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Game Changer
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Deborah Bladon, comes a standalone romance featuring a deliciously handsome dating coach and the woman who breaks all his rules.
I’ve built a successful career helping men get the women they desire while schooling them in the lost art of respect and chivalry.
It’s much more than a job to me. I live my life by those same principles.
I’m polite and generous, and I always call after spending the night with a woman.
But don’t be mistaken – this gentleman still knows exactly where to kiss, bite, lick, and touch.
I’m William Knight.
Professional Wingman. Master of Sex. The Dating Doc.
My official title is Personal Advisor. At least, that’s what my business card says.
I believe I have it all. Money. Power. Respect.
Until I meet her.
Opal Waverly is the game changer. She’s smart, witty as hell, and she’s kind. She’s the type of kind that sneaks into your heart and cracks it open far enough that love slips in.
Hear that? That’s me waxing poetic while I drown my sorrows in a glass of scotch because Opal is the object of another man’s desire.
And he’s paying me an obscene amount of money to make her fall in love with him.
Author’s This breathtakingly refreshing romance does not contain any cheating or a love triangle.
I’ve built a successful career helping men get the women they desire while schooling them in the lost art of respect and chivalry.
It’s much more than a job to me. I live my life by those same principles.
I’m polite and generous, and I always call after spending the night with a woman.
But don’t be mistaken – this gentleman still knows exactly where to kiss, bite, lick, and touch.
I’m William Knight.
Professional Wingman. Master of Sex. The Dating Doc.
My official title is Personal Advisor. At least, that’s what my business card says.
I believe I have it all. Money. Power. Respect.
Until I meet her.
Opal Waverly is the game changer. She’s smart, witty as hell, and she’s kind. She’s the type of kind that sneaks into your heart and cracks it open far enough that love slips in.
Hear that? That’s me waxing poetic while I drown my sorrows in a glass of scotch because Opal is the object of another man’s desire.
And he’s paying me an obscene amount of money to make her fall in love with him.
Author’s This breathtakingly refreshing romance does not contain any cheating or a love triangle.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2025
About the author
Deborah Bladon
113 books2,337 followersDeborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 6, 2025
Game Changer
What happened to the Perfect life you have going for you? Or thought you have going on. William always looked at himself as the forever single bachelor, helping others find their soul mates. Opal was determined to never have her heart broken again! Two people who find themselves in a friendship and they don't know what to do with it! The familiarity with them, feelings and emotions that bring them together ❤️. Beautiful story about love definitely conquered all!
What happened to the Perfect life you have going for you? Or thought you have going on. William always looked at himself as the forever single bachelor, helping others find their soul mates. Opal was determined to never have her heart broken again! Two people who find themselves in a friendship and they don't know what to do with it! The familiarity with them, feelings and emotions that bring them together ❤️. Beautiful story about love definitely conquered all!
May 19, 2025
1st reading: Decently written prose from a grammar and punctuation standpoint. The plot is predictable, complete with the third-act breakup, but there are several subplots. The two main characters are well-developed and show growth over the course of the novel; a few side characters are also multi-dimensional, but many (including an important side character) are given broad brush strokes.
While the premise is an interesting one - a man who serves as a sort of dating advisor falls for the woman he's supposed to be helping another man get close to (a superficial resemblance to the plot of Cyrano) - the way the story is told feels clinical and dispassionate. Yes, the characters express emotion, both in their words and thoughts, but at no point do I actually *feel* it, even when William (MMC) is at his lowest, thinking he has lost the love of his life. The book is also full of what feel like trivial moments and dialogue; while I recognize the author's attempt to show that William is making a difference in helping men find their true potential and behave like gentlemen, the dialogue comes across as artificial and unbelievable.
I am mostly disappointed with this book, based on my favorable read of the author's other work "Honor." This story has such potential, but it is squandered in trite dialogue, cliched characters, and poorly realized plot lines. I'm not sure I'll be reading any more of this author's books.
While the premise is an interesting one - a man who serves as a sort of dating advisor falls for the woman he's supposed to be helping another man get close to (a superficial resemblance to the plot of Cyrano) - the way the story is told feels clinical and dispassionate. Yes, the characters express emotion, both in their words and thoughts, but at no point do I actually *feel* it, even when William (MMC) is at his lowest, thinking he has lost the love of his life. The book is also full of what feel like trivial moments and dialogue; while I recognize the author's attempt to show that William is making a difference in helping men find their true potential and behave like gentlemen, the dialogue comes across as artificial and unbelievable.
I am mostly disappointed with this book, based on my favorable read of the author's other work "Honor." This story has such potential, but it is squandered in trite dialogue, cliched characters, and poorly realized plot lines. I'm not sure I'll be reading any more of this author's books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
William has been popping up in Deborah's books for a while now and so I was excited to read his story. He has always been the good guy, helping other men reach their full potential, so they can be deserving of and land the woman of their dreams. It all goes a bit off the rails when he meets Opal, the woman his newest client wants. Opal is sweet, funny, driven, but has had her heart broken before and is very reluctant to let anyone in. When William decides he wants William for himself all his rules go out the window. If I'm honest, he annoyed me quite a bit. He wasn't reading her cues, he didn't do his research, he just jumped straight in without really giving any consideration to what she wanted.
The world Deborah has built throughout her books feels like going home at this point. The people, the places are like old friends you get to catch up with whilst meeting new ones. The plot was fun, the side characters interesting (some of whom I hope will get their own stories soon). All in all this was a sweet, steamy love story, about a man who has never been in love and a woman who shies away from love. Thankfully they managed to muddle through all the mistakes to a happy ending. 4.75*
The world Deborah has built throughout her books feels like going home at this point. The people, the places are like old friends you get to catch up with whilst meeting new ones. The plot was fun, the side characters interesting (some of whom I hope will get their own stories soon). All in all this was a sweet, steamy love story, about a man who has never been in love and a woman who shies away from love. Thankfully they managed to muddle through all the mistakes to a happy ending. 4.75*
May 7, 2025
Get ready to swoon
This is a swoon and sigh worthy type of story . William Knight is the epitome of the best book boyfriend.
William's company helps successful men reach their full potential so they are worthy of the women they plan to spend forever with. He's very exclusive and very expensive but highly sort after.
When a new client tells William about the woman he wants to pursue William goes to seek this woman out to see if she's available or even in the mindset to explore a relationship
The new client interest is a women named Opal Waverly and when William goes to investigate her situation they accidentally bump into each other and it's Kismet
Their meet cute is hysterical.
Opal is sweet and she's an entrepreneur on the cusp of opening a game bar where you can eat & drink all while playing a board game is not looking for love but William will change her mind.
Deborah Bladon writes a very sexy love can conquer all story with NYC as a back drop
Good side characters and familiar eateries from Ms Bladon past stories gets honorable mentions
This is a swoon and sigh worthy type of story . William Knight is the epitome of the best book boyfriend.
William's company helps successful men reach their full potential so they are worthy of the women they plan to spend forever with. He's very exclusive and very expensive but highly sort after.
When a new client tells William about the woman he wants to pursue William goes to seek this woman out to see if she's available or even in the mindset to explore a relationship
The new client interest is a women named Opal Waverly and when William goes to investigate her situation they accidentally bump into each other and it's Kismet
Their meet cute is hysterical.
Opal is sweet and she's an entrepreneur on the cusp of opening a game bar where you can eat & drink all while playing a board game is not looking for love but William will change her mind.
Deborah Bladon writes a very sexy love can conquer all story with NYC as a back drop
Good side characters and familiar eateries from Ms Bladon past stories gets honorable mentions
May 15, 2025
A stand alone that I must admit took me a while to get hooked but after a few pages I literally couldn’t put it down. It’s a gentle romance, no dark subjects , just the chemistry between two lovely characters. Opal a bar owner opening a bar dedicated to board games. The name of one in particular that she has all the rites to. William a gentleman, who earns his money by helping men to obtain their true love and potential. He has accepted a client who has been recommended to him, as Percy feels he must marry the woman of his dreams, Opal. However in his research, Cupid has other idea, and Percy’s intentions are not what they seem. William has a problem forming long term relationships, until???? Opal has a problem with relationships because!!!! A wonderful story evolves full of delightful characters and events. Thoroughly enjoyable.
July 3, 2025
William is too good to be true. He is perfect and teaches men to be the best they can be and get the woman of their dreams. When he's supposed to help someone meet opal he instantly realizes she's the woman for him and he can't go through with helping this guy get her. Opal who's been hurt really loves William but is afraid and then she learns of Betrayal And the sides she was right to protect her heart all along. William will stop at nothing to get her back. Through all of this you see the dynamic between these 2And realize they do belong together. The bar that she's opening sounds really cool and something that would be great if it really existed in the city. I did like this book as I did with all of Deborah's books But this 1 was a little slow moving at some parts. That won't stop me from continuing loving her books.
May 5, 2025
William Knight is a modern-day love coach, guiding the men of New York City to become their best selves in the pursuit of true love. But his carefully crafted rules are put to the test when a client chooses to be matched with Opal—a stunning, sharp-witted, and fiercely independent woman who’s on the verge of opening her own bar. William is instantly drawn to her, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. Though Opal senses the spark, she can also feel William’s hesitation. Watching them navigate their mutual attraction was both entertaining and heartfelt. William is every bit the modern gentleman, while Opal faces the difficult decision of lowering her defenses. Their story is filled with tension, charm, and just the right touch of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
May 6, 2025
Once again, Deborah managed to bring to life a beautiful story.
I loved the small glimpses of William I got through her other books, but I wasn’t prepared for the full effect.
Opal was another example of badass, make the world her own, amazing human, and she and William were perfect together even when she was fighting it.
It had everything Deborah always spoils us with, a good plot, sweetness, spice, just enough drama and a whole lot of swooning.
Read it in one sitting and honestly it warmed my soul.
I loved the small glimpses of William I got through her other books, but I wasn’t prepared for the full effect.
Opal was another example of badass, make the world her own, amazing human, and she and William were perfect together even when she was fighting it.
It had everything Deborah always spoils us with, a good plot, sweetness, spice, just enough drama and a whole lot of swooning.
Read it in one sitting and honestly it warmed my soul.
May 8, 2025
I always love coming back to the world Deborah has created with her books. We get a couple of cameo appearances from past favorites.
This was such a sweet story that sees William falling in love for the first time and Opal learning to trust again and deciding whether it is worth the risk to take a chance at love after previously being burned.
William is the definition of swoon worthy! It's been a minute since I've read a book where the main characters weren't at odds/didn't have a misunderstanding off the bat and this book hit all the notes for a feel good read.
This was such a sweet story that sees William falling in love for the first time and Opal learning to trust again and deciding whether it is worth the risk to take a chance at love after previously being burned.
William is the definition of swoon worthy! It's been a minute since I've read a book where the main characters weren't at odds/didn't have a misunderstanding off the bat and this book hit all the notes for a feel good read.
July 3, 2025
So good
GAME CHANGER is the book I needed after so many formulaic romances have been coming out. I haven’t enjoy a book in forever and this is so good.
William is written with such a fresh attitude you rarely see in romances. He’s got this air and charisma about him but is so grounded and so unexpectedly falls hard for the object of a client’s affection. He is the gentleman that won’t cross the line he’s obsessed about crossing. He makes his mistakes and we’ve already forgiven him because we like him so much.
GAME CHANGER is the book I needed after so many formulaic romances have been coming out. I haven’t enjoy a book in forever and this is so good.
William is written with such a fresh attitude you rarely see in romances. He’s got this air and charisma about him but is so grounded and so unexpectedly falls hard for the object of a client’s affection. He is the gentleman that won’t cross the line he’s obsessed about crossing. He makes his mistakes and we’ve already forgiven him because we like him so much.
May 10, 2025
A Beautiful Love Story
Again Deborah doesn’t disappoint with great characters, setting and loving story line.
I fell in love with William too! Lucky Opal gets a handsome, emotionally mature, generous ad stable man.
Always enjoy catching up with past characters and getting to know them better and find out what’s happened since their book concluded .
I love and highly recommend this and all Deborah Bladon’s books.
Again Deborah doesn’t disappoint with great characters, setting and loving story line.
I fell in love with William too! Lucky Opal gets a handsome, emotionally mature, generous ad stable man.
Always enjoy catching up with past characters and getting to know them better and find out what’s happened since their book concluded .
I love and highly recommend this and all Deborah Bladon’s books.
June 11, 2025
Will meets Opal via a client. He is supposed to be getting information about her so he can help his client be the best man he can, so he can get the girl. But as time goes on, Will begins to find that for the first time ever, he is intrigued by Opal, his clients intended person.
Opal has a harden heart after dealing with a past relationship so she focuses all her time on opening her board game bar, the Turquoise Crown. Until she meets Will, who begins to take up much of her time and thoughts.
This was such a cute story! I love that there wasn't some crazy third break up act. 4 stars and 2 spicy pepper.
Opal has a harden heart after dealing with a past relationship so she focuses all her time on opening her board game bar, the Turquoise Crown. Until she meets Will, who begins to take up much of her time and thoughts.
This was such a cute story! I love that there wasn't some crazy third break up act. 4 stars and 2 spicy pepper.
July 25, 2025
Quite a happy read
Nothing nasty going on. A happy read, although Opal annoyed me at times, but once you know her back story you tend to forgive her. Hildy, is a ray of sunshine. William is so adorable, but so annoying as he is so perfect. Lots of banging going on and not all from the construction workers! Exhausted me! Love the front cover. Glad real human models were used instead of the cartoon characters.
Nothing nasty going on. A happy read, although Opal annoyed me at times, but once you know her back story you tend to forgive her. Hildy, is a ray of sunshine. William is so adorable, but so annoying as he is so perfect. Lots of banging going on and not all from the construction workers! Exhausted me! Love the front cover. Glad real human models were used instead of the cartoon characters.
Read
May 7, 2025Absolutely amazing
What an absolutely amazing love story of Opal and William. A lot of humor resistance to a relationship and secrets add in Aunt Hildy friends and family makes a perfect book. A lot of tears and laughter make this an amazing five star must read.
You rock Deborah Bladon
What an absolutely amazing love story of Opal and William. A lot of humor resistance to a relationship and secrets add in Aunt Hildy friends and family makes a perfect book. A lot of tears and laughter make this an amazing five star must read.
You rock Deborah Bladon
May 11, 2025
beautiful
With every book from Deborah you know there will be a fabulous back story and trials and tribulations but ultimately a beautiful love story.
Opal needed her broken heart mended and William was just to man to do it. I love Hildy and her flamboyance, and all the other characters of this story.
Another fabulous book by one of my favourite authors
With every book from Deborah you know there will be a fabulous back story and trials and tribulations but ultimately a beautiful love story.
Opal needed her broken heart mended and William was just to man to do it. I love Hildy and her flamboyance, and all the other characters of this story.
Another fabulous book by one of my favourite authors
May 19, 2025
Refreshing take on the plot!
Great new book and the plot is different to the usually loaded millionaire/billionaire MMC, I enjoyed this, did report a typo or two and repeated text which annoys me, as I proof read in my career. Overall nice story, great characters….spice could be elaborated on but it didn’t stop me enjoying this book!
Great new book and the plot is different to the usually loaded millionaire/billionaire MMC, I enjoyed this, did report a typo or two and repeated text which annoys me, as I proof read in my career. Overall nice story, great characters….spice could be elaborated on but it didn’t stop me enjoying this book!
June 14, 2025
William and Opals Game Changer is a WIN!
This fun romantic adventure is full of all the twists and turns in a great game! Characters from past books show up, young characters, old characters, interesting careers and twists and turns abound. A great read with very little darkness…it’s a summer light read.
This fun romantic adventure is full of all the twists and turns in a great game! Characters from past books show up, young characters, old characters, interesting careers and twists and turns abound. A great read with very little darkness…it’s a summer light read.
July 17, 2025
Beauuuutiful!
I loved your book, Ms Bladon. Storyline was intriguing and kept me engaged till the end. I enjoyed the 2 main characters. Hero was really fun to read as the story unfolded. Urgh...I stayed up reading it and it's the wee hours of the morning. I have to get up in less than 3 hours for work. But, guess what? Totes worth it 🙌🏼 😀
I loved your book, Ms Bladon. Storyline was intriguing and kept me engaged till the end. I enjoyed the 2 main characters. Hero was really fun to read as the story unfolded. Urgh...I stayed up reading it and it's the wee hours of the morning. I have to get up in less than 3 hours for work. But, guess what? Totes worth it 🙌🏼 😀
December 20, 2025
I loved the book
I loved this book so much. Although a bit long
Always loved Deborah Bladon books. This one will always remember. When began reading it I received an email informing of her recent death
So sorry about this news and selfishly thought “no more books from one of my favorite authors. I understand one of her sons may continue writing for her. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I loved this book so much. Although a bit long
Always loved Deborah Bladon books. This one will always remember. When began reading it I received an email informing of her recent death
So sorry about this news and selfishly thought “no more books from one of my favorite authors. I understand one of her sons may continue writing for her. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
May 6, 2025
Loved it! A love story with no angst that’s filled with a raw emotion and a man that values a woman. The writing was amazing and had excellent character building.
Deborah Bladon will forever be a go to read for me!
Deborah Bladon will forever be a go to read for me!
May 12, 2025
I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging romance with wonderful MCs who are likable, have attraction, and chemistry. The storyline is well written, flows easily, and keeps you invested. I liked this book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 20, 2025
awesome book
What a unique story plot! I loved it! The characters were awesome. Opal was smart, driven and compassionate. William…..sigh. Kind, thoughtful, strong and honorable. An all around great story. Thank you and well done!
What a unique story plot! I loved it! The characters were awesome. Opal was smart, driven and compassionate. William…..sigh. Kind, thoughtful, strong and honorable. An all around great story. Thank you and well done!
May 22, 2025
A little too cheesy for me
If you are into super sweet (toothache sweet), then this book is for you. I found it too cheesy for me. It also lacked a little substance.. I skipped numerous pages as I just wanted to know the ending.
If you are into super sweet (toothache sweet), then this book is for you. I found it too cheesy for me. It also lacked a little substance.. I skipped numerous pages as I just wanted to know the ending.
May 24, 2025
super sweet
This is an absolutely lovely story that left me smiling in the best possible way.
I read a lot of dark or paranormal fiction, but an exceedingly well written book like this is like a lemon sorbet on a hot day - a delightful refreshing treat.
This is an absolutely lovely story that left me smiling in the best possible way.
I read a lot of dark or paranormal fiction, but an exceedingly well written book like this is like a lemon sorbet on a hot day - a delightful refreshing treat.
May 25, 2025
Deborah is always on of my go to authors. I like the deception in this book with william first coming across Opal as part of his job. I felt there could have been more jeopardy, But always enjoyable and good plot.
May 28, 2025
Beyond super special!!!
Some might say the story is based on a format but the way the writer holds you in suspense keeps you thoroughly engaged with the story! I hope there will be more to the story in the future
Some might say the story is based on a format but the way the writer holds you in suspense keeps you thoroughly engaged with the story! I hope there will be more to the story in the future
May 28, 2025
games
I liked William and Opal’s unique love story. Two people with different reasons for remaining single for fear of broken hearts. However the dicey dip won over. Laugh out loud.
I liked William and Opal’s unique love story. Two people with different reasons for remaining single for fear of broken hearts. However the dicey dip won over. Laugh out loud.
June 2, 2025
great read
This is a new author for me and definitely won't be the last book I read. I'd love the story of William and Opal. It was a little nontraditional, but of course you had to root for love. And the background story with Hildie just makes you smile.
This is a new author for me and definitely won't be the last book I read. I'd love the story of William and Opal. It was a little nontraditional, but of course you had to root for love. And the background story with Hildie just makes you smile.
June 5, 2025
3.5 stars! Pretty cute, low angst considering! Honestly the only thing for me was William was a little too perfect in the sense of his manners and once he actually decided to pursue Opal. But in the same way it was different it was also refreshing to see an MMC act that way
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews