angry and the heroine faking an orgasm because she's thinking too much. Bad sex? These two had it.
Melissa Cutler then takes a story that could have been ordinary and cliche and made into something so much more. She took a heroine and gave her a true struggle. She made her a survivor. She gave her a weakness to embrace. She made her a fighter, a woman who fights for every day of her life and enjoys it to the fullest. She then took a hero that could have been your typical manwhore, and gave him depth. She took a friendship and infused it with just the right amount of undeniable chemistry that the characters both try to ignore but can't. She developed an incredible friendship between Brandon and Harper. She gave these characters so much depth and made me fall in love with their story and this book.
Was this filled with gratuitous sex scenes? Nope. But the few that it did have were absolutely scorching and just added to the story. It's not quick paced or filled with twists and turns. It's a slow burn that's paced just right to truly make you fall in love with the characters and the town of Destiny Falls. There was nothing even a little ordinary about either one of these characters and I absolutely loved all the secondary characters.
This was my first book by this author and I can definitely tell you that it won't be my last. This book is easily read as a standalone (I started with this book and had no problems keeping up with the story), but I'll definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series now. I hope that Melissa gives us Kayla's book next because that set up was just too delicious to miss.
If you're looking for a friends-to-lovers romance that's different from the norm, a romance to fall in love with, and characters that you won't soon forget, this is the book you need to be reading. I'm so glad that I did.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
This is going to ruin our friendship."
The fire in his eyes threatened to incinerate them both where they stood. "Baby, we were never meant to be friends."
Oh. Oh wow. This book. What a perfectly pleasant surprise this was. Admittedly, my inner cover whore first caught her eye on that cover, because c'mon, have you seen that cover. So of course I was thinking I'm getting another hot hockey player and manwhore and the woman that denies him so he wants her even more. What I got is so SO much more. The depth of these characters, their story, the romance, I think I loved everything about this book.
"Such pretty words," she sneered, shoving at his chest. "If only they weren't empty."
"You have no idea how hard I've tried to give you up."
"Stop saying that as though it means something."
Brandon Theroux lost his leg to an IAD explosion while deployed in the military, but he didn't let that stop his life. A successful model and personal trainer by day, a lothario by night, he lives every day like it's his last. As much as he loves his Bomb Squad team of fellow wounded vets, he knows he's not meant for the small town of Destiny Falls and finally seizes his chance with the opportunity of a lifetime to move to Miami and appear on Meet the Groom and bring national recognition and inspiration for all wounded vets like himself. He just has some unfinished business first; in the form of the independent and feisty blonde that has been denying every single one of his advances for the last five years.
Harper Johnson has no interest in being another notch on Brandon's bedpost. She wants commitment and permanence and she knows that Brandon will never offer what she needs and she has too much pride to give into the lust between them knowing it won't last past the night. She's eight years older and he just may be too young to understand the beauty of what she wants. But then one disastrous hook up takes them from two people fighting their chemistry to two people who become each other's rocks during their most difficult times and best friends.
First of all, can I just say how much I loved the way that the author handled the first hookup between the characters. How often do you read about the hero loosing his erection because he's so angry and the heroine faking an orgasm because she's thinking too much. Bad sex? These two had it.
Melissa Cutler then takes a story that could have been ordinary and cliche and made into something so much more. She took a heroine and gave her a true struggle. She made her a survivor. She gave her a weakness to embrace. She made her a fighter, a woman who fights for every day of her life and enjoys it to the fullest. She then took a hero that could have been your typical manwhore, and gave him depth. She took a friendship and infused it with just the right amount of undeniable chemistry that the characters both try to ignore but can't. She developed an incredible friendship between Brandon and Harper. She gave these characters so much depth and made me fall in love with their story and this book.
Was this filled with gratuitous sex scenes? Nope. But the few that it did have were absolutely scorching and just added to the story. It's not quick paced or filled with twists and turns. It's a slow burn that's paced just right to truly make you fall in love with the characters and the town of Destiny Falls. There was nothing even a little ordinary about either one of these characters and I absolutely loved all the secondary characters.
This was my first book by this author and I can definitely tell you that it won't be my last. This book is easily read as a standalone (I started with this book and had no problems keeping up with the story), but I'll definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series now. I hope that Melissa gives us Kayla's book next because that set up was just too delicious to miss.
If you're looking for a friends-to-lovers romance that's different from the norm, a romance to fall in love with, and characters that you won't soon forget, this is the book you need to be reading. I'm so glad that I did.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
June 3, 2015
4 Game Changing Stars.
Brandon, ex-veteran, victim of a combat wound that left him with a prosthetic leg, lives life with no regrets and that includes no commitment and a lot of unmemorable woman.
His best-friend Harper, also going through a rough phase is the opposite. When life starts to change forcing them apart, they made a deal, they’ll have a no strings attached relationship for a few days as “a goodbye”, and then they’ll keep going with their lives as if nothing ever happened.
What they know is that some things you can’t forget that happened. And sometimes you just can’t go back to the same place.
This book was a nice surprise. It started slow and sometimes I struggled with the direction of the story, feeling frustrated with both of the protagonists. But it was, without a doubt, an emotionally strong, engaging and refreshing book. Towards the 70% mark, when the “major drama” begun, I couldn’t literally put my kindle down. Those last 30% completely made the book for me.
So, if you’re look for an emotional heartwarming romance with a sexy hero and a strong heroine, this book is definitely a good choice.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: First let me tell that I really like how both characters were strong, consider the adversities they went through. But I also really, really didn’t like both of their stubbornness in facing the facts. (Especially Brandon’s). Overall, they were a nice couple, I love how their friendship evolved and I liked them both.
Steam: Some heated scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Brandon, ex-veteran, victim of a combat wound that left him with a prosthetic leg, lives life with no regrets and that includes no commitment and a lot of unmemorable woman.
His best-friend Harper, also going through a rough phase is the opposite. When life starts to change forcing them apart, they made a deal, they’ll have a no strings attached relationship for a few days as “a goodbye”, and then they’ll keep going with their lives as if nothing ever happened.
What they know is that some things you can’t forget that happened. And sometimes you just can’t go back to the same place.
This book was a nice surprise. It started slow and sometimes I struggled with the direction of the story, feeling frustrated with both of the protagonists. But it was, without a doubt, an emotionally strong, engaging and refreshing book. Towards the 70% mark, when the “major drama” begun, I couldn’t literally put my kindle down. Those last 30% completely made the book for me.
So, if you’re look for an emotional heartwarming romance with a sexy hero and a strong heroine, this book is definitely a good choice.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: First let me tell that I really like how both characters were strong, consider the adversities they went through. But I also really, really didn’t like both of their stubbornness in facing the facts. (Especially Brandon’s). Overall, they were a nice couple, I love how their friendship evolved and I liked them both.
Steam: Some heated scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
May 30, 2015
★★★★★ 4.5 Stars ★★★★★
I don't really know what I was expecting when I started reading this book, I especially didn't expect it to be such an emotive read nor such a thought provoking story. I would describe it as a contemporary romance/women's fiction, that needs to be read when you are in the right frame of mind. It was not an easy read but a very fulfilling one.
Brandon is a transtibial amputee, a war veteran who is now a male model (think Alex Minsky who I believe was the inspiration.) He is also captain of the Bomb Squad Ice Hockey Team and self confessed commitment-phobe.
He believes that he was the sole survivor of his squad for a reason and he is searching for his purpose in life. He is happy with the life he has made in Destiny Falls with his team-mates, but he adamant that he serves a greater purpose and is determined to find out what that is and unfortunately that doesn't include staying in their small town.
He has been offered to appear on a dating reality TV show in Miami called Meet the Groom and can't wait to move onto the next stage in his life, the only reason he is slightly reluctant to go is the discovery that his friend Harper is about to undergo major surgery the week after he leaves.
Harper is eight years his senior, she is approaching 40 and is the scorekeeper for the Bomb Squad, and the owner of Lock, Stock & Barrel the local bar. For 5 years, she has been fending off Brandon's advances, she does not want to waster her time on a man who is afraid to settle down. She believes that he sees her as a challenge and as much as she is attracted to him she refuses to go down that road with him.
On the surface, they have a push and pull relationship, full of banter and chemistry, but deep down they also have something more. Brandon is the only person who knows her secret, that she is the carrier of the BRCA1 gene that is threatening her life.
When he leaves for Miami in a bid to increase awareness for injured veterans, and find a fake fiancée, instead of cutting ties like they originally planned, they become even closer, even though they are thousands of miles away.
This MAN! Let me tell you, he was so perfect for Harper, and even though it took most of the book for him to realise that his feelings for her were more than platonic, I KNEW it and through his actions I swooned as much as my heart was breaking for her. Harper was an inspiration, what she was going through was horrific and something no woman ever wants to go through, but Brandon was there for her every step of the way, encouraging her to live her life to the fullest and telling her that she was a beautiful person because of her soul not because of her outer looks.
They both know what it is like to have lost a piece of yourself, and it's breaking Brandon's heart that he is stuck in a TV contract whilst Harper is taking her life back into her control and living free, but at the same time feeling so lonely and inadequate.
Harper doesn't want to be anyone's consolation prize, she is resigned to living a single life, but she's not going to wait around for Brandon, she's wasted enough time already. Having him as her friend is enough, although you know she is kidding herself because you can feel her pain in the pages.
This book touched me, it was a friends to lovers romance that although slow getting there, was worth it for the end result. I think this book holds the record for the amount of beautiful passages I highlighted, so many lovely quotes of love and inspiration.
Steam level is low, but when it does appear - WOW!
If you are looking for something a bit different, then I highly recommend this book. I didn't read the first two in the series so don't feel you have to start at the beginning because the author does a great job of reintroducing past characters.
I am very excited to have found another great new author.
Book 3 in the series, this is a standalone contemporary romance, told in dual, third person POV
ARC gratefully received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I don't really know what I was expecting when I started reading this book, I especially didn't expect it to be such an emotive read nor such a thought provoking story. I would describe it as a contemporary romance/women's fiction, that needs to be read when you are in the right frame of mind. It was not an easy read but a very fulfilling one.
Brandon is a transtibial amputee, a war veteran who is now a male model (think Alex Minsky who I believe was the inspiration.) He is also captain of the Bomb Squad Ice Hockey Team and self confessed commitment-phobe.
He believes that he was the sole survivor of his squad for a reason and he is searching for his purpose in life. He is happy with the life he has made in Destiny Falls with his team-mates, but he adamant that he serves a greater purpose and is determined to find out what that is and unfortunately that doesn't include staying in their small town.
He has been offered to appear on a dating reality TV show in Miami called Meet the Groom and can't wait to move onto the next stage in his life, the only reason he is slightly reluctant to go is the discovery that his friend Harper is about to undergo major surgery the week after he leaves.
Harper is eight years his senior, she is approaching 40 and is the scorekeeper for the Bomb Squad, and the owner of Lock, Stock & Barrel the local bar. For 5 years, she has been fending off Brandon's advances, she does not want to waster her time on a man who is afraid to settle down. She believes that he sees her as a challenge and as much as she is attracted to him she refuses to go down that road with him.
On the surface, they have a push and pull relationship, full of banter and chemistry, but deep down they also have something more. Brandon is the only person who knows her secret, that she is the carrier of the BRCA1 gene that is threatening her life.
When he leaves for Miami in a bid to increase awareness for injured veterans, and find a fake fiancée, instead of cutting ties like they originally planned, they become even closer, even though they are thousands of miles away.
"Going to Miami was supposed to free him from Harper's hold on his heart. It was supposed to elevate him as an advocate and inspiration for disabled vets. But he'd never felt more handcuffed to obligation, so far from where he was supposed to be."
This MAN! Let me tell you, he was so perfect for Harper, and even though it took most of the book for him to realise that his feelings for her were more than platonic, I KNEW it and through his actions I swooned as much as my heart was breaking for her. Harper was an inspiration, what she was going through was horrific and something no woman ever wants to go through, but Brandon was there for her every step of the way, encouraging her to live her life to the fullest and telling her that she was a beautiful person because of her soul not because of her outer looks.
"It's more than your life being spared. You exude this inner strength and optimism, so much confidence. That's your true gift."
They both know what it is like to have lost a piece of yourself, and it's breaking Brandon's heart that he is stuck in a TV contract whilst Harper is taking her life back into her control and living free, but at the same time feeling so lonely and inadequate.
Harper doesn't want to be anyone's consolation prize, she is resigned to living a single life, but she's not going to wait around for Brandon, she's wasted enough time already. Having him as her friend is enough, although you know she is kidding herself because you can feel her pain in the pages.
This book touched me, it was a friends to lovers romance that although slow getting there, was worth it for the end result. I think this book holds the record for the amount of beautiful passages I highlighted, so many lovely quotes of love and inspiration.
Steam level is low, but when it does appear - WOW!
"I'm not going to stop tonight until I've mastered the art of your orgasm, and that's a promise you can take to the bank."
If you are looking for something a bit different, then I highly recommend this book. I didn't read the first two in the series so don't feel you have to start at the beginning because the author does a great job of reintroducing past characters.
I am very excited to have found another great new author.
Book 3 in the series, this is a standalone contemporary romance, told in dual, third person POV
ARC gratefully received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 27, 2015
5 - "Surfboard and Stumpy." Stars!
This book touched a chord with me, I think the subject matter and the way the author dealt with it hit every emotional trigger that I have. But in a good way. This is a book about acceptance and living life to the fullest, loving yourself, allowing others to love you and understanding that it is okay to show weakness, to rely on those that care for you, and that facing your fears makes you a stronger and more resilient person for it.
Melissa Cutler has taken the Bomb Squad series from enjoyable to exceptional with the addition of Game Changer to its numbers. Brandon and Harper have been circling each other like prowling tigers since the first book, and it is in this book that we finally get the full run down of what exactly has gone on between them in the last five years, why Harper see’s Brandon in the light she does, and the reasons for Brandon going out of his way to antagonize her in every way he possibly can.
”You’re the one who rejected me, who keeps rejecting me, but yet you don’t want me to be with anyone else? Why is that? Because it’s fucked up.”
You know this couple loves each other before they do, and it is reading of that realization dawning on them through the progression of the story, and in view of all of the obstacles that they face, which makes this book an absolutely unputdownable read.
”I want you because when I kiss you, it’s never enough.”
It is sexy, because delayed is always better than instant gratification, it is tense because you feel you are with them every step of the way, if I could have mentally willed them to get together sooner believe me I would have, but I am glad everything happened they way it did, the book and the characters were all the more real for their emotional progression and the time-line that everything took to unravel in.
You can read this book as a standalone, but I would recommend that you take the time to read the first two books in the Bomb Squad Series, you will see through the other couples stories the development of Brandon and Harper's story along the way, it adds depth, to what is already an extremely well developed and highly emotive read.
”You’re not alone.”
I don’t think everyone will embrace this book as I have, I understand that we all get different things from different books, I think the issues in Game Changer are what resonated with me most, one thing you would struggle to dispute is the exemplary way in which Melissa Cutler has written this story, the thought, research and depth of understanding she has put into Harper and Brandon’s medical issues, the potential mental and emotional responses and the time it took for them to work through everything, was written in such a thoughtful and respectful way.
I think I have rambled enough, if you have read this far, I am pretty sure you have worked out that I loved this book, it is one I feel like I have waited forever for, and now I have read it there is a little hole near my heart where the anticipation once snuggled. Melissa Cutler is an author whose work I will always look out for, and I hope against hope that this is not the end of the Bomb Squad series. Gabe, Will, Presley and potentially Kayla (in the future) all have stories that I am desperate to read.
”I’m going to miss wanting you.”
ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
My #1 Book of 2015 so far.
This book touched a chord with me, I think the subject matter and the way the author dealt with it hit every emotional trigger that I have. But in a good way. This is a book about acceptance and living life to the fullest, loving yourself, allowing others to love you and understanding that it is okay to show weakness, to rely on those that care for you, and that facing your fears makes you a stronger and more resilient person for it.
Melissa Cutler has taken the Bomb Squad series from enjoyable to exceptional with the addition of Game Changer to its numbers. Brandon and Harper have been circling each other like prowling tigers since the first book, and it is in this book that we finally get the full run down of what exactly has gone on between them in the last five years, why Harper see’s Brandon in the light she does, and the reasons for Brandon going out of his way to antagonize her in every way he possibly can.
”You’re the one who rejected me, who keeps rejecting me, but yet you don’t want me to be with anyone else? Why is that? Because it’s fucked up.”
You know this couple loves each other before they do, and it is reading of that realization dawning on them through the progression of the story, and in view of all of the obstacles that they face, which makes this book an absolutely unputdownable read.
”I want you because when I kiss you, it’s never enough.”
It is sexy, because delayed is always better than instant gratification, it is tense because you feel you are with them every step of the way, if I could have mentally willed them to get together sooner believe me I would have, but I am glad everything happened they way it did, the book and the characters were all the more real for their emotional progression and the time-line that everything took to unravel in.
You can read this book as a standalone, but I would recommend that you take the time to read the first two books in the Bomb Squad Series, you will see through the other couples stories the development of Brandon and Harper's story along the way, it adds depth, to what is already an extremely well developed and highly emotive read.
”You’re not alone.”
I don’t think everyone will embrace this book as I have, I understand that we all get different things from different books, I think the issues in Game Changer are what resonated with me most, one thing you would struggle to dispute is the exemplary way in which Melissa Cutler has written this story, the thought, research and depth of understanding she has put into Harper and Brandon’s medical issues, the potential mental and emotional responses and the time it took for them to work through everything, was written in such a thoughtful and respectful way.
I think I have rambled enough, if you have read this far, I am pretty sure you have worked out that I loved this book, it is one I feel like I have waited forever for, and now I have read it there is a little hole near my heart where the anticipation once snuggled. Melissa Cutler is an author whose work I will always look out for, and I hope against hope that this is not the end of the Bomb Squad series. Gabe, Will, Presley and potentially Kayla (in the future) all have stories that I am desperate to read.
”I’m going to miss wanting you.”
ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
My #1 Book of 2015 so far.
May 27, 2015
Sometimes we have to cut ourselves deep to realize what is standing right in front of us. I've calmed my emotional storm and rapidly beating heart to finally be able to write this review. Finding a starting point is hard because I just all around enjoyed the story. I love when a novel surprises you and makes you love it when you didn't think you would. I fell in love with the story and the characters which is why I'm giving Game Changer a glowing and perfect 5 stars.
Brandon Theroux and Harper Johnson have been dancing around one another for years. She's continuously turned him down and he's continued to warm his bed with others while pushing all her buttons. The attraction between the two is obvious. It is also obvious how there's a driving force that's deeper than lust.
Brandon decides to leave Destiny Falls, New York to go on a bachelor type dating show in Miami, Florida. He tells Harper and it hurts both of them more than either would care to admit. Brandon ends up learning Harper has been avoiding her doctor and forces her to go. After some life altering news and a life altering decision, Harper and Brandon become closer than they have been which plants the seeds to fall in love.
Harper picks up Brandon's "carpe diem" attitude and swears to herself that she's let go of Brandon and is just his friend. While Brandon is in Miami, the two talk all the time whether it is via text message, a phone call, or video chat. Through all of this, and some other moments I'd rather not spoil, the two tangle up in each other further. The love they can't deny is one they both continue to screw up.
I loved the story. I loved Brandon. I loved Harper. I loved Brandon and Harper together. I fell in love with Brandon. The story weaves itself to show how sometimes what we think we know isn't the truth at all and a deeper look is required.
Brandon Theroux and Harper Johnson have been dancing around one another for years. She's continuously turned him down and he's continued to warm his bed with others while pushing all her buttons. The attraction between the two is obvious. It is also obvious how there's a driving force that's deeper than lust.
Brandon decides to leave Destiny Falls, New York to go on a bachelor type dating show in Miami, Florida. He tells Harper and it hurts both of them more than either would care to admit. Brandon ends up learning Harper has been avoiding her doctor and forces her to go. After some life altering news and a life altering decision, Harper and Brandon become closer than they have been which plants the seeds to fall in love.
Harper picks up Brandon's "carpe diem" attitude and swears to herself that she's let go of Brandon and is just his friend. While Brandon is in Miami, the two talk all the time whether it is via text message, a phone call, or video chat. Through all of this, and some other moments I'd rather not spoil, the two tangle up in each other further. The love they can't deny is one they both continue to screw up.
I loved the story. I loved Brandon. I loved Harper. I loved Brandon and Harper together. I fell in love with Brandon. The story weaves itself to show how sometimes what we think we know isn't the truth at all and a deeper look is required.
June 1, 2015
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Game Changer by Melissa Cutler was one of those reads that captured the true raw emotions and what truly matters in life. This book was such an emotional read for me but at the same time it was breathtakingly beautiful. I really didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this book since I thought it was a sport romance book just looking at the cover but this book was so much more. The cover alone does not do this book justice because this story captured my heart with the raw emotional vulnerability when facing a illness that can change your life.
In life, lets face it we all have our fears. Fears of the unknown and for some, the fear of death. What makes this book extra special is that the author allowed us to see beyond the words but make readers to truly FEEL the emotions, heartaches, happiness, sadness, and vulnerability of each of the characters. Nothing is black and white. But what the author did was illuminate the meaning of what it mean to truly LIVE. To let go of the fears and live each day to the fullest. This was my first time reading from this author and it definitely won't be my last. So if you are looking for a book that emphasizes on what it truly means to live and not take things for granted, then I highly urge you to read this book.Get ready to experience a book that is full of FEELS.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Melissa Cutler
Game Changer by Melissa Cutler was one of those reads that captured the true raw emotions and what truly matters in life. This book was such an emotional read for me but at the same time it was breathtakingly beautiful. I really didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this book since I thought it was a sport romance book just looking at the cover but this book was so much more. The cover alone does not do this book justice because this story captured my heart with the raw emotional vulnerability when facing a illness that can change your life.
In life, lets face it we all have our fears. Fears of the unknown and for some, the fear of death. What makes this book extra special is that the author allowed us to see beyond the words but make readers to truly FEEL the emotions, heartaches, happiness, sadness, and vulnerability of each of the characters. Nothing is black and white. But what the author did was illuminate the meaning of what it mean to truly LIVE. To let go of the fears and live each day to the fullest. This was my first time reading from this author and it definitely won't be my last. So if you are looking for a book that emphasizes on what it truly means to live and not take things for granted, then I highly urge you to read this book.Get ready to experience a book that is full of FEELS.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Melissa Cutler
September 7, 2015
SPOILER SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
It took me 9 long days to finish this. The whole book felt as big fake of feeling and action.
The heroine was a piece of work. The hero was better. He was the usual romance (although this book is far from being considered romance) male character. The plot was extremely poor executed (actually, if the author made an assassin kill the heroine's family, instead of killing all the women of cancer and her father being killed in the war, maybe this book would be less terrible). The H was trying to hook up with the heroine as a one night stand, because as a war amputee, he was the only survivor in a group of 10,so he felt like he should live as his last day. No commitments, no roots what I think is kind of understandable. The heroine is a 40 years old going 15, so deep her immaturity goes. The women in her family died of cancer so she found out a couple of years ago she carried the "bad gene" and had her ovaries/uterus removed. Not sure what came first. At present day she was going to have a double mastectomy (I have a feeling Angelina Jolie inspired the author??!!) but couldn't have breast implants because she wouldn't have much skin left. So the whole book was her and the hero talking about her flat chest, boobless, and all kinds of adjectives the author could find, and the H came up with the nickname SURFBOARD for her,to lighten up the mood. I have no Idea what the author was trying to prove here. Or what kind of feeling she wanted the reader (in this case me) to have. Her writing was shallow and repetitive. The book was way to long with second characters taking space in the book.
So the heroine never wanted to hook up with the hero because he couldn't have a relationship and she wanted a commitment. So far it ok, but the way she handled the situation is beyond ridiculous. So, she didn't want a one night stand, good. What would I expect of a mature 40 years old woman? Something like that: Brandon, I'm not a one night stand kind of woman, specially with what I have going on in my life right now and that you're very aware of it, I need someone to be by my side, to support me. You are not that guy. And it's ok. I think we'd better as friends. But I'm going to ask you something though, please just try to keep your hook ups away from me, 'cause I don't want to be a part of this side of your life. But I would appreciate your friendship"
But what she did? She decided to be judgmental of his choices and criticizing him every turn. They had this banter going on, this push and pull that became tiresome, for lack of communication.
I despised the h the whole book. Never felt her pain, her sorrow and her struggle. I understand and I keep this is terrible thing she went through, but the author failed to show this to the reader.
I'm just so glad I finished this and if I could I would have the part of my brain where the memory of this book is stored, washed. But all that's left for me is to light up 300 candles in honor of myself to stick up to this mess through the end.
It took me 9 long days to finish this. The whole book felt as big fake of feeling and action.
The heroine was a piece of work. The hero was better. He was the usual romance (although this book is far from being considered romance) male character. The plot was extremely poor executed (actually, if the author made an assassin kill the heroine's family, instead of killing all the women of cancer and her father being killed in the war, maybe this book would be less terrible). The H was trying to hook up with the heroine as a one night stand, because as a war amputee, he was the only survivor in a group of 10,so he felt like he should live as his last day. No commitments, no roots what I think is kind of understandable. The heroine is a 40 years old going 15, so deep her immaturity goes. The women in her family died of cancer so she found out a couple of years ago she carried the "bad gene" and had her ovaries/uterus removed. Not sure what came first. At present day she was going to have a double mastectomy (I have a feeling Angelina Jolie inspired the author??!!) but couldn't have breast implants because she wouldn't have much skin left. So the whole book was her and the hero talking about her flat chest, boobless, and all kinds of adjectives the author could find, and the H came up with the nickname SURFBOARD for her,to lighten up the mood. I have no Idea what the author was trying to prove here. Or what kind of feeling she wanted the reader (in this case me) to have. Her writing was shallow and repetitive. The book was way to long with second characters taking space in the book.
So the heroine never wanted to hook up with the hero because he couldn't have a relationship and she wanted a commitment. So far it ok, but the way she handled the situation is beyond ridiculous. So, she didn't want a one night stand, good. What would I expect of a mature 40 years old woman? Something like that: Brandon, I'm not a one night stand kind of woman, specially with what I have going on in my life right now and that you're very aware of it, I need someone to be by my side, to support me. You are not that guy. And it's ok. I think we'd better as friends. But I'm going to ask you something though, please just try to keep your hook ups away from me, 'cause I don't want to be a part of this side of your life. But I would appreciate your friendship"
But what she did? She decided to be judgmental of his choices and criticizing him every turn. They had this banter going on, this push and pull that became tiresome, for lack of communication.
I despised the h the whole book. Never felt her pain, her sorrow and her struggle. I understand and I keep this is terrible thing she went through, but the author failed to show this to the reader.
I'm just so glad I finished this and if I could I would have the part of my brain where the memory of this book is stored, washed. But all that's left for me is to light up 300 candles in honor of myself to stick up to this mess through the end.
June 1, 2018
2.5 stars
February 26, 2016
ARC Review - 4.5 stars
Originally posted at Love Affair with an E-Reader
I discovered Melissa Cutler’s books last year. I completely devoured her Catcher Creek series and have been a huge fan of the Bomb Squad books. Her ability to get emotionally deep with her characters captures me. This book has me hooked in so many ways, but what I love most about this story is Harper.
In so many stories that feature a sports character, you can imagine the hero as larger than life. Don’t get me wrong, Brandon is. A personal trainer, model, amputee, veteran, and now star bachelor on a new “Bachelor”-like series, he is a hunk. But Harper is the standout hero of this book.
Harper is one of thousands of women who carry a gene that makes them more at risk for cancer. With a mother and aunt who died from the disease, she has to make some tough decisions in her life. Does she take preventative steps or take a chance that she won’t get the disease? In the midst of this heart-wrenching decision, Harper has to decide whether she wants to take the next step with Brandon. He’s leaving soon to start his new tv career and she has the opportunity to have the fling of a lifetime.
What is both sweet and bittersweet is how both Harper and Brandon deal with her diagnosis. Harper goes through the gamut of emotions from denial to defiance. For Brandon, he confronts the possibility of losing, not only a potential lover, but also a recently realized best friend.
This book felt very personal to me. My mother was recently diagnosed with cancer and I watch her go through a kaleidoscope of emotions. And I understood Brandon’s position. He is someone who is standing on the outside, wanting to do whatever he can to help. I empathized with his feelings of helplessness and determination to “be there” for her. For the first time in forever, I cried in a book.
The romance in this book doesn’t hit you over the head. Sure, the attraction is there from the beginning, but the true romance develops slowly, sweetly. It is the opposite of insta-love. And it is a pleasure.
In a Nutshell:
What can I say, I simply loved this book. Melissa Cutler scores a hat trick with this one. I was utterly slayed.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an E-Reader
I discovered Melissa Cutler’s books last year. I completely devoured her Catcher Creek series and have been a huge fan of the Bomb Squad books. Her ability to get emotionally deep with her characters captures me. This book has me hooked in so many ways, but what I love most about this story is Harper.
In so many stories that feature a sports character, you can imagine the hero as larger than life. Don’t get me wrong, Brandon is. A personal trainer, model, amputee, veteran, and now star bachelor on a new “Bachelor”-like series, he is a hunk. But Harper is the standout hero of this book.
Harper is one of thousands of women who carry a gene that makes them more at risk for cancer. With a mother and aunt who died from the disease, she has to make some tough decisions in her life. Does she take preventative steps or take a chance that she won’t get the disease? In the midst of this heart-wrenching decision, Harper has to decide whether she wants to take the next step with Brandon. He’s leaving soon to start his new tv career and she has the opportunity to have the fling of a lifetime.
What is both sweet and bittersweet is how both Harper and Brandon deal with her diagnosis. Harper goes through the gamut of emotions from denial to defiance. For Brandon, he confronts the possibility of losing, not only a potential lover, but also a recently realized best friend.
This book felt very personal to me. My mother was recently diagnosed with cancer and I watch her go through a kaleidoscope of emotions. And I understood Brandon’s position. He is someone who is standing on the outside, wanting to do whatever he can to help. I empathized with his feelings of helplessness and determination to “be there” for her. For the first time in forever, I cried in a book.
The romance in this book doesn’t hit you over the head. Sure, the attraction is there from the beginning, but the true romance develops slowly, sweetly. It is the opposite of insta-love. And it is a pleasure.
In a Nutshell:
What can I say, I simply loved this book. Melissa Cutler scores a hat trick with this one. I was utterly slayed.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2015
I liked Harper and brandon but it took forever for them to get together finally. The story was a bit on the heavy side for me and not enough of romancing. They keep side stepping around each other. I wish their relationship was a bit more to begin with but they both had issues to work out. I am looking forward to the next book in the series in hopes its more lighter and fun.
May 1, 2015
This third in the series of The Bomb Squad is not all about hockey. The team members are still all together, and
Brandon's and Harper love/hate relationship is still going on......lots of unexpected events changed this book into a testament of love, new starts and forever friendships. Full review to follow on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com.
Brandon's and Harper love/hate relationship is still going on......lots of unexpected events changed this book into a testament of love, new starts and forever friendships. Full review to follow on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com.
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October 17, 201510/16/2015 --
The premise just didn't work for me. It was a serious book wrapped up in stupid. Just couldn't get past that and settle in. I'm DNF'ing this with no rating.
Hope it works out better for others.
Happy Reading!!
The premise just didn't work for me. It was a serious book wrapped up in stupid. Just couldn't get past that and settle in. I'm DNF'ing this with no rating.
Hope it works out better for others.
Happy Reading!!
May 19, 2015
Hard one to rate--I liked it but I would have liked more couple time and SPOILERS, it's not my fave kind of ending. At all. That may be a personal prejudice. Let's say 3 1/2 stars. I received a netgalley copy in exchange for reviewing it, which I did at Heroes and Heartbreakers. Here's my review (quite long, be warned).
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
Sometimes when I read that a wounded warrior is the hero, I mutter, another day, another hero. I wonder what will be different about this one. Is there a fresh perspective possible? Without giving anything away, YES, Melissa Cutler's Game Changer really is a game changer because both Brandon and Harper are wounded inside and out, but they heal from within first and then lovingly, sexily, create a sensual space for each other that is different than anything I’ve ever read.
Dancing with the Stars has given the world sexy, agile, muscular former military men who have come to terms with their injuries. For Brandon it almost seems like his disability is a door-to-the-bedroom opener. His forever friend (and not with benefits), Harper, is a gun-toting, bar-owning, take-charge heroine! She’s older than the hero but that’s simply stated, not agonized over or examined exhaustively. Back to the gun-toting – we meet Harper as she defends her bar from some miscreants, thinking,
It might be a man’s world, but that was only because not enough women were properly armed. She loaded the rifle as she walked, then unlocked the front door and threw it open.
While Harper is scaring off the bad guys, Brandon is demonstrating his prowess with another kind of hand-held weapon. One wonders, are we in the presence of a modern-day Duke of Slut? Or perhaps a Assholic-Alpha-Male although hey if the three young ladies are fine with sex in the backseat, who am I? Still, Harper is less than impressed.
Nothing said classy like convincing the trio of nubile, barely legal coeds you’re partying with to give you a ride back to your car when you’re done screwing their brains out. Such a gentleman.
She huffed at the thought. “Looks like you had fun tonight. Your mother would be so proud.”
Co-eds notwithstanding, this is a classic friends-to-lovers conflict: Harper doesn’t want Brandon (or does she?) and what’s he supposed to do?
He tugged her wrist harder. “You’re the one who rejected me, who keeps rejecting me, but yet you don’t want me to be with anyone else?
This feels very expected. Or non-surprizee—that a man would tell a woman to lighten up. Carpe the diem is the message Brandon is giving Harper.
He brushed his thumb over her lower lip, frowning. “All work and no play, Don’t you ever get tired of that?”
She felt every one of her thirty-nine years when she said, “Sometimes, absolutely. But weariness doesn’t make my responsibilities or problems go away.”
Doesn’t this seem clichéd? The guy who doesn’t want to be trapped, the woman who is content to stay put. But this is, one senses, only the surface. More is happening here. And the back story is, partially, that Harper is living with, enduring, a long-term illness. Her doctors tell her that surgery is inevitable and she has to decide, as is so often the case, her course of treatment. To Brandon’s credit, although he is tired of “being trapped in a small town, pining over a woman who refused to give in to the attraction that sizzled between them,” once he realizes what Harper is facing, he is there for her in every way. He examines, truthfully and starkly, what Harper means to him.
What makes Game Changer so compelling is the expectations of Harper and Brandon: that is, what has happened before, the cruel twists life has dealt them, and how they each cope in different ways. For them to find love, each has to throw out the playbook. And so their friends tell them.
“But I can’t live my life expecting the worst to happen.” Harper blinked back as Kayla’s words hit her hard. She’d never heard it put quite like that before, but that was exactly how Harper had been living her life. She had good reason to expect the worst to happen, but that attitude wasn’t serving her well.
One more exciting component to this sexy, serious story of self-discovery and love is hockey! Hockey played by very special warriors, is woven through the story … and Brandon and Harper play a solo game that puts a whole new spin on iced and icing!
But, with a speed he hadn’t revealed to her yet that game, he reversed their positions and slammed her back against the boards. The plastic sheeting rattled . . . Before she knew what was happening, Brandon’s stick had pinned her hips against the wall. His other hand cupped her cheek and wrenched her face up. Then his lips descended over hers and he kissed her. Shocked, she let it happen. She let his tongue in and let him take her.
Romance is sometimes slammed for unreality. Not with this story: there is a lot of reality impacting here. The romance serves to show that choices, individual and for the couple, can transform an ordinary life into something bigger, riskier, more pleasurable and much less predictable. Because for each, there are no guarantees. Only their personal odds. Is it worth the risk? Can Harper face her genetic and medical challenges and still eek every ounce of pleasure out of her life? Can she do it with the man she loves beside her? What about Brandon—is the thrill of proving that his life is high-profile and high-rewards, even after a devastating injury, more important than fighting for a life with Harper? Read on …
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
Sometimes when I read that a wounded warrior is the hero, I mutter, another day, another hero. I wonder what will be different about this one. Is there a fresh perspective possible? Without giving anything away, YES, Melissa Cutler's Game Changer really is a game changer because both Brandon and Harper are wounded inside and out, but they heal from within first and then lovingly, sexily, create a sensual space for each other that is different than anything I’ve ever read.
Dancing with the Stars has given the world sexy, agile, muscular former military men who have come to terms with their injuries. For Brandon it almost seems like his disability is a door-to-the-bedroom opener. His forever friend (and not with benefits), Harper, is a gun-toting, bar-owning, take-charge heroine! She’s older than the hero but that’s simply stated, not agonized over or examined exhaustively. Back to the gun-toting – we meet Harper as she defends her bar from some miscreants, thinking,
It might be a man’s world, but that was only because not enough women were properly armed. She loaded the rifle as she walked, then unlocked the front door and threw it open.
While Harper is scaring off the bad guys, Brandon is demonstrating his prowess with another kind of hand-held weapon. One wonders, are we in the presence of a modern-day Duke of Slut? Or perhaps a Assholic-Alpha-Male although hey if the three young ladies are fine with sex in the backseat, who am I? Still, Harper is less than impressed.
Nothing said classy like convincing the trio of nubile, barely legal coeds you’re partying with to give you a ride back to your car when you’re done screwing their brains out. Such a gentleman.
She huffed at the thought. “Looks like you had fun tonight. Your mother would be so proud.”
Co-eds notwithstanding, this is a classic friends-to-lovers conflict: Harper doesn’t want Brandon (or does she?) and what’s he supposed to do?
He tugged her wrist harder. “You’re the one who rejected me, who keeps rejecting me, but yet you don’t want me to be with anyone else?
This feels very expected. Or non-surprizee—that a man would tell a woman to lighten up. Carpe the diem is the message Brandon is giving Harper.
He brushed his thumb over her lower lip, frowning. “All work and no play, Don’t you ever get tired of that?”
She felt every one of her thirty-nine years when she said, “Sometimes, absolutely. But weariness doesn’t make my responsibilities or problems go away.”
Doesn’t this seem clichéd? The guy who doesn’t want to be trapped, the woman who is content to stay put. But this is, one senses, only the surface. More is happening here. And the back story is, partially, that Harper is living with, enduring, a long-term illness. Her doctors tell her that surgery is inevitable and she has to decide, as is so often the case, her course of treatment. To Brandon’s credit, although he is tired of “being trapped in a small town, pining over a woman who refused to give in to the attraction that sizzled between them,” once he realizes what Harper is facing, he is there for her in every way. He examines, truthfully and starkly, what Harper means to him.
What makes Game Changer so compelling is the expectations of Harper and Brandon: that is, what has happened before, the cruel twists life has dealt them, and how they each cope in different ways. For them to find love, each has to throw out the playbook. And so their friends tell them.
“But I can’t live my life expecting the worst to happen.” Harper blinked back as Kayla’s words hit her hard. She’d never heard it put quite like that before, but that was exactly how Harper had been living her life. She had good reason to expect the worst to happen, but that attitude wasn’t serving her well.
One more exciting component to this sexy, serious story of self-discovery and love is hockey! Hockey played by very special warriors, is woven through the story … and Brandon and Harper play a solo game that puts a whole new spin on iced and icing!
But, with a speed he hadn’t revealed to her yet that game, he reversed their positions and slammed her back against the boards. The plastic sheeting rattled . . . Before she knew what was happening, Brandon’s stick had pinned her hips against the wall. His other hand cupped her cheek and wrenched her face up. Then his lips descended over hers and he kissed her. Shocked, she let it happen. She let his tongue in and let him take her.
Romance is sometimes slammed for unreality. Not with this story: there is a lot of reality impacting here. The romance serves to show that choices, individual and for the couple, can transform an ordinary life into something bigger, riskier, more pleasurable and much less predictable. Because for each, there are no guarantees. Only their personal odds. Is it worth the risk? Can Harper face her genetic and medical challenges and still eek every ounce of pleasure out of her life? Can she do it with the man she loves beside her? What about Brandon—is the thrill of proving that his life is high-profile and high-rewards, even after a devastating injury, more important than fighting for a life with Harper? Read on …
May 30, 2015
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Wow! This author continually amazes me on how she writes such deep topics in such a fun and relaxed manner. So far the Bomb Squad series has shown us what life can be like for our wounded warriors to return home with a traumatic brain injury (Risky Business book #1) and the ravages of PTSD (Undefeated book #2). In Game Changer book #3 we get Brandon's story and how losing a leg in battle has shaped his life. She doesn't stop there though. We also get the female character's battle in dealing with a family history of breast cancer and carrying the breast cancer gene. All very technical and not so pretty. Yet, Ms. Cutler gives us an uplifting and romantic story without leaving us sad and defeated feeling.
Brandon Theroux is different than our previous two heroes. His disability has left him with a compulsive need to feel alive and be the life of the party. He may have lost a leg, but this man is the perfect male specimen and he has no qualms about using his charms to sleep with as many women as he wants. He doesn't feel a bit guilty about this either. He never promises more than a night and he leaves them as satisfied as he is, so what's the problem.
Harper Johnson sees a problem with Brandon's serial dating and isn't afraid to let him know it every chance she gets. Her and Brandon have a love/hate relationship. They are kind of famous amongst the Bomb Squad group. The sexual chemistry between them is explosive, but Brandon wants nothing more than a roll in they hay and Harper will not be that girl. So, they continue on by seriously annoying each other. Yet, he's the only man that knows about her carrying the breast cancer gene and has kept her secret. The secret that she hasn't even shared with her closest friends or dealt with herself.
Brandon refuses to plant roots anywhere. He loves Destiny Falls and has the best friends he's ever made there, but the world and all it has to offer is out there. So, when a reality show asks him to be their next bachelor he jumps on the chance. Not because he has any true wish or even want to find the woman of his dreams, but to help gain more recognition and awareness for our wounded warriors. He considers himself an ambassador for wounded warriors and takes his role in representing this close-to-his heart issue very seriously. But, now for the first time he is wishing he didn't have to move on. Harper and he have worked out a truce and are forging a real friendship. Not only that, but she's made the decision to have the prophylactic mastectomy due to her gene mutation and he wants to be there for her in every way. Yet, his commitments are made and he needs to move on.
I work in oncology and we do a lot of genetic testing for cancer genes. Ms. Cutler did a really good job in describing the testing and what the results can mean. I really, really appreciated how she wrote Harper's battle in making her decision and dealing with the aftermath of that decision. It was so real and pulled you right in to her life. I loved how Brandon stepped up and was there for her. His honest reaction when first seeing her after the surgery and how he helped her to accept her scars was tear-inducing and beautiful. These characters are so human! I loved them both!
On the lighter side it was fun to watch Brandon deal with the struggle of not having Harper fall at his feet like most women do. It was very entertaining to see the couple develop a friendship even though it was obvious there was more to this relationship than just friends. This series has quickly become a favorite of mine. I can not wait to read more of it.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Wow! This author continually amazes me on how she writes such deep topics in such a fun and relaxed manner. So far the Bomb Squad series has shown us what life can be like for our wounded warriors to return home with a traumatic brain injury (Risky Business book #1) and the ravages of PTSD (Undefeated book #2). In Game Changer book #3 we get Brandon's story and how losing a leg in battle has shaped his life. She doesn't stop there though. We also get the female character's battle in dealing with a family history of breast cancer and carrying the breast cancer gene. All very technical and not so pretty. Yet, Ms. Cutler gives us an uplifting and romantic story without leaving us sad and defeated feeling.
Brandon Theroux is different than our previous two heroes. His disability has left him with a compulsive need to feel alive and be the life of the party. He may have lost a leg, but this man is the perfect male specimen and he has no qualms about using his charms to sleep with as many women as he wants. He doesn't feel a bit guilty about this either. He never promises more than a night and he leaves them as satisfied as he is, so what's the problem.
Harper Johnson sees a problem with Brandon's serial dating and isn't afraid to let him know it every chance she gets. Her and Brandon have a love/hate relationship. They are kind of famous amongst the Bomb Squad group. The sexual chemistry between them is explosive, but Brandon wants nothing more than a roll in they hay and Harper will not be that girl. So, they continue on by seriously annoying each other. Yet, he's the only man that knows about her carrying the breast cancer gene and has kept her secret. The secret that she hasn't even shared with her closest friends or dealt with herself.
Brandon refuses to plant roots anywhere. He loves Destiny Falls and has the best friends he's ever made there, but the world and all it has to offer is out there. So, when a reality show asks him to be their next bachelor he jumps on the chance. Not because he has any true wish or even want to find the woman of his dreams, but to help gain more recognition and awareness for our wounded warriors. He considers himself an ambassador for wounded warriors and takes his role in representing this close-to-his heart issue very seriously. But, now for the first time he is wishing he didn't have to move on. Harper and he have worked out a truce and are forging a real friendship. Not only that, but she's made the decision to have the prophylactic mastectomy due to her gene mutation and he wants to be there for her in every way. Yet, his commitments are made and he needs to move on.
I work in oncology and we do a lot of genetic testing for cancer genes. Ms. Cutler did a really good job in describing the testing and what the results can mean. I really, really appreciated how she wrote Harper's battle in making her decision and dealing with the aftermath of that decision. It was so real and pulled you right in to her life. I loved how Brandon stepped up and was there for her. His honest reaction when first seeing her after the surgery and how he helped her to accept her scars was tear-inducing and beautiful. These characters are so human! I loved them both!
On the lighter side it was fun to watch Brandon deal with the struggle of not having Harper fall at his feet like most women do. It was very entertaining to see the couple develop a friendship even though it was obvious there was more to this relationship than just friends. This series has quickly become a favorite of mine. I can not wait to read more of it.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
March 28, 2016
oh...mygod. So good.
Game Changer. So, so, much more than I expected. And I was expecting an awesome sexy read to begin with so that's saying something. I really loved everything about this one as Brandon and Harper screw things up, patch them back together and figure out what the hell is really important in life.
So. Why this one rocked so much awesome...
I love the set up of this series. *noms* Military men who have overcome tremendous odds and injuries from war--they're all amputees of some sort or suffer PTSD--and formed a hockey team. So Military men. And a sports fix. And they're all sexy to boot. This one was a little light on the sports aspect since he was out of town for a large portion but there are some nice scenes.
The Heroine--Harper was amazing. For starters she's 39 when the books starts and I freaking LOVE when a heroine is over 35. She's fierce and a fighter and even though life decides to beat the hell out of her she comes back and kicks it's ass.
The Hero--*noms* Well, once he gets past the man-whore stage. lol Brandon is a survivor. He lost his leg during deployment and has since modeled and worked towards helping others who have lost limbs. He was a bit too slutty at the start for my taste but oh he rallied and really turned out pretty amazing and was a great friend. Very lickable too.
Harper and Brandon go at it like you wouldn't believe. They get under each other's skin in the worst way. Then manage to become best friends and the most important person in the other's life without quite realizing it. I loved seeing their change and how important they were to each other. It was sweet and heartwarming.
Horrible sex!Yes. I said it. They...were a terrible lay! heh That first time it's just a disaster. Not just a little blip but full out can't-keep-it-up-fake-the-big-o bad. You just never see that in a romance and I loved that even though it wasn't the easiest scene to read. And they made up for it later with some seriously eye crossing sex.
A different set up--Most of the book these two are living in different states while he's on a television shoot and she's home dealing with life. Even though they were apart the whole time it worked so well. The romance was very very slow coming but it was right for both of them and didn't feel rushed. They needed that time on their own and to really get to know each other through texts and calls and such. I loved that time and how they checked in with each other the whole time and fell in love.
The Bliss List. During the book Harper goes through a pretty big health scare (not pregnancy) that really rocks her world and she ends up coming up with a Bliss List with Brandon's help. Things she wants to do to get back to living and experiencing life. I loved her list. Big things. Little things. Seeing her friends help her make them happen.
The ending. It totally made me swoon. The big reveal. The declaration. It just. Yeah. It had me a little teary eyed.
All in all, Game Changer was fun, touching and incredibly unique. Cutler can back a serious punch and really leave a girl smitten and in a swoon. My only complaint is that Marines wasn't capitalized in the book. He's a Marine. Not a marine. Other than that...I was all in and I'm seriously ready for more.
May 29, 2015
Review also posted originally at My Book Snack
Simply put, Melissa Cutler blew my mind away with Game Changer!
(non-spoiler review)
As a fan of the Bomb Squad series from the beginning, I was very eager to get to Harper and Brandon’s story. All along we were teased with a little insight into how things are with these two. They can’t resist a friendly bet. Brandon Theroux, the hockey team captain/personal trainer living the playboy lifestyle has had it bad for bar owner Harper Johnson. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Harper has rejected Brandon…for five years. Now, Brandon has been given an amazing opportunity, but he has to leave Destiny Falls to pursue it. Oh, how I adore Harper! At 39, she’s an older heroine with a young heart and must deal with issues that require true friendship. Is it too late for either of them? How about one more bet between two friendly adversaries? Sure, why not, but it’s a huge one, and it definitely can turn into a game changer!
Hands down, Game Changer is my favorite from Melissa Cutler to date! First, I thought I had an idea of what their story would be like prior to reading this book. I was completely wrong. Ms. Cutler gave Harper and Brandon a story that went down an extraordinary road, one so heart-tugging, unexpected and refreshing for me! I LOVE stories like these, the ones that are life-changing and make you want to live your best life.
Recommendations: This can be read as a standalone. For fans of the Bomb Squad series, Game Changer is a must read! If you haven’t read the books yet, but plan to at some point, then at least read book 1, Risky Business, first.
If you like your characters strong-willed and inspirational, then you NEED to read Game Changer. If you’re a fan of slow-building friendships and second-chance at life stories, then you NEED to read Game Changer. You don’t have to love sports romances to appreciate this book. The message is universal and anyone can relate. I don’t want to give away the plot, but I will say that it’s tension-filled from beginning to end, slightly unique, absolutely engaging, and several parts will make you grab tissues. Ms. Cutler will keep you wondering if things will ever be, but I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. Game Changer is a little different from her other stories, and I love that this one stands out. I can tell that, as a writer, Ms. Cutler had to go deep to write a special story for Harper and Brandon, and I think she wonderfully pulled that off with this book. You know that feeling when you reach the end of the book and just want keep living in their world? Yeah, I had that feeling at the end. Game Changer definitely holds a place on my favorites shelf.
Simply put, Melissa Cutler blew my mind away with Game Changer!
(non-spoiler review)
As a fan of the Bomb Squad series from the beginning, I was very eager to get to Harper and Brandon’s story. All along we were teased with a little insight into how things are with these two. They can’t resist a friendly bet. Brandon Theroux, the hockey team captain/personal trainer living the playboy lifestyle has had it bad for bar owner Harper Johnson. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Harper has rejected Brandon…for five years. Now, Brandon has been given an amazing opportunity, but he has to leave Destiny Falls to pursue it. Oh, how I adore Harper! At 39, she’s an older heroine with a young heart and must deal with issues that require true friendship. Is it too late for either of them? How about one more bet between two friendly adversaries? Sure, why not, but it’s a huge one, and it definitely can turn into a game changer!
Hands down, Game Changer is my favorite from Melissa Cutler to date! First, I thought I had an idea of what their story would be like prior to reading this book. I was completely wrong. Ms. Cutler gave Harper and Brandon a story that went down an extraordinary road, one so heart-tugging, unexpected and refreshing for me! I LOVE stories like these, the ones that are life-changing and make you want to live your best life.
Recommendations: This can be read as a standalone. For fans of the Bomb Squad series, Game Changer is a must read! If you haven’t read the books yet, but plan to at some point, then at least read book 1, Risky Business, first.
If you like your characters strong-willed and inspirational, then you NEED to read Game Changer. If you’re a fan of slow-building friendships and second-chance at life stories, then you NEED to read Game Changer. You don’t have to love sports romances to appreciate this book. The message is universal and anyone can relate. I don’t want to give away the plot, but I will say that it’s tension-filled from beginning to end, slightly unique, absolutely engaging, and several parts will make you grab tissues. Ms. Cutler will keep you wondering if things will ever be, but I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. Game Changer is a little different from her other stories, and I love that this one stands out. I can tell that, as a writer, Ms. Cutler had to go deep to write a special story for Harper and Brandon, and I think she wonderfully pulled that off with this book. You know that feeling when you reach the end of the book and just want keep living in their world? Yeah, I had that feeling at the end. Game Changer definitely holds a place on my favorites shelf.
May 19, 2015
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
For five years, Brandon Theroux and Harper Johnson have been in a flirtatious holding pattern. The two actually attempted to date once, which didn’t turn out so well. Brandon has tried on several occasions to make Harper one of his many conquests. Harper knows Brandon isn’t the forever type of guy and she wants the forever kind of love. They live to push each other buttons.
Game Changer, the third book in the Bomb Squad Series, is full of surprises and not at all what I thought the book was going to be. There are no words to express how much I love this book. I usually like to give a brief rundown of what happens in reviews but because of the the nature and subject matter, I can’t. I don’t want to take away from the surprise factor. What I can say is that Brandon comes off as a playboy. Okay, he is a playboy. But he is truly loving and caring of his friends.
Once Brandon and Harper decide to do away with the sexual tension and actually try to be friends, they succeed. Which then turns Game Changer from an enemies to friends to lovers romance.
While I loved all three books in this series, Game Changer is definitely my favorite. By the way....this book can be read as a standalone. If you’ve already read the other two books, Risky Business and Undefeated, you’re in for a treat because you get to see what the other characters are up to.
**Received a copy from Penguin Intermix in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
by Kim
For five years, Brandon Theroux and Harper Johnson have been in a flirtatious holding pattern. The two actually attempted to date once, which didn’t turn out so well. Brandon has tried on several occasions to make Harper one of his many conquests. Harper knows Brandon isn’t the forever type of guy and she wants the forever kind of love. They live to push each other buttons.
Game Changer, the third book in the Bomb Squad Series, is full of surprises and not at all what I thought the book was going to be. There are no words to express how much I love this book. I usually like to give a brief rundown of what happens in reviews but because of the the nature and subject matter, I can’t. I don’t want to take away from the surprise factor. What I can say is that Brandon comes off as a playboy. Okay, he is a playboy. But he is truly loving and caring of his friends.
Once Brandon and Harper decide to do away with the sexual tension and actually try to be friends, they succeed. Which then turns Game Changer from an enemies to friends to lovers romance.
While I loved all three books in this series, Game Changer is definitely my favorite. By the way....this book can be read as a standalone. If you’ve already read the other two books, Risky Business and Undefeated, you’re in for a treat because you get to see what the other characters are up to.
**Received a copy from Penguin Intermix in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
September 18, 2015
Military hero and minor celebrity Brandon Theroux moves away from Destiny Falls to appear on a reality television show leaving behind Harper Johnson.
Game Changer is my favorite Bomb Squad story yet! Melissa Cutler continues to outdo herself.
I loved hearing Brandon and Harper’s story. Those two have been egging each other on with their continuous bets since book one. The chemistry between the two has always been entertaining; Brandon not wanting to settle down and Harper not wanting to be a notch on Brandon’s bedpost.
The two become best friend in the story and we discover so much more about both characters. My heart went out to them. It is amazing how much the two actually have in common. They are a tremendous support system for one another, especially as Harper undergoes elective surgery.
The Reality Show side of the story reminded me a bit of Slapshot of Love by Gary Pearson. They both had similar views about the behind-the-scenes aspect of a reality television show, and both male grooms play hockey.
Game Changer is an incredible story that I could see so many people enjoying; whether you like military and/or sport romances, reality television shows, or stories of people overcoming cancer and/or physical disabilities. Melissa Cutler created an inspirational story that touched my heart.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Game Changer is my favorite Bomb Squad story yet! Melissa Cutler continues to outdo herself.
I loved hearing Brandon and Harper’s story. Those two have been egging each other on with their continuous bets since book one. The chemistry between the two has always been entertaining; Brandon not wanting to settle down and Harper not wanting to be a notch on Brandon’s bedpost.
The two become best friend in the story and we discover so much more about both characters. My heart went out to them. It is amazing how much the two actually have in common. They are a tremendous support system for one another, especially as Harper undergoes elective surgery.
The Reality Show side of the story reminded me a bit of Slapshot of Love by Gary Pearson. They both had similar views about the behind-the-scenes aspect of a reality television show, and both male grooms play hockey.
Game Changer is an incredible story that I could see so many people enjoying; whether you like military and/or sport romances, reality television shows, or stories of people overcoming cancer and/or physical disabilities. Melissa Cutler created an inspirational story that touched my heart.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2015
4 1/2 stars
Game Changer by Melissa Cutler is an incredibly moving, beautiful story of survival, self-acceptance, courage and the power of love.
I did not like the hero, Brandon, at all at first. He was a skeevy manwhore who seemed only to be interested in getting into the heroine, Harper's pants. I just couldn't really understand their relationship. And that first sex scene between them was the most uncomfortable, awkward and awful one I've ever read. I've read A LOT of romances over the years and have never read a scene like that between a Hero and Heroine. It was just so...yuck. Honestly, I was ready to throw in the towel at that point, but kept going only because a good friend whose opinion I trust greatly had loved it. I'm SO glad I kept with it because it would have been a travesty not to have finished it! It was so good!
The compelling nature of Harper and Brandon’s relationship made it impossible to put the book down. Once Harper and Brandon took sex between them off the table, their friendship became something easy and real and quite frankly beautiful. Brandon's true self was revealed and he won my heart easily with everything he did and everything he was for Harper during her difficult journey.
I haven't read the 2 previous books in this series, but you can bet your a$$ I'm going back to read them! This is one of those books that I will remember for a long time. I highly recommend it to all romance fans.
Game Changer by Melissa Cutler is an incredibly moving, beautiful story of survival, self-acceptance, courage and the power of love.
I did not like the hero, Brandon, at all at first. He was a skeevy manwhore who seemed only to be interested in getting into the heroine, Harper's pants. I just couldn't really understand their relationship. And that first sex scene between them was the most uncomfortable, awkward and awful one I've ever read. I've read A LOT of romances over the years and have never read a scene like that between a Hero and Heroine. It was just so...yuck. Honestly, I was ready to throw in the towel at that point, but kept going only because a good friend whose opinion I trust greatly had loved it. I'm SO glad I kept with it because it would have been a travesty not to have finished it! It was so good!
The compelling nature of Harper and Brandon’s relationship made it impossible to put the book down. Once Harper and Brandon took sex between them off the table, their friendship became something easy and real and quite frankly beautiful. Brandon's true self was revealed and he won my heart easily with everything he did and everything he was for Harper during her difficult journey.
I haven't read the 2 previous books in this series, but you can bet your a$$ I'm going back to read them! This is one of those books that I will remember for a long time. I highly recommend it to all romance fans.
May 23, 2015
4.5 stars
Game Changer was an emotional and heartfelt read.
I loved Harper, she was such a strong and likable character.
I admired how she dealt with everything that was going on in her life, she truly touched my heart. I shed a few tears on more than one occasion.
And then we have Brandon... Let me say I was not a fan, I didn't like him much in the beginning and I was worried how I was going to continue reading because I couldn't connect with him.
Then I started to see the real man behind the player slowly emerge and what I saw made my heart swell with love and admiration.
Together they help each other find true love and understanding, life is to be lived and enjoyed because it's not often you get a second chance at it.
Melissa Cutler has written a very touching and heartfelt story, I loved it and I highly recommend Game Changer and the Bomb Squad series!
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW Intermix for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Game Changer was an emotional and heartfelt read.
I loved Harper, she was such a strong and likable character.
I admired how she dealt with everything that was going on in her life, she truly touched my heart. I shed a few tears on more than one occasion.
And then we have Brandon... Let me say I was not a fan, I didn't like him much in the beginning and I was worried how I was going to continue reading because I couldn't connect with him.
Then I started to see the real man behind the player slowly emerge and what I saw made my heart swell with love and admiration.
Together they help each other find true love and understanding, life is to be lived and enjoyed because it's not often you get a second chance at it.
Melissa Cutler has written a very touching and heartfelt story, I loved it and I highly recommend Game Changer and the Bomb Squad series!
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW Intermix for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
May 6, 2015
3.5 Stars
I was so excited for this book.. Sport, Military, Romance... Perfect combination??? Not so much here.
For me this book got really heavy into a topic that was completely unexpected (and personal for me)... Although it portrayed a very real, very hard subject, I also felt like it slowed the story WAAAAAAAAY down. It was supposed to be romance and to me we didn't really get to romance except for a splash here or there until after 75+% of the book.
I found myself skimming parts that were repetitive.. Like about her surgery or possible surgery and his promiscuity..
That being said, overall I really liked the message being portrayed by this book. I actually found myself really liking Brandon. He was naughty and he was a bit of a mess at times, but he was really sweet. Harper, however, annoyed me with her defeatist attitude, but Brandon wouldn't let her carry on that way once he stepped up to the plate.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I was so excited for this book.. Sport, Military, Romance... Perfect combination??? Not so much here.
For me this book got really heavy into a topic that was completely unexpected (and personal for me)... Although it portrayed a very real, very hard subject, I also felt like it slowed the story WAAAAAAAAY down. It was supposed to be romance and to me we didn't really get to romance except for a splash here or there until after 75+% of the book.
I found myself skimming parts that were repetitive.. Like about her surgery or possible surgery and his promiscuity..
That being said, overall I really liked the message being portrayed by this book. I actually found myself really liking Brandon. He was naughty and he was a bit of a mess at times, but he was really sweet. Harper, however, annoyed me with her defeatist attitude, but Brandon wouldn't let her carry on that way once he stepped up to the plate.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 10, 2015
4 1/2 stars
I couldn't put it down
I intended to read a contemporary romance to entertain myself - what I got was a thought provoking book on finding true love and how to seize life and enjoy every moment.
Harper will stay with me for a long time
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
A longer review will appear closer to release - please if you are a fan of the series preorder
I couldn't put it down
I intended to read a contemporary romance to entertain myself - what I got was a thought provoking book on finding true love and how to seize life and enjoy every moment.
Harper will stay with me for a long time
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
A longer review will appear closer to release - please if you are a fan of the series preorder
May 28, 2015
2.5 stars
This book was so very slow for me. I actually thought about putting it down quite a few times. I started reading it because I was hoping for a sexy hockey romance but that was far from what Game Changer was. It was slow and barely had any romance in it. This honestly felt more like a chick lit type of book or a contemporary with touches of romance in it but it definitely wasn't the focus of the book.
This book was so very slow for me. I actually thought about putting it down quite a few times. I started reading it because I was hoping for a sexy hockey romance but that was far from what Game Changer was. It was slow and barely had any romance in it. This honestly felt more like a chick lit type of book or a contemporary with touches of romance in it but it definitely wasn't the focus of the book.
June 2, 2015
4.25 stars
June 1, 2018
For five years, Brandon Theroux and Harper Johnson have been in a flirtatious holding pattern. The two actually attempted to date once, which didn’t turn out so well. Brandon has tried on several occasions to make Harper one of his many conquests. Harper knows Brandon isn’t the forever type of guy and she wants the forever kind of love. They live to push each other buttons.
Game Changer, the third book in the Bomb Squad Series, is full of surprises and not at all what I thought the book was going to be. There are no words to express how much I love this book. I usually like to give a brief rundown of what happens in reviews but because of the the nature and subject matter, I can’t. I don’t want to take away from the surprise factor. What I can say is that Brandon comes off as a playboy. Okay, he is a playboy. But he is truly loving and caring of his friends.
Once Brandon and Harper decide to do away with the sexual tension and actually try to be friends, they succeed. Which then turns Game Changer from an enemies to friends to lovers romance.
While I loved all three books in this series, Game Changer is definitely my favorite. By the way....this book can be read as a standalone. If you’ve already read the other two books, Risky Business and Undefeated, you’re in for a treat because you get to see what the other characters are up to.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the author and voluntarily reviewed.**
Game Changer, the third book in the Bomb Squad Series, is full of surprises and not at all what I thought the book was going to be. There are no words to express how much I love this book. I usually like to give a brief rundown of what happens in reviews but because of the the nature and subject matter, I can’t. I don’t want to take away from the surprise factor. What I can say is that Brandon comes off as a playboy. Okay, he is a playboy. But he is truly loving and caring of his friends.
Once Brandon and Harper decide to do away with the sexual tension and actually try to be friends, they succeed. Which then turns Game Changer from an enemies to friends to lovers romance.
While I loved all three books in this series, Game Changer is definitely my favorite. By the way....this book can be read as a standalone. If you’ve already read the other two books, Risky Business and Undefeated, you’re in for a treat because you get to see what the other characters are up to.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the author and voluntarily reviewed.**
May 18, 2015
I have been looking forward to this book since the beginning of this trilogy. Brandon and Harper have been working toward their own story and I truly enjoyed it.
Harper is the owner of a bar in Destiny Falls, NY. She has owned it for several years and it is the hangout for the Bomb Squad, the local hockey team.
Brandon is one of the wounded warriors who lives in town, the Bomb Squad team members were drawn here over the years to play hockey and they have grown very close. Brandon has liked living here but feels it is time to move on. He has modeled in the past, and recently signed up to be in a reality show, and he has no plans to return, yet he can’t seem to break away completely.
This is an enjoyable return to Destiny Falls, New York. The small town that is home to several wounded warriors who play hockey for a small team. These three stories include tragedy, triumph and of course romance and all have been delightful.
We met both Brandon and Harper in the first book and have watched as they have circled each other for years, flirting, fighting and sparing. They keep up a witty banter all the way through and I love them together.
Brandon knows he got a second chance at life when an IED went off and believes staying in one place with one woman is not the way to spend his gift, so whenever Harper talks about what she wants in life, he brushes her off not wanting any part of her dream. He plans to leave both Harper and the town of Destiny Falls behind, but while filming the reality show he does not realize what he is missing until he is gone.
Harper loves living in one place with dreams of finding the right man someday, but she has the weight of an illness hanging over her head so is just trying to enjoy each day. When the two finally pursue the elephant in the room, they are stunned about the outcome and it makes for some funny moments, proving to Brandon that he is right to leave, at least at first.
I like that he can’t seem to break away from either the town or Harper, he comes home for her surgery and makes excuses to stay longer and they talk or text several times a day. When real life interferes with his commitments for his reality show, I like the way they solve the problem, more reality shows should end this way.
This is my favorite of the three books and I enjoyed catching up with many of the teammates. The pace works well as we watch the friendship between the two change both because of her illness and because of his decisions. I liked the twist the author throws in about their first sexual encounter; it is very funny when they continue to bring it up and how he is determined to make their next time something she will never forget. It can easily be read as a standalone and the epilog sums up the lives of several characters and I hope someday the author will come back to Destiny Falls.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
Harper is the owner of a bar in Destiny Falls, NY. She has owned it for several years and it is the hangout for the Bomb Squad, the local hockey team.
Brandon is one of the wounded warriors who lives in town, the Bomb Squad team members were drawn here over the years to play hockey and they have grown very close. Brandon has liked living here but feels it is time to move on. He has modeled in the past, and recently signed up to be in a reality show, and he has no plans to return, yet he can’t seem to break away completely.
This is an enjoyable return to Destiny Falls, New York. The small town that is home to several wounded warriors who play hockey for a small team. These three stories include tragedy, triumph and of course romance and all have been delightful.
We met both Brandon and Harper in the first book and have watched as they have circled each other for years, flirting, fighting and sparing. They keep up a witty banter all the way through and I love them together.
Brandon knows he got a second chance at life when an IED went off and believes staying in one place with one woman is not the way to spend his gift, so whenever Harper talks about what she wants in life, he brushes her off not wanting any part of her dream. He plans to leave both Harper and the town of Destiny Falls behind, but while filming the reality show he does not realize what he is missing until he is gone.
Harper loves living in one place with dreams of finding the right man someday, but she has the weight of an illness hanging over her head so is just trying to enjoy each day. When the two finally pursue the elephant in the room, they are stunned about the outcome and it makes for some funny moments, proving to Brandon that he is right to leave, at least at first.
I like that he can’t seem to break away from either the town or Harper, he comes home for her surgery and makes excuses to stay longer and they talk or text several times a day. When real life interferes with his commitments for his reality show, I like the way they solve the problem, more reality shows should end this way.
This is my favorite of the three books and I enjoyed catching up with many of the teammates. The pace works well as we watch the friendship between the two change both because of her illness and because of his decisions. I liked the twist the author throws in about their first sexual encounter; it is very funny when they continue to bring it up and how he is determined to make their next time something she will never forget. It can easily be read as a standalone and the epilog sums up the lives of several characters and I hope someday the author will come back to Destiny Falls.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
May 18, 2015
Harper Johnson and Brandon Theroux have what you might call a 'complicated' relationship. Harper, local bar owner, and Brandon, decorated war veteran and captain of the local hockey team, have spent years dancing around each other, constantly fanning the flame of their attraction to each other. When life-changing events arise in each of their lives, will the spark grow or quietly go out?
I started reading this book and I could NOT put it down. Melissa Cutler has taken a very real, very sobering subject, and woven it into a story about love, passion, and finding that person inside yourself that you're truly destined to be. I absolutely felt that the 'heavy' subject matter only made Harper and Brandon and their relationship more real. They are working through things that many of us face, and their long journey to a place of self-acceptance, finding their bliss, and opening themselves to the reality that has been a long time coming is well worth the read. I am a sucker for a friends to lovers read, and when there is enough angst and growth to make it a little harder to get to that place, even better. The chemistry between Harper and Brandon is white-hot, but it's the evolution of their relationship, the blossoming of a true friendship, that had my heart. And, I'm not gonna lie, the sexy time here, oh, my goodness, break out the fan! Saying that the love scenes are steamy is not doing this book justice, and Brandon might just be one of my new favorite BBFs. I loved seeing his growth as he realizes what will truly make him happy. And Harper's strength, her journey to a place of true peace, is so uplifting, and a lesson in a follow-your-bliss, take no prisoners approach to life. The addition of a quirky, loveable, unique cast of supporting characters make for a group of folks that seem like a lot of fun to be around, and make me eager to read more about them all.
Game Changer is a book with plenty of heart, passion, and soul, and turned out to be a gem of a read that I couldn't recommend more. I easily give it 5 stars, and look forward to reading more books by Melissa Cutler.
***ARC Received from Penguin Group via NetGalley for an honest review***
August 9, 2015
Rating: 5*
Cover: Yay
Chemistry Rating: Simmering
POV: 3rd Person
One-Sentence Summary: Bickering pals turn into bad lovers turn into best friends turn into crazy, hot, made-for-each-other lovers
Review:THIS IS THE BOOK I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! Ever since I first met Brandon and Harper in Risky Business I have been looking forward to this book and it definitely didn't disappoint!
The UST and to-ing and fro-ing was everything I longed for but the biggest surprise of the book for me was just how much depth it had. If the Hero of a book has his leg blown off by an IED you might expect him to own all the "health issues" in the book but in fact it is the complete opposite. I love how Brandon is there for Harper throughout everything she goes through in dealing with the fact that she inherited her mother's cancer gene.
It was a delight to see Brandon and Harper's friendship grow and watch how it slowly develops into something more against the backdrop of Brandon's reality TV show.
The epilogue kind of sounded like it was wrapping up the series as a whole but I really hope that it isn't the case and that there are more books to come, even if they don't manage to match the epicness of Brandon and Harper's love story.
Full review with pictures @ Love's A State Of Mind
May 25, 2015
I have to admit, I struggled with this book. To my surprise, I didn't like the ex-military, hockey playing hero. I thought Brandon was arrogant, full of himself, and not a very kind person. But I couldn't connect with Harper either, she seemed to be hiding from life, a bit bitchy with her attitude, and just not easy to relate to. The attraction between them seemed animalistic, and raw. But they didn't have a connection. And when they finally acted on this attraction, they admitted, it was the worst sexual experience in their lives. So they decided, they would be friends. I was nearly half way through this story, and I sat there, thinking, this is the most unromantic romance story I have ever read. And then the story had a twist, changing it, changing direction of it, and my opinion of it, and of the characters.
Suddenly, I was able to connect with them, they showed heart, care, kindness, support, and understanding of each other. They stood by each other in the darkest moment of Harper's life. The way Brandon was there for her - amazing. They cultivated, worked on, and developed a beautiful friendship, that turned them into soul mates, best friends, and soon they were each others rising sun and smile, their everything. But there were still things keeping them apart, making the last part of the story beautifully agonizing, as they both did some soul searching, and figured out what they want out of their lives.
I am so glad, I stuck it out, didn't give up on Brandon and Harper, and read the story to the end, that ended up being rather inspirational, refining, uplifting, beautiful, and very unique
~ Four Spoons
Suddenly, I was able to connect with them, they showed heart, care, kindness, support, and understanding of each other. They stood by each other in the darkest moment of Harper's life. The way Brandon was there for her - amazing. They cultivated, worked on, and developed a beautiful friendship, that turned them into soul mates, best friends, and soon they were each others rising sun and smile, their everything. But there were still things keeping them apart, making the last part of the story beautifully agonizing, as they both did some soul searching, and figured out what they want out of their lives.
I am so glad, I stuck it out, didn't give up on Brandon and Harper, and read the story to the end, that ended up being rather inspirational, refining, uplifting, beautiful, and very unique
~ Four Spoons
June 28, 2015
This was a well-crafted and enjoyable read. Cutler combines the light-heartedness of a romance with the trials and difficulties of life. I enjoyed the intricate manner in which she develops the world surrounding her characters. Everything came to life in a realistic manner that really allowed me to focus on the story at hand.
I’ll admit that it took me a bit to warm up to the characters in this novel. But once I got to know them, the main couple in this novel really tugged at my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. Cutler develops them in such a manner that you can’t forget about them. Not only are these characters struggling with ‘life after’, but the chemistry between them is explosive. Surrounded by the rest of the guys on the team, you have a cast that you won’t be able to forget.
I quite enjoyed this story. It was a fantastic story that not only embodied the best of romance but that also made you think about life as a whole. I’d definitely recommend it to others. And for those who haven’t read the 1st two novels in the series, don’t worry. This can easily be read as a standalone.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit that it took me a bit to warm up to the characters in this novel. But once I got to know them, the main couple in this novel really tugged at my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. Cutler develops them in such a manner that you can’t forget about them. Not only are these characters struggling with ‘life after’, but the chemistry between them is explosive. Surrounded by the rest of the guys on the team, you have a cast that you won’t be able to forget.
I quite enjoyed this story. It was a fantastic story that not only embodied the best of romance but that also made you think about life as a whole. I’d definitely recommend it to others. And for those who haven’t read the 1st two novels in the series, don’t worry. This can easily be read as a standalone.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
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