Casey

Nolan U Hockey #3

by Katy Archer

«Perché tu hai distrutto i miei.»

Casey
Una notte trascorsa con la rossa focosa.
Un tatuaggio inciso sulla pelle per ricordarla.
Una notizia in grado di sconvolgerti la vita.
E un mondo. Il mio mondo che, per colpa sua, sta andando in frantumi.

Caroline
Una notte in cui ho conquistato la mia cotta di sempre.
Un segreto capace di cambiare ogni cosa.
Una bugia terribile. Ed è tutta colpa mia.
Sapevo che la verità avrebbe rovinato tutto.
E così è stato.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Hockey, College, Hockey Romance, Contemporary Romance

276 pages, ebook

First published December 26, 2024

About the author

Katy Archer is the author of sweet and spicy college sports romance. Her debut novel, The Forbidden Freshman, released in February 2024 and is for fans of slow burn hockey romance, forbidden love, and found families.

In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer…

You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

College romance The Game Changer by Katy Archer centers on the relationship between Casey Pierce, hockey offensive, and sophomore Caroline Mason.

Because it had the trope of an accidental pregnancy, I thought this would be a pleasant book with a fantastic redemption story for Casey, but I was wrong.

Not only did Casey not receive a very good storyline, but Caroline was also a really weak heroine.

I didn't appreciate Caroline's glorification of Casey and his playboy behavior right away. But since she got to see that side of him, I suppose karma bit her in the ass. She should have taken a stand and put Casey in his place, but she never did.

Now don’t even get me started with Casey. His first red flag  was that after every memorable hookup, he would get a tattoo dedicated to that particular girl. His second red flag was when he was with Car getting to see his child for the time, yet a was checking out the nurse. The third involved him calling Car a puck bunny even though he was now exclusively with her. I could go on and on about all of his red flags s, but that’d be too much.

Although I would have dnf’ed the first 30%, I held out hope that everything would work out in the end.

*Thank you tot eh author, Katy Archer for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[☾ Nikki. ✿ SUGARVOGUE. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series. I was very excited to read this book from the start. This book was a little more tougher with more emotional moments than the other two books. I think the main two characters worked well together as a couple. I wouldn’t say they were my favourite couple BUT overall it was an enjoyable read. I am loving ALL the characters so much and I’m so excited for the next book as I love enemies to lovers romance, so I think I am going to enjoy the next book so much :)

ARC Book sent in exchange for honest review!

🏑🥅⛸️🩷🫶🏼



Grab your copy here: https://www.katyarcher.com/the-game-c...

The Game Changer is a sizzling stand-alone NA hockey romance with no cheating and a guaranteed happy ending. Perfect for fans of Off-Campus by Elle Kennedy, #Nerd by Cambria Hebert and Don't Let Me by Kelsie Rae.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was extremely well written and had a good storyline and kept me wanting more

[marissa nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

So to start, I adore this series so so so much! The couples get better and better!

However, this book was a little difficult for me to enjoy as much simply because I was not a fan of the FMC. I was not really a fan of how she handled certain things and it made it kinda hard to like her.

That said, I loved the MMC. The bad boy developing into something more is one of my absolute favorite tropes. Especially after getting to know him from the previous books in the series. Love love love!

I cannot wait for the next book to come out!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - this series is amazing! Once I start reading, it’s so hard to stop turning the pages! First Mikayla and Ethan, then Rachel and Liam, now Caroline and Casey. This book had it all - humor, drama, romance, friendship - and it was so fast paced and entertaining! Caroline is a great character - I felt like I could picture her so perfectly in my mind and felt for the emotional roller coaster she was going through. And Casey was great too - he struggled with doing the right thing, but he stepped up and was trying to be better for Caroline. I hope this series gets more attention because it is so addictive! Keep on writing, Katy! I need more Nolan U!

[Miami Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, it's been soooo long since l read good books.Miss Katy Archer,this right here, is a masterpiece!!! Casey and Carolines love story was so amazing,had me hooked from the beginning to the end!

[Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmygod my heart is loving this series and can't wait for the next book next month 😍

[Commamirandabooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

{📖🤓}
{ARC Review}
~⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐~
The Game Changer 
Nolan U Hockey
~Book #3~
{Author Katy Archer}
@addictedtocollegesportsromance


Okay okay is it just me or do these books keep getting better and better? I could not wait to read this. 


Yes Casey! You're my new favorite, sorry Liam. I loved every second of Casey's story and I was so excited to read that Caroline was going to be the girl that would turn this playboy into a one woman man. 


I loved going on this journey with Casey and Caroline. They had such a strong connection and some hot chemistry. They both just needed to work through some things. I was hooked from start to finish. 


And now I'm very excited to watch the last man fall in love too. Bring it on Asher. 👏🏻


#KatyArcher #thegamechanger 
#NolanUHockey #hockeyromance #hockeyhouse #casey #hockeyman #mine #caroline #cinnamon #queenofhearts #lilred #sweetcaroline #cherrygirl 

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: miscarriage

Firstly, I wanted to say thank you to the lovely Katy for kindly sending me the ARC of this. It now makes the fourth ARC I’ve received from her (of course including the prequel novella).

So this is the third offical Nolan U novel following Casey and Caroline. Now while it wasn’t by absolute favourite of the series I still very much enjoyed it!

I don’t want to say too much without spoiling the series as a whole, but while I do relate (sadly) to Caroline with convincing oneself one too many times that they’re unlovable some decisions that were made I *personally* wouldn’t have made. There was also a little bit of hypocrisy from Caroline, which is why she is probably my least favourite FMC in the series thus far.

But Casey! I don’t know there’s something about him that I just love! Despite his player persona I still found him rather endearing. The discussion regarding tattoos (which again, I won’t say too much on as it’ll spoil things) was rather funny, though me being me, I’d want to be the Queen of the tattoos with the ones on his body in my honour 🫣

You know me and interconnected stand-alones! I love seeing the cameos of couples from the previous books and glimpses to future couples! Just like with Liam and Rachel snippets in ‘The Forbidden Freshman’ I loved seeing the dynamic between Leilani and Asher in this book! Can’t wait to see what’ll come next!

Oh! Also the ‘Princess Bride’ reference!? LOVE! That just made me love Casey even more! 😭💗

[Sophie Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Game Changer by Katy Archer
Nolan U Book 3 Arc🏒❤️‍🔥🫶🏻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The obsession with this book series continues! This book followed Casey one of the hockey house boys and Caroline who’s a huge hockey fan. From the outset I wasn’t sure if I liked the fan girl aspect that Caroline had going on when she first met Casey at a house party as it made her character seem a bit immature. However, I was pleasantly surprised as I read on as she genuinely liked Casey and not just because he’s a hockey player.

I felt the chemistry between Casey and Caroline was so intense and unexpected as Casey is known to be a player. However, after a one night stand with Caroline which went wrong, things changed massively for them both. I really enjoyed seeing Casey’s character development and how respectful he was towards Caroline, even though there were times where it would have been extremely hard to remain respectful towards her due to unnecessary lies which resulted in drama which I don’t think Casey deserved.

However, after the drama settled it was obvious that Caroline had learned from her mistakes and made up for it. Her and Casey blossomed as a couple and connected emotionally instead of just physically which was so nice to read.

I found the ending was the closure and information I needed to be fulfilled with Casey and Caroline’s love story and I’m so excited to read about Asher and Caroline’s best friend Leilani’s enemies-to-lovers love story🫶🏻🫶🏻 (my favourite!!!)

Please check trigger warnings before reading this book as there is mentions of a heavy topic throughout

*pictures from the second slide are from Pinterest*

#arcreviewer #thegamechanger #katyarcher #arc #arcreview #hockeyromance #hockeyromancebook

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't dived into this series yet I highly recommend it. This is Casey and Caroline's story and it if filled with lots of intensity, emotions, angst, twists, drama and heat. I've got to be honest and say that this was not my favorite entry in this series and honestly that was because I could not connect with these characters, even though they inspired strong feelings in me. I found them both frustrating and unlikable. Regardless, the writing is well done, and it was great being back in the Nolan U world and seeing old friends and meeting some new ones.

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game Changer is an amazing story. This is Caroline and Casey’s story, a bit of a surprise baby and unexpected love. But OMG their story took me on an emotional roller coaster!! I couldn’t put the book down, it was funny, heartbreaking and spicy. I really enjoyed reading their story and loved their chemistry. I can’t wait to read the next one.

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this advance readers copy.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Caroline in the previous books, and I loved how she and Casey came together in the face of this pregnancy situation. There was a point in this story that I wasn’t a huge Caroline fan, but she owned her mistakes, made amends, and grew.

I was a huge Casey fan before, but loved him even more in this book as he grew to accept the role of becoming a father. He also grew into his role as a partner for Caroline, and seemed so blown away that he wasn’t terrified of being in love with her. It was so precious!

[Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline and Casey story is so beautiful. It’s like a normal relationship where there’s great moments, sad moments, and falling in love. They were both what each other needed especially the baby. Caroline changes the playboy into a loyal guy. They both help each other with being the best version of themselves.

[Tina Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey is a bad boy who you fall in love with. Caroline is sweet but she is also not perfect. Watching them work thru their childhood issues to become more mature adults makes for a great read. Couldn’t put this book down. Katy has done it again with this book.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read in this series. Caroline gave me mixed emotions, perhaps young and scared but I wanted to slap her.
Casey is a hockey play boy, never does more than a one night stand. This was his journey to grow up and face reality.
I enjoyed how it all came together in the end for them with the conclusion that I hoped for.
This story had all the emotions, I can't wait for the next story.

[Anila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a lot of conflicting feelings with this book…

I’ll start with the positives. I adored all the soft moments between Casey and Caroline. Casey really tries his best to be there for her and their unborn child. We also get a return of the college elements that I was missing in the second book. I liked seeing the characters go to parties, classes and of course hockey games.

However, I did not like the two leads, especially Caroline. While some of Casey’s actions didn’t sit right with me, he does eventually gives up his playboy ways as he falls harder for Caroline. And so, I’m going to excuse the fact that he gets tattoos for his most memorable hookups. But in my opinion, Caroline was much worse. I absolutely hated that she lied to Casey about the baby being his when she wasn’t even 100% sure that it really was since she had hooked up with another guy during the same week she hooked up with Casey. Having feelings for a guy does not justify what she did. It made her look super manipulative and pathetic. I mean she was literally using her pregnancy to get with him and it just made me lose all respect for her. And she never really apologizes for lying about the pregnancy! I never got the feeling she felt remorse for lying. She was just upset that she got caught.

Also, besides being pregnant with Casey’s child, I had a hard time believing there were other reasons why Caroline was so special to Casey. They had a good physical connection, but I found their emotional connection to be underdeveloped.

Despite my negative feelings with The Game Changer, I’m actually looking forward to the final book in the series. And that’s because the one bright spot in this horrible baby daddy situation was Caroline’s best friend Leilani (the FMC of the next book). I loved how she called out Caroline for her awful decisions. And the bits and pieces we got of the dynamic between Asher and Leilani were pretty good and I can’t wait to see how their hate to love relationship plays out.

*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! It pulled me in from beginning to end! The characters are great and very engaging and I loved getting to see the rest of the hockey house as well (bonus if you have read previous books in series). I loved watching Casey step up in this one as he is thrown for a loop when Caroline shows up at the house and tells him she's pregnant with his kid. While absolutely not what he had planned being the King of one night stands, he knows that he will be there for both Caroline and the baby, even though it terrifies him. This story was great watching them build a relationship in the midst of everything and what they were dealing with. The story was well written and had me wanting to keep reading and figure out what was going to happen next and how these two were going to work everything out. The story had a great pace which kept things moving forward without being rushed or too slow. It flowed smoothing and got you engaged with the characters and what was going on and will definitely grab you by the heart and you don't want to leave when the book is over. I can't wait for the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Macy Eggimann · Rating 1 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT & TRIGGER WARNING:


Reading details about a miscarriage & D&C is never fun, especially after having a miscarriage a D&C. Not something I particularly care to read about in a romance novel.

Also, the whole book was a giant miscommunication trope that will have you wondering why people won’t just talk to each other.

I’ve enjoyed other books by this author but this one was not for me.

[Jesmin Nawaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far, this is my least favorite book. Caroline was basically a glorified stalker/puck bunny and not in a good way. She is so obsessed with Casey even though he doesn't give her the time of day until he's backed into a corner. She could have been pregnant with another mans baby but didn't bother telling the other guy or Casey. She was banking on the baby being Casey's and desperately wanted that, but at the same time she wasn't sure she wanted the baby. It was like she was using the pregnancy as an excuse to get with Casey - like it was a tactic. Her whole bit did not sit well with me. Had she not been the FMC of the book she'd be the psycho puck bunny for sure.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

The added artwork definitely adds something special to this book. This is Casey and Caroline's story and it if filled with lots of intensity, emotions, angst, twists, drama and heat. I've got to be honest and say that this was not my favorite entry in this series and honestly that was because I could not connect with these characters, even though they inspired strong feelings in me. I found them both frustrating and unlikable. Regardless, the writing is well done, and it was great being back in the Nolan U world and seeing old friends and meeting some new ones.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oof, what she did was absolutely unforgivable. I loved their romance, but I truly could not get past the FMC's choices.
And despite the MMC being an absolute menace in the beginning, I enjoyed the growth in his character.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many emotions about this book. It’s funny, sad, and just a fun time.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Author Katy Archer has us delving back into Nolan U Hockey series with book 3 The Game Changer.
In this Surprise Pregnancy, Sports, College Romance, through the telling of dual POVs, we follow the story of Hockey House member Casey Pierce’s and FMC Caroline Mason.

Casey and Caroline’s story had me super excited for it after reading the little preview included at the end of The Heart Stealer, which made it known that it would include a favourite trope, Surprise Pregnancy.
However what it didn’t have me expecting was the mixed emotions it ended up having me feeling, leading to the story having its pros and cons for me.

When it came to Casey and Caroline, their POV chapters helped in building their characters through the development they went through.
The peeling back of their layers had them opening up to us, in part courtesy of their inner monologue that gave an in-depth look into them as individuals. 
Hearing everything from both of them, from how they were dealing and coping in their shared situation, that put them in one another’s lives. As well as trying to handle everything else in their personal lives too.
Particularly Caroline with the secrets she was keeping, resulting in a surprise unexpected twist that author Katy threw in that definitely caught me off guard.

Although Casey may not have been the best character in terms of how he was presented in the beginning, given his player ways.
However author Katy changed that slowly from showing growth in the development of his character.
Seeing Casey turn himself around from his playboy ways to be there for Caroline and the baby by putting them first was proof of this.
It had me rooting for him, the fact that he proved time and time again that he was willing to do what it takes. Resulting in some cute, sweet and spicy moments.

It was good to see that author Katy bought back the college element, showing more to it for Casey and Caroline, not only because of them being students.
But showcasing the impact it had on them with juggling that alongside their other responsibilities and how it affected them given the situation they were dealing with.
Seeing as it was something that had been lacking in Liam’s story The Heart Stealer.

Another pro, that was a favourite came from the secondary characters involvement, which included a newest edition in the form of Caroline’s Best Friend/Roommate Leilani.
She definitely had me intrigued to say the least, particularly from the mysterious vibes she was giving off with her secretiveness, which had her stealing the show for me in the scenes she was apart of. But also the fact that she was always there for Caroline and putting her in her place when needed to.

Unfortunately the story did have its shortcomings, which is where the cons came in for me.
The relationship between Casey and Caroline wasn’t all there for me. Sure they shared a strong physical connection, given the sparks that flew from the sexual chemistry they had between them.
But the emotional side of it was lacking, especially seeing as what little that was explored between the two took too long IMO to actual delve into.
It would've been nice to see more development showcased within their relationship.

When it came to Caroline, she had me disliking her big time, making her my least favourite FMC in the series.
The fact that she put her needs first by keeping secrets and tellings lies made her selfish and that too all because she had feelings for Casey and didn’t want to lose him.
And what made it worse was she seemed okay with knowing there was a possibility once the truth came out Casey would be hurt in the process from her having kept it from him on purpose, despite being warned to tell the truth many times before.
Something that really got to me was seeing the fact that even after everything came out she never really truly showed any remorse or even faced any real consequences. Which is why she was undeserving of her HEA.
IMO she deserved to end up alone after all the issues, pain and hurt she caused.

Whilst The Game Changer may have not been my cup of tea, that’s not to say it won’t be anyone else’s since it did have its pros making it a good read in the end.
And with the little teasers as well as the preview at the end, safe to say author Katy Archer still has me looking forward to more from Nolan U Hockey series with Asher and Leilani’s book The Love Penalty next.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Onlybehappy (Jewels) · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Contains minor spoilers but like they aren’t related to the plot or storyline so I won’t hide the text)

I’m about 42% into this book and am loving it so far. However, I can’t hold myself back any longer. Some things in this book are making me hard core cringe. Example A) out lovely main guy Casey has named his…how should I say this…member Mr. Jones. Like sir. Why? Example b) they say “Puck Yeah” a lot. Idk if it’s a sculptural thing hockey players say but I find it a bit cringe. Example c) idk if it’s just to keep the book kinda pg but instead if calling it what it is, Caroline refers to her 🐱 as a V-Jay. Literally that’s what she says. I actually can’t with that. I’m going to finish the book because as I said, I love it, it’s just a bit cringe either way the language.

Edit**
I have finished the book. There is a specific scene dedicated him explaining shits are smelly. Literally a whole chapter is basically Casey having a conversation with Caroline about his shits stink and she’s going to have to get used to it. the cringe was so hard here I honestly didn’t think I would be able to finish the book. Like I don’t like books that contain stuff like that because it’s so cringy to me. I don’t find it funny or cute. Keep that talk out of books please
(is this just me? Or do people think talking about smelly shits is funny in romance books? It did nothing for the plot. And I basically skipped the whole conversation because I got major second hand embarrassment and cringed so hard) < end of minor spoiler>

I honestly don’t think I’ll be reading anymore books in this series, and definitely not Caroline’s friends book. I honestly couldn’t stand her. She expected Caroline to spill all her secrets but wouldn’t tell her own. Like come on. She had so many secrets and I just couldn’t stand her attitude.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Mr. Slut, Casey Pierce turning into a gooey, loving boyfriend? Who would’ve thought the one allergic to love and relationships would’ve found the perfect girl for him.

I’m not one who cares for accidental pregnancy tropes, but this one was sweet. Casey could’ve turned Caroline away and never look back, but he stepped up and made sure she knew he’d be there, no matter what. Living without a father and being raised by half a mother cemented that in his brain that he wouldn’t be like his sperm donor. Not only was he going to be there as a father, he was learning to navigate a relationship with Caroline and watching him learn how to love someone was heartwarming.

Caroline is a sweetheart who just wants to be loved and I love her. Her and Casey’s personalities go so well together and watching the two blossom together was amazing to see. Although, she did mess up, she owned up to her mistake and while most people would probably ridicule her for her reasoning, I can understand where she’s coming from.

In the end, what she went through is heartbreaking and nobody should have to go through that, but Casey and Caroline stuck through it, and that just proved how much Caroline affected Casey and how much they love each other.

[Jess L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sono partita bene con la lettura di Casey di Katy Archer, anche perché ho deciso di leggere questo romanzo cercando la leggerezza trovata negli altri volumi della serie, e sono anche arrivata a metà romanzo con l’animo leggero e propositivo ma alla fine non ho fatto altro che innervosirmi. E il bello è che nelle note finali l’autrice chiede scusa, ma non per quello che effettivamente mi ha fatto saltare i nervi. La storia di Casey e Caroline inizia come tante altre: una festa, una notte di passione, lei presa di lui – lui il solito libertino e alla fine si ritrovano in una cosa più grande di loro. Ma devo ammettere che ho apprezzato come l’autrice ha iniziato a sviluppare il tutto, perché sono dell’idea che non può essere sempre rose e fiori, soprattutto di fronte a una situazione simile, ma alla fine mi ha messo una cosa in mezzo che per me non aveva senso, come se l’avesse buttata lì giusto per mettere il dubbio e far saltare tutto e questo non mi è andata bene. Al di là di come poi si concluda la vicenda e i risvolti che ne hanno conseguito. Non so, sono rimasta un po’ delusa, anche se razionalmente ho apprezzato i temi seri trattati, (che ovviamente sono spoiler e non posso parlare) ma non posso negare che ha influito molto il mio voto.

https://www.instagram.com/jesslibri/p...

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this one.

First off, I’m a big believer that if you’re including certain topics, you should really include trigger warnings—especially when those topics aren’t tied to the genre. I don’t need them for a thriller; twists and dark themes are kind of expected there. But in a smutty sports romance? Not so much. That alone cost it a star for me.

The main reason for the low score, though, is the FMC. Very, very unlikeable. Yes, girl, make mistakes, you’re young, it happens. But that’s not the same as making some actual horrible, concious decisions. I honestly don’t understand how the other characters just moved on so easily from some of her choices.

On top of that, some very big life events/moments were just glossed over to make way for a HEA, which made the ending feel a bit bizarre.

[Kaelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book as well! The miscommunication did have me second guessing for a little hole but Casey loved Caroline and the baby was just to adorable! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet <3