The Game Changer

The Cedar Creek Thunder #1

by Julia Jarrett

I hired a single mom to help make my small town fall in love with a baseball team. And now I’m the one falling in love…with her.

Buying a small town baseball team might seem an odd choice for a millionaire tech developer, but I welcome the challenge.

Moving back to my hometown and reviving the once-beloved Cedar Creek Thunder is an impulsive attempt to find a deeper purpose, and a life that is measured in happiness rather than dollars.

A chance encounter with the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen has my temperature rising from more than the tea she’s spilled on me. When she walks into my office for an interview later that morning, it quickly becomes clear there’s no one better suited for the job .

Isla Forrester should be off limits, but with a smile that pierces my soul, the single mom is fire wrapped up in sweet temptation.

I’ve always had thick walls around my heart, but Isla and her son are breaking them down.

Now my sole purpose is getting her to believe that loving her is no challenge at all.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

Reviews

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ THE GAME CHANGER — Julia Jarrett (Audiobook) 🎧⚾️

Thank you Julia Jarrett for the ALC ❤️

I hit play and suddenly my entire personality became small-town baseball romance.

This audiobook?? ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE

Single mom + billionaire baseball boss + forced proximity + slow burn tension that should be illegal = me pacing my house like I was personally involved in the outcome. The chemistry builds so naturally that by the time it hits, I was screaming into the laundry I was folding like the team just won the championship.

The narration was TOP-TIER. Like, “I forgot I was listening to an audiobook and thought I was spying on fictional people’s lives” level good. Every emotion landed, the longing, the humor, the quiet moments, the spice 👀 All of it enhanced by voices that understood the assignment.

The romance is swoony without being cheesy, spicy without overpowering the story, and emotionally satisfying in a way that makes you sit there afterward like: wow… okay… I need a moment. The found family vibes, the small-town charm, the baseball backdrop? Perfection.

This book didn’t just change the game it rewired my brain chemistry.

🎧 If you’re an audiobook lover: RUN.
⚾️ If you love sports romance: RUN FASTER.
💖 If you want heart, heat: congratulations, this is your next 5-star read.

[Kendra’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the only thing that got me through two days of being sick in bed.

Luca and Isla had such a refreshing relationship. I absolutely adored how much Luca doted on Charlie, and how well they bonded. Luca and Isla are relationship goals, and they had quite a few moments that had me kicking my feet or bursting out laughing.

This story was motivating and informative in the best way. I think Julia did a great job speaking about the topics she chose. It’s always great to see disability inclusivity in romance books.

Great small town romance with a boss & single mom!

Thank you to Julia for the ARC💜

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying I’m writing this review RIGHT after finishing the book because I’m vibrating with excitement and a bit manic.

This book was beyond what I could have imagined. Let me lay it out for you for past me reading it in live time: Started off strong! An adorable meet cute mishap. The intro to the sexy MMC. Then introduced to Islas son who has a limb difference. Wait and then the MMC has a limb difference too! Omg love the representation!!!

This book brings together many important topics: limb difference not only with the main character but also a side character, teen pregnancy, single parenthood, and people pleasing perfectionism.

All of these characters are not perfect, they make mistakes just like us. I love the way that Islas characters internal monologue is so accurate to feelings many people have felt about being enough for others, showing your more than your past, and having grit and determination to succeed on your own terms. Then Luca comes into the scene has this perfect seeming man who has done amazing things. But as the book progresses the layers start falling and those true characteristics that are so easily understood. He is a provider (he want everyone to have what they need, even the little things) my acts of service love language was absolutely giddy for this man, he is has his own internal battle when it comes to his own limb difference, and struggles with accepting praise and acknowledgment for all the things he does.

This book was relatable, had those leg kicking giddiness moments, meaningful/deep conversations, and a sexy ass MMC who knew what he was saying and doing. I CANNOT wait for the next one!!!!

[Kym]

What a delightful new baseball series from Julia Jarrett! With wonderful characters (especially Luca, Isla and her son, Charlie), set in the fictional small town of Westport on Vancouver Island, it’s is both heartwarming and poignant!

Luca Calloway is a millionaire tech developer who has bought his hometown’s baseball team and its dilapidated stadium in the hopes of rekindling the community’s interest and support of their team. He’s not just a “tech nerd” throwing money around though…he truly is invested in making this happen.

To that end, he hires Isla Forrester as his temporary marketing consultant (who, unbeknownst to him, he first meets in a cute mishap at a coffee shop) to generate excitement about the team and its soon-to-be completed refurbished stadium. Isla and her son, Charlie, have recently moved to Westport to be closer to her mother who lives in nearby Dogwood Cove (which is the setting of a wonderful series as well!) and friend, Juniper. Isla is pleased and relieved to be hired by the charming man she (literally) bumped into while getting her morning tea!

Sparks fly between Isla and Luca from the beginning but Isla wants to keep a professional distance…her job is only temporary and she wants to stay in Westport once her contract is up and finding another marketing job in a smaller community will be challenging enough.

Luca is beyond charming. Whether it’s his sincerity in supporting his team - providing new gear, uniforms, refurbishing their stadium - or involving the community to bring back the excitement of having a great hometown team, he’s 100% committed.

His interactions with Isla’s twelve year old son, Charlie, really shows the depth of his caring spirit. Yes, of course there’s romance between Luca and Isla, but the commonality that he and Charlie share is very touching (and I really commend Ms. Jarrett for shedding light on this…being vague to avoid spoilers!). His support and acceptance goes a long way with Charlie.

The supporting characters from Juniper, Isla’s mom, Luca’s best friend, Dom, to the baseball players we meet, all add to the story and draws the reader in!

This is a wonderful, enjoyable book and I’m really looking forward to the subsequent stories in this series!

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

Isla is starting fresh in a new small town, closer to her mother and best friend. She's on a short-term contract with the local sports team, but is focused on making it permanent for her and her son. She isn't expecting sparts to fly with her new boss, nor for them to have so much in common. The only problem is that she can't work for the man she loves, and he isn't willing to give her up.

*****

I absolutely LOVED this novel. I went in without really knowing anything other than a brief skim of the blurb and I was immediately hooked. I also apparently skimmed over the cover because I completely missed that the MMC had a limb difference until it was pointed out later in the story! It make the discovery so fantastic, especially as Charlie also was born missing a limb, and they're able to bond over their shared experiences, as well as their differences.

Overall, this was a book full of heart. Isla is a dedicated mother and friend, who's willing to do what's right even if it's hard. Luca is a jaded man that comes to life in Isla's presence, and gains the love and family he had never dreamed he could have. This had me feeling warm and cozy the whole way through, especially as they tried to find their footing, learn how to communicate in healthy ways, and show up for each other above all else. I also quietly loved that this one is based in British Columbia, as I was able to read this and picture cities and places I know well.

If you're looking for a swoony millionaire MMC who is willing to do anything to support the woman he loves and her son, this one is for you!

*****

Thank you to the author, Julia Jarrett, for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shawna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨✨ARC Review✨✨

⚾️ He Falls First
⚾️ Age Gap
⚾️ Single Parent (mom)
⚾️ Boss/Employee

“What am I meant to do when the only woman I want is the one I can’t have?”

What starts as a meet cute in a coffee shop on a random morning, turns into the possibility of a bright future. Who knew spilling your tea and running into the most beautiful man you’ve seen would then lead to your interview, WITH said man.

Isla and Luca…one wants a job in marketing, the other owns a baseball team that needs a marketing expert. This book is in typical Julia Jarrett style, with stunning locations, great characters and secondary characters (this better be a series with this cast of secondary characters) brings romance, humour and let’s face it, real life situations. It’s well thought out and plotted that you can see a future in discovering this baseball team and those around it.

This book deals with ABS (amniotic band syndrome) and navigating the world with a missing limb and a disability in sports. I felt it was handled extremely well and not just something ‘for the plot’.

I need more, more of the baseball guys, more of Juniper, more of Dom…I just need more!!!! Also, that ending…😲🤯.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game Changer ( The Cedar Creek Thunder Series Book 1 ) 🏠Small Town 👩 single mom ⚾️ Baseball Romance Perfection absolute perfection, that’s exactly what this series is . We’re only on book 1 , and I’m so freaking obsessed already . something about Luca and Islas journey really did resonate with me . The struggles they went through, both together and apart the progression of their friendship / relationship turning into so much more . I absolutely adored both characters more than words can even express. One of the reasons I loved this story so much was simply because it wasn’t all hearts and flowers , it wasn’t always easy . I loved the fact that both characters had flaws , that they had to work through many obstacles to get their happily ever after . Fun and steamy , heartbreaking and heartfelt, filled with angst and humor and witty banter , family and friendships, wonderful world building and characters you simply cannot help but fall in love with. Prepare yourself for all the feels because I can guarantee you will be smiling, laughing, crying and cheering the whole way through.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs no introduction, Julia Jarrett had me at ‘swoony men with great butts’.
Welcome to the Cedar Creek Thunder series, a brand new baseball series that is going to smash it out the park! We’re starting with the new team owner, Luca Calloway… aka, Mr Yummy. He’s reviving the Thunders and recruits a new Marketing Consultant bring the team into the modern world. Hello Marketing Guru, Isla Forrester, single mum, over a decade younger than our handsome owner and sporting a crush so bad that neither can’t fight for off for very long. It’s all forbidden, work place romance vibes with a golden retriever MMC literally willing to do anything to stay in her orbit, I think that’s what we call obsessed. Loved that Luca made his friendship with Charlie so easy going, an absolute natural with him. Brilliant banter that had me laughing out loud, I can’t wait to read more from the new series.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[ReadTillDawnBooks ~ IG · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game Changer by Julia Jarrett is a heartfelt, swoony romance that truly lives up to its title. This story pulled me in from the very beginning with its small town baseball setting, workplace tension, and undeniable chemistry between Isla and Luca.

What made this book especially meaningful to me is the representation. Both Luca and Isla’s son, Charlie, were born with Amniotic Band Syndrome—the same birth defect I was born with. Julia handled this with incredible empathy and authenticity, shining a respectful light on limb differences without ever defining the characters by them. It felt real, validating, and beautifully done.

I also listened to the audiobook alongside reading, and it was outstanding. Connor Crais is the perfect Luca, and Heather Firth brings Isla’s strength and heart to life. Their performances elevated an already powerful story.

This first book sets up the Cedar Creek world perfectly, and I’m so excited to continue this series. A truly special and unforgettable read.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to Expect:
Sports (Baseball)
Single Mom
Workplace
He Falls First
Forced Proximity

I don't know what it is about a meet cute that involves spilled tea and then a surprise appearance in a job interview, but it gets me every time. Isla runs into Luca with her tea first, but when he is her interviewee for a marketing position with the Cedar Creek Thunder baseball team, she finds a new opportunity for her and her son to start over.

This meeting alone has Luca falling head over heels with Isla and wanting to be near her. I loved how earnest he was in wanting to support Isla in every way. Their relationship had me kicking and swooning as they both fell fast for each other. Add in wonderful secondary characters and beautiful locations, and I felt as if I was in the offices with Luca and Isla.

I also especially loved how much care Julia took to talk about both Luca and Isla's son, Charlie's disability. The discussion around living with a missing limb from birth for both Charlie and Luca and the further discussion about sports and being able to play with a disability felt authentic and real.

I am so excited to see where we go next in the series! Thank you so much to Julia for the early copy of The Game Changer!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest when I say that Luca threw me for quite the whirl. I had my guesses when hints were dropped early on, but wow, he really does mean it when he says he’s all in on something. This guy is willing to essentially lay himself bare for love, and it’s impossible to be angry about that.

Luca and Isla might be unconventional at first. They might worry about optics. But they’re also terrible at hiding true feelings. Nothing is more amusing than when they think they’ve shocked so many, while everyone else is waiting for them to just catch up to where we are in the journey. And there’s also a lot of emotion to be had, which is perfectly balanced by the fun and the humor.

I see a good series in the making here and, even though I don’t care one lick about baseball and never have, I’m 100% here for this team and these characters!

[Sandra Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Ball!!!!! ⚾️

Yes friends it is that time again to review another wonderful book by the lovely Julia Jarrett.
The Game Changer was definitely a 5 star read I highly recommend it. Luca and Isla are my favorite couple (😜for now, this is the start of a series afterall😁) when I started reading it I wasn’t aware that it’s MMC has a disability. (That’s on my part 😆come on it’s a Julia Jarrett book duh I’m going to love it regardless 😊) ok back to the review, I could tell you how I loved the chemistry between these 2 and yes it was hot. But the most that I loved about this story was how the knowledge and awareness was captured in this story Both Luca (MMC) and Charlie (Isla’s son) both have ABS. I for one didn’t know much about it and the way Julia wrote this story was great, beautifully written and all around AWESOME! I definitely cannot wait to binge this series.

[Janine Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Book 1 from Julia in her new Cedar Creek Thunder Series & it didn’t disappoint.
The chemistry collides between Isla & Luca instantly ☕️ each trying to not act on it until they can’t & their relationship is a beautiful one❤️
The relationship between Luca & Charlie is heartfelt due to their same disability & the book brings such great awareness to the condition.
It was amazing hearing little snippets from the other books by Julia such as the Vancouver Tridents, Rhett Darlington & Dogwood Cove just to name a few 🫶🏼 It was such a great read & an awesome start to a new series! Thank you for the ARC🫶🏼

……Oh Dixie! What an ending 🤯
…..Julia……we need Junie Bug & Pretty Boy on paper now!!!! 😍🙌🏼

“One rule: don’t fall for your boss. One problem: he’s irresistible.”

[Tracy Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it! My favorite book of the year!!

We’ve got a single mom (who is still carrying around the stigma of being a teen mom), a genius-level inventor/millionaire (who just bought a small baseball team), the MMC & the FMC’s son both have the same congenital limb abnormality (different limbs) which leads to some insecurities, the cutest meet-cute, “forbidden” workplace romance, she sees him for him & he sees her beauty & independence beneath her need to please. He loves her kid & truly wants to support him aside from who his mom is. Lots of wonderful supportive characters as well.

I listened to the audiobook & swooned through the entire thing! I love Julia’s writing & can’t wait for this new series!! *and baseball’s not even my favorite sport!😘

[…Welcome to My World &#x1f30e.. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww this book was so cute! It was a great new series starter for sure. Luca and Isla were such a cute couple and I loved how we had the disability representation. There are so many people out there struggling to be seen or heard due to disabilities, that aren’t their fault and beyond their control, but this book was so refreshing to read and see. I loved how Luca and Charlie could relate to one another. Isla was such a sweet mom and woman, I’m glad she didn’t let her son’s disability or Luca’s disability deter her. This was such a cute story to show that everyone deserves love no matter what they look like. Love comes in different shapes and sizes.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author herself! I’m voluntarily leaving my free and honest review.

[Samantha Fujisaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Game Changer was such a fun book! I’ve read all the books in Julia’s Vancouver Tridents series, so I’m so happy I got to read the first book in her newest series, The Cedar Creek Thunder.

This is another baseball series by Julia, but this time it takes place in Cedar Creek, Canada instead of Vancouver, Canada. I love that there were characters from The Vancouver Tridents series in this series too! And the representation for disabilities in this book was well done in my opinion.

I received an ARC and an ALC of this book from the author ❤️ the book will be released on February 10th.

This book gets 4 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay this was such a good introduction for me to this author! i ate everything about this up!

luca hires isla for a contract in marketing on a baseball team and these two build such a sweet relationship. luca has the same condition as her son and they build such an amazing bond and luca is so sweet towards charlie.

i love the way luca and isla interacted with one another and how feisty she was throughout this. luca wanted to help her constantly but she held her ground about her feelings about certain things and it was so sweet.

the way connor crais says “fuck” in one of the scenes did something to me. changed my brain chemistry. heather firth did such an amazing job as well. i love how it was duet narration, i’m always thrilled about reading those.

thank you to julia for the ALC!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good millionaire, sports romance, so I immediately loved our hero, Luca. He owns a baseball team and also has a prosthetic leg, which helps him connect with Isla's son, who has no arm. I really liked the disability rep in here. It was really sweet to see Luca connecting to Isla's son, Charlie, on a deep level.

I loved all the forced proximity since Isla and Luca work together, as well as the tension that brought once their relationship became romantic.

The Dogwood Cove series by Julia might be my favorite of hers, so I loved all the Dogwood Cove references.

Overall, this was a such a cute romance!

Thank you to the author for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[AmandaRobyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to ignore my entire life and not put this book down, and honestly? That feeling was REAL.

Julia did it again.

The Game Changer follows a single mom raising her son who has ABS, and a swoon-worthy MMC who was also born with ABS 🥹 The representation, the heart, the depth, everything just works.

They fall hard and fast, and it’s such a feel good story.

Tropes
✨ Workplace romance
✨ Single moms
✨ Age gap (but both 30+)
✨ Small-town baseball romance
✨ Billionaire
✨Disability

And that teaser for the next book at the end?! I’m already wildly impatient 😩📖

[Sara Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have gotten a chance to read this early. It has been an enjoyable and sweet read.

Getting to return to the world of Dogwood cove but also it being its own was the best. I loved the bonding between the fmc Isla’s son and our Mmc Luca. It was also amazing to see two adults have adult conversations and be open with each other.

I plan to read more of this series as it was enjoyable for me from start to finish.

[Eva Mumbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. The story of how two people that just meet have a strong pull to each other and try to fight it, only for that pull to be so strong that they can't fight it anymore.
I loved how it shows that a grown man who thought he had to hid his disability from people can learn through a child who has the same disability how to not be afarid.

[Tonya Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun, easy read that keeps you hooked without trying too hard. It’s one of those books where the premise pulls you in quickly, and the story moves at a nice clip, so it never drags. The characters feel relatable, and there’s enough heart and tension to keep things interesting as the stakes rise. Can't wait to read more by this author!

[Amy Gower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story completely stole my heart. The tension, the longing, and the way Isla and Luca are drawn to each other despite knowing it’s complicated made this such an emotional and swoony read.

What truly made this book special for me was the beautiful, respectful spotlight on diversability. As someone who has a personal connection to this topic, seeing it represented with so much care, honesty, and warmth in a romance meant everything. Julia doesn’t shy away from the hard days, but she also shows so much hope, love, and joy — and that balance was done so well.

Add in a baseball romance set on Vancouver Island, a man who shows up in all the ways that matter, and a story full of heart… this one is a must-read.

I listened to this book and let me tell you the Audio chefs kiss 😘 Its done in duet and really brought the book alive. if your an audio person i highly recommend this audiobook

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This swoony sports romance is centered around the revival of the Westport Thunder baseball team and will have you wishing for extra innings. Wonderful characters, sizzling chemistry and emotional depth keep you in the game rooting for a happy ending and a big win for Isla, her son Charlie and Luca.

[Sara Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me all up in my feels! I’m always up for the hidden office romance trope, but add in disability rep and I’m hooked! Getting to see Alice and Isla let go of their pasts enough to let each other in was beautiful! I can’t wait for book 2!

[Jessreads3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a great way to start a brand new series! 🥺🥺

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! So sweet and swoony, romantic and heartfelt.. Wonderful, easy-to-love characters!

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about thinking you'd never find "the one" and then they show up at the most unique time in your life.

[Tampatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

review coming soon

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

My review with Novels Alive is coming soon.