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The Game Changer
A straight quarterback. A gay physical therapist. Love is out of bounds… Right?
Malcolm Rodgers loses everything in one week.
The quarterback is benched with an injury the same week his fiancée breaks off their engagement. Lost, hurting, and stuck on the sidelines, Malcolm must spend his days in physical therapy with the one person who refuses to let him get back in the game: cocky Vance Coberly.
Vance is out and proud in the macho world of pro football. As the top physical therapist in his field, flirting with football players is strictly out of bounds.
But the rules of play all change when Vance meets Malcolm.
Malcolm can’t deny what he feels for Vance — but Vance won’t be someone’s one-time fling. Can a Hail Mary gesture save the deepest love Malcolm has ever felt?
Malcolm Rodgers loses everything in one week.
The quarterback is benched with an injury the same week his fiancée breaks off their engagement. Lost, hurting, and stuck on the sidelines, Malcolm must spend his days in physical therapy with the one person who refuses to let him get back in the game: cocky Vance Coberly.
Vance is out and proud in the macho world of pro football. As the top physical therapist in his field, flirting with football players is strictly out of bounds.
But the rules of play all change when Vance meets Malcolm.
Malcolm can’t deny what he feels for Vance — but Vance won’t be someone’s one-time fling. Can a Hail Mary gesture save the deepest love Malcolm has ever felt?
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 19, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
July 20, 2017
4 Stars
The Game Changer is another one of Kay Simone's long-ass books, but oh boy did I enjoy this one.
The story follows (previously) straight quarterback, Malcolm Rogers, as he begins to question his sexual orientation after working alongside, and then befriending, his teams very out resident physical therapist, Vance Coberly.
Their blossoming romance is slow and sweet, with plenty of roadblocks to their happiness to keep things real and interesting. Both men accept and admit to (each other) their growing feelings fairly easily, but professional pressures, as well as general public scrutiny, become an increasing issue as the story progresses.
I loved the relationship progression and the tenderness that came across between the pair, but I also enjoyed the deeper issues explored within, particularly those relating to self-acceptance and coming out (as bisexual, in Malcolm's case), and I was even impressed by the way anti-discrimination movements were explored within.
It was a long book, but I found myself enjoying it through to the very end, so I'm not sure I can rightfully complain about the length. Sure, the final portion of the book, could have been shorter and dealt with faster, IMO, but I understand why it was written the way it was. In the end, I guess it's always better to have too much than not enough, right?
Overall, I enjoyed this reading experience and have come to truly admire Kay Simone's writing quality, as well as her lovable characters and their stories.
***********************************
Audio Edition:
What is there to say? Greg Tremblay smashed this one out of the park. For his vocal performance alone I would give 5 stars. He brought these characters to life, using pleasing and distinct voices for all the major players within. He even managed to bring the perfect amount of emotion to the scenes that absolutely required it, without laying it on thick like so many narrators tend to do. I can't rave enough about how much I loved this narration!
The Game Changer is another one of Kay Simone's long-ass books, but oh boy did I enjoy this one.
The story follows (previously) straight quarterback, Malcolm Rogers, as he begins to question his sexual orientation after working alongside, and then befriending, his teams very out resident physical therapist, Vance Coberly.
Their blossoming romance is slow and sweet, with plenty of roadblocks to their happiness to keep things real and interesting. Both men accept and admit to (each other) their growing feelings fairly easily, but professional pressures, as well as general public scrutiny, become an increasing issue as the story progresses.
I loved the relationship progression and the tenderness that came across between the pair, but I also enjoyed the deeper issues explored within, particularly those relating to self-acceptance and coming out (as bisexual, in Malcolm's case), and I was even impressed by the way anti-discrimination movements were explored within.
It was a long book, but I found myself enjoying it through to the very end, so I'm not sure I can rightfully complain about the length. Sure, the final portion of the book, could have been shorter and dealt with faster, IMO, but I understand why it was written the way it was. In the end, I guess it's always better to have too much than not enough, right?
Overall, I enjoyed this reading experience and have come to truly admire Kay Simone's writing quality, as well as her lovable characters and their stories.
***********************************
Audio Edition:
What is there to say? Greg Tremblay smashed this one out of the park. For his vocal performance alone I would give 5 stars. He brought these characters to life, using pleasing and distinct voices for all the major players within. He even managed to bring the perfect amount of emotion to the scenes that absolutely required it, without laying it on thick like so many narrators tend to do. I can't rave enough about how much I loved this narration!
November 1, 2016
3.5 stars
Kay Simone has a knack for creating gay romance in various context. This time, the story is about Malcom, a professional football player whose life is deeply disturbed by a serious injury, that has to be kept away from the public, and the publicized break-up with his fiancée. To be back on the Game, he has to spend his entire time for several weeks in the care of Vance, a physical therapist, well known for this healing skills, his temper but also his status as a gay man.
A deal is made between Malcom and Vance right from the start : they need to tell each other the truth about this situation. All this time spend together leads to a friendship and then to much deeper feelings.
This is a sweet and sexy romance, with some angst based on everything they could lose on a professional basis and with an underlying message about anti-discrimination laws, with likable characters and a satisfying HEA.
Kay Simone has a knack for creating gay romance in various context. This time, the story is about Malcom, a professional football player whose life is deeply disturbed by a serious injury, that has to be kept away from the public, and the publicized break-up with his fiancée. To be back on the Game, he has to spend his entire time for several weeks in the care of Vance, a physical therapist, well known for this healing skills, his temper but also his status as a gay man.
A deal is made between Malcom and Vance right from the start : they need to tell each other the truth about this situation. All this time spend together leads to a friendship and then to much deeper feelings.
This is a sweet and sexy romance, with some angst based on everything they could lose on a professional basis and with an underlying message about anti-discrimination laws, with likable characters and a satisfying HEA.
May 29, 2017
Updated for Audio 05/2017: 3 Stars
Greg Tremblay does a fantastic job with the character voices, timing and pacing, and he helps with the story's momentum issues in a way that kept me interested, but he just couldn't get me over the miscommunication.
BUT - anyone who knows me, or reads my reviews, knows that I absolutely hate miscommunication/misunderstanding, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
2 Stars
While it had some good moments at the beginning, particularly the relationship building and slow burn, it lost momentum halfway in, and then had miscommunication issues, until nearly the end, that drove me almost insane.
All in all, I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either.
Greg Tremblay does a fantastic job with the character voices, timing and pacing, and he helps with the story's momentum issues in a way that kept me interested, but he just couldn't get me over the miscommunication.
BUT - anyone who knows me, or reads my reviews, knows that I absolutely hate miscommunication/misunderstanding, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
2 Stars
While it had some good moments at the beginning, particularly the relationship building and slow burn, it lost momentum halfway in, and then had miscommunication issues, until nearly the end, that drove me almost insane.
All in all, I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either.
September 21, 2017
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: Greg Tremblay - 4
Book Cover: 3.5
I liked this one. Even though Mal is completely something else with his “oblivious innocence” I could even stomach the “drama”.
Audio Book: Greg Tremblay - 4
Book Cover: 3.5
I liked this one. Even though Mal is completely something else with his “oblivious innocence” I could even stomach the “drama”.
dnf
September 22, 2017DNF at 50%
I LOVE Greg Tremblay and I could listen to him all day. But I wasn't too happy with the story, and with 5 hours to go, I gave up.
I have no idea why I keep trying books with closet cases because I really really don't like them. The miscommunication and the upcoming angst (you can spot this a mile away) are not the things I like in my books and they were plenty present here.
I LOVE Greg Tremblay and I could listen to him all day. But I wasn't too happy with the story, and with 5 hours to go, I gave up.
I have no idea why I keep trying books with closet cases because I really really don't like them. The miscommunication and the upcoming angst (you can spot this a mile away) are not the things I like in my books and they were plenty present here.
dnf-not-4-me
September 28, 2016400 pages and low steam are going to have me passing ATM.
December 26, 2016
3.5 stars.
It was ok. I love me some gfy-ofy stories and first timers. The journey and the moment when the MC realizes that yes, he is attracted to another guy just does it for me every time.
Both characters were super nice and the story was well developed. This book had the potential to be perfect for me, but the low steam and some silly drama made me drop a couple stars.
Free with Kindle Unlimited.
Note: I just finished reading the bonus chapter that the author gives away when you subscribe to her newsletter. If that chapter had been part of the book, I'd have given it 4 stars.
It was ok. I love me some gfy-ofy stories and first timers. The journey and the moment when the MC realizes that yes, he is attracted to another guy just does it for me every time.
Both characters were super nice and the story was well developed. This book had the potential to be perfect for me, but the low steam and some silly drama made me drop a couple stars.
Free with Kindle Unlimited.
Note: I just finished reading the bonus chapter that the author gives away when you subscribe to her newsletter. If that chapter had been part of the book, I'd have given it 4 stars.
February 2, 2017
¿No os ha pasado nunca que empezáis un libro sin demasiadas expectativas y al final acabáis enamoradas hasta las trancas? Pues eso me ha ocurrido con esta novela, simplemente ha sido una de las mejores sorpresas en lo que va de mes. Historia que empieza lenta pero coge ritmo a medida que avanza hasta que ya te es imposible dejarla, personajes que llegas a querer y con los que se empatía de veras y ese epílogo lleno de azúcar, fabuloso y tierno, para ponerse a soñar, ¡¡¡quiero un Malcolm en mi vida ya!!!!
September 21, 2016
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up. I've been continually surprised by the different themes and subjects that Kay Simone has used for her stories. We've had criminals, astronauts, teachers/students and an Elvis theme. In her latest offering, she's been a bit more serious and tackled a message about LGBTQ+ issues. It's also a bisexual coming out story, which I loved. A character that didn't waffle around and labeled himself bi, as soon as he figured himself out. Ms. Simone creates a fictional football league, the PFL, as the equivalent of the NFL and sets it in Jacksonville, FL. There's no actual football playing or on-field action in the book.
It starts out feeling like a rather typical sort of straight to bi story where Malcom, the popular QB of the Jacksonville football team gets injured and meets Vance, his new physical therapist. I enjoyed this part, as there was a good buildup of a friendship first, especially after Malcolm’s fiancée breaks up with him. Malcolm has devoted his whole life to his career as a way to care for his mother and siblings after his father died. He's kept himself very focused and isolated in his role. Vance is openly gay and has struggled against LGBTQ+ bigotry and unfair treatment. He and Malcolm strike up a friendship and Vance finds Malcolm very open minded and accepting. Eventually they both realize their friendship is leading to more. An eventual unwanted outing results in serious repercussions for our couple.
The story then departs from many of the usual tropes. Some are quite familiar, yet the way Kay Simone has her characters react is done differently. There is a little bit of a political platform within the story but it's not beaten to death. It even touches on a little part of reverse prejudices that can crop up within the LGBTQ+ community. I do feel there should have been some deeper characterization and a stronger romance. It seemed to get a little lost among the messages that became a focus in parts of the narrative. The sex is pretty minimal and I have to admit my inner perv was sad that we didn't get any cherry popping. Just sayin’! It simply wasn't the point of the story. But it's interesting and captivating in other ways and benefits from good editing and solid writing.
I have to admire the author for using her work to champion the need for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. It's also set in Florida, my home state, where we've at least gotten protection for 53% of our population due to the passage of ordinances in many cities and counties. It's the reason I did round up for my overall rating. Recommended.
3.5 stars rounded up. I've been continually surprised by the different themes and subjects that Kay Simone has used for her stories. We've had criminals, astronauts, teachers/students and an Elvis theme. In her latest offering, she's been a bit more serious and tackled a message about LGBTQ+ issues. It's also a bisexual coming out story, which I loved. A character that didn't waffle around and labeled himself bi, as soon as he figured himself out. Ms. Simone creates a fictional football league, the PFL, as the equivalent of the NFL and sets it in Jacksonville, FL. There's no actual football playing or on-field action in the book.
It starts out feeling like a rather typical sort of straight to bi story where Malcom, the popular QB of the Jacksonville football team gets injured and meets Vance, his new physical therapist. I enjoyed this part, as there was a good buildup of a friendship first, especially after Malcolm’s fiancée breaks up with him. Malcolm has devoted his whole life to his career as a way to care for his mother and siblings after his father died. He's kept himself very focused and isolated in his role. Vance is openly gay and has struggled against LGBTQ+ bigotry and unfair treatment. He and Malcolm strike up a friendship and Vance finds Malcolm very open minded and accepting. Eventually they both realize their friendship is leading to more. An eventual unwanted outing results in serious repercussions for our couple.
The story then departs from many of the usual tropes. Some are quite familiar, yet the way Kay Simone has her characters react is done differently. There is a little bit of a political platform within the story but it's not beaten to death. It even touches on a little part of reverse prejudices that can crop up within the LGBTQ+ community. I do feel there should have been some deeper characterization and a stronger romance. It seemed to get a little lost among the messages that became a focus in parts of the narrative. The sex is pretty minimal and I have to admit my inner perv was sad that we didn't get any cherry popping. Just sayin’! It simply wasn't the point of the story. But it's interesting and captivating in other ways and benefits from good editing and solid writing.
I have to admire the author for using her work to champion the need for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. It's also set in Florida, my home state, where we've at least gotten protection for 53% of our population due to the passage of ordinances in many cities and counties. It's the reason I did round up for my overall rating. Recommended.
July 26, 2024
[3.5] I’m desperate enough for any sliver of time to read that not even the miscommunication made much of a dent in my patience. That being said, given the length, I do think the audiobook was what made it more digestible for me.
September 6, 2017
This was my second book by this author and both times I loved the story and the characters.
June 14, 2018
The book I would rate a 2 and the audio I would rate a 5, but even though the narrator did a fantastic job, he couldn’t overcome the failings of the book to me.
The start of the story was really well done. I was very much into the physical therapy and the truth they swear to each other and the little things you find out about both Malcom and Vance. Then the story enlarges beyond the two of them and that’s where my disbelief starts.
A top quarterback making 12 million a year will have a lot of people around them. He will have an agent who will be up in his life and then in the Management’s life over a player coming out. There will be a lawsuit. They will not be almost friendless, 3 friends on the team? Only get together after a win? Not realistic. There will be tons of media getting into every part of their lives, personal and professional. No media find out what kept a star QB out for 7 weeks?
The coach can still be a dickhead but he will have pressures himself and not always get to do every douchbag thing he wants to. The author obviously knows physical therapy but not how a professional football team is organized and operated. Not that I know myself, but with what one sees on TV even, the isolation of these guys is just not possible. Also there are books that clearly have written about this very well.
Vance and Malcom as a couple and how their relationship developed seemed totally plausible and enjoyable. The problem is with their careers, it just doesn’t ring true that they would be left alone so much. We hear of both of their families but only meet Malcom’s sister. As close as they are supposed to be, they should have been in each other’s business and we should have interacted with all of them.
The ending was kind of a standard “m/m miscommunication” trope, but done fairly well. The ending was a bit over the top, but also done well.
If you want a good sports coming out story (actually a series) I would recommend Out of Position. It’s a furry story, but take away the fur and its a human story that is very realistic to todays football society and how out gay football players would be treated.
The start of the story was really well done. I was very much into the physical therapy and the truth they swear to each other and the little things you find out about both Malcom and Vance. Then the story enlarges beyond the two of them and that’s where my disbelief starts.
A top quarterback making 12 million a year will have a lot of people around them. He will have an agent who will be up in his life and then in the Management’s life over a player coming out. There will be a lawsuit. They will not be almost friendless, 3 friends on the team? Only get together after a win? Not realistic. There will be tons of media getting into every part of their lives, personal and professional. No media find out what kept a star QB out for 7 weeks?
The coach can still be a dickhead but he will have pressures himself and not always get to do every douchbag thing he wants to. The author obviously knows physical therapy but not how a professional football team is organized and operated. Not that I know myself, but with what one sees on TV even, the isolation of these guys is just not possible. Also there are books that clearly have written about this very well.
Vance and Malcom as a couple and how their relationship developed seemed totally plausible and enjoyable. The problem is with their careers, it just doesn’t ring true that they would be left alone so much. We hear of both of their families but only meet Malcom’s sister. As close as they are supposed to be, they should have been in each other’s business and we should have interacted with all of them.
The ending was kind of a standard “m/m miscommunication” trope, but done fairly well. The ending was a bit over the top, but also done well.
If you want a good sports coming out story (actually a series) I would recommend Out of Position. It’s a furry story, but take away the fur and its a human story that is very realistic to todays football society and how out gay football players would be treated.
September 24, 2016
I don't know how she keeps doing it but this is another winner
As with each of her previous full length novels Kay Simone puts such incredible detail into building up the worlds her men inhabit.
Here the focus is on professional sport, American Football specifically, and this book is wonderfully fleshed out, albeit in a made up league.
Her men are real, they are unique, each has his own distinct voice and they have unique characteristics which make their stories such a joy to read.
Simone herself is a wordsmith, she has a talent for using language to convey emotions which is a true gift. I love how she made Malcolm into more than just a professional athlete coming to terms with his sexuality.
There was no real angst here as such, the drama came from external pressures put on both men and, while there was misunderstanding, it came from a base in truth, not just to create conflict.
Vance was both wonderful and obnoxious at the same time and I utterly adored him, his strength and his passion and his vulnerability, his honesty.
Malcolm was almost too good to be true but again Simone gave him just enough flaws to prevent that. He was closed off, stuck in his ideas of what his life should be and his place in it, he was frustrating but also liberating and I loved him.
This really was a book of long drawn out coming together with relatively low levels of steam but it worked perfectly for these two men.
And, while Simone has yet to write about the same setting twice, I hope she breaks that and gives us Barrett's story and HEA too as I loved him as well.
As with each of her previous full length novels Kay Simone puts such incredible detail into building up the worlds her men inhabit.
Here the focus is on professional sport, American Football specifically, and this book is wonderfully fleshed out, albeit in a made up league.
Her men are real, they are unique, each has his own distinct voice and they have unique characteristics which make their stories such a joy to read.
Simone herself is a wordsmith, she has a talent for using language to convey emotions which is a true gift. I love how she made Malcolm into more than just a professional athlete coming to terms with his sexuality.
There was no real angst here as such, the drama came from external pressures put on both men and, while there was misunderstanding, it came from a base in truth, not just to create conflict.
Vance was both wonderful and obnoxious at the same time and I utterly adored him, his strength and his passion and his vulnerability, his honesty.
Malcolm was almost too good to be true but again Simone gave him just enough flaws to prevent that. He was closed off, stuck in his ideas of what his life should be and his place in it, he was frustrating but also liberating and I loved him.
This really was a book of long drawn out coming together with relatively low levels of steam but it worked perfectly for these two men.
And, while Simone has yet to write about the same setting twice, I hope she breaks that and gives us Barrett's story and HEA too as I loved him as well.
February 19, 2018
I am officially a Kay Simone fan. This is my third book by this writer and I have really liked everyone.
Great characters, wonderful detailing of a world, and powerful love stories is a slow burn.
Every action each hero makes complete sense. There is no gay for you (which I hate) but rather a discovered bisexuality which is completely in character that it would have taken our football hero a while to be in his body enough to realize. His hero is quick tempered, real, and loving. Great couple!
I love the social justice exploration here and close family.
This is just a wonderful sports romance!
Great characters, wonderful detailing of a world, and powerful love stories is a slow burn.
Every action each hero makes complete sense. There is no gay for you (which I hate) but rather a discovered bisexuality which is completely in character that it would have taken our football hero a while to be in his body enough to realize. His hero is quick tempered, real, and loving. Great couple!
I love the social justice exploration here and close family.
This is just a wonderful sports romance!
October 17, 2016
Already after a few books Kay Simone is one of my favorite authors. I absolutely loved "One giant leap" and even if I was not completely sure about "The game changer", at the end it was again a great reading experience. The story is told a little different than what you are used to in this genre and it might not be right for everyone, but for me it was almost perfect. The MC's are absolutely adorable and I also liked the way the story took.
Maybe in the middle I would have liked a little more action or drama to keep me hooked, not that it got boring, I just got the feeling the story was told already and I wondered if I would stay interested for the rest.
At the end it picked up speed again, and even with a little spoiling I can tell you there is a HEA and is wonderful!
Sold 4 stars and a reading recommendation from me!
Maybe in the middle I would have liked a little more action or drama to keep me hooked, not that it got boring, I just got the feeling the story was told already and I wondered if I would stay interested for the rest.
At the end it picked up speed again, and even with a little spoiling I can tell you there is a HEA and is wonderful!
Sold 4 stars and a reading recommendation from me!
September 28, 2016
I was a little disappointed in this one. Commacide, repeated information, entire pages (multiple paragraphs) of writing being contained within parentheses...and I have no idea why. And for some reason, Simone felt it necessary to not only make up fictional teams (understandable), but to also use Professional Football League (PFL) instead of NFL. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think using "NFL" is copyright infringement, and the use of PFL just disconnected me from the story.
Bah. Just overall kind of boring and frustrating.
Bah. Just overall kind of boring and frustrating.
September 26, 2016
3.5 stars Slow and sweet gay-for-you friends to lovers. Well developed characters. MCs lacked sexual chemistry. Sex scenes were low steam. Rushed epilogue (especially Vance's new job).
November 28, 2016
3.5 stars
February 26, 2025
Can't forgive Malcolm, sorry.
80% in, you call that man, ask how he wants to proceed then go out into the world and make the opposite choice?
Deny him in front of God and man?
No, man. Why did you even ask?
"You can't compromise with me on this?"
AFTER MAKING A PUBLIC STATEMENT DENYING EVERYTHING?
The AUDACITY!!!!!! The balls of steel.
"I don't want to be with someone who can't be with me!!!"
"Do you love me?"
This is the most unfair ask in the history of unfair asks.
Worst bit is that I had SO much faith in Malcolm. He knew Vance was out. He knew how Vance felt about hiding. He stood there and made that man a promise only to break it.
"I wanted to talk to you first and see how you wanted us to handle this" head ass.
Christ.
Nobody has been publicly denied like this since Peter with Jesus.
I legit thought Vance would be the problem child in this relationship. Honest.
And I know, I KNOW that Malcolm offered to come out FOR Vance. But he OFFERED. He offered. He said, "I want to do what you want to do."
Vance didn't ASK.
Which, sure, maybe not the best of reasons to come out. But he offered. And obviously Vance grabbed at it. Why wouldn't he? I don't love the whole revisionism with Barrett where he implies Vance gave Malcolm an ultimatum. He didn't.
Malcolm offered. There's no two ways about it. He knew what Vance wanted. Vance never said we're out or we're done. He only said I can't do this AFTER Malcolm broke his trust.
But beyond offering, he promised that man he'd be brave for them. Then he went into that meeting with his GM and fucked Vance over so thoroughly he probably couldn't sit well for a week.
Then he has the audacity to come over asking, 'Can't you compromise with me on this?'
THIS IS THE CONVERSATION YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU MAKE PROMISES!!!!!!
Not after.
Jesus. His fucking promise gave Vance the courage to stand up to his boss and risk his job😭
And now this? Sickening.
And like, there wasn't any reason to hide. There were pictures. Viral pictures. There wasn't much TO hide.
I feel like Vance got gaslit. By Barrett, by Jalen, then eventually he believes everyones version of events because they can't all be wrong, right? He gets flack for giving Malcolm an ultimatum but Vance didn't, though.
You're allowed to not want to be with someone who plays with you. Malcolm knew from the jump how Vance felt about going back into the closet. Vance never hid it. I'm not happy about the fact that they turned it all on him for being mad at Malcolm AFTER he explicitly broke his word to him-that he didn't ask for in the first place, but there's no grace for the fact that for two months, Vance DID go back into the closet for Malcolm.
Why are Malcolm's issues more important than Vance's? Who died and made him king? Why must Vance make all the compromises?
You don't get to make this huge life-altering promise to someone, fail to honor it, then get mad at them FOR BEING MAD ABOUT IT.
In the same way it was Malcolm's prerogative to change his mind about coming out (hated it but ultimately HIS choice), it's also okay for Vance to say, fine, but you broke my trust and changed your mind about something you offered me, then went on record to deny me publicly THEREFORE I don't want to be with you anymore.
There's no way everyone is making Vance out to be some wicked witch who was unfair to want more from Malcolm (moreover when the 'more' in question is something Malcolm offered freely)!!!
AAAAARGH.
Sorry but no. I'm not buying it.
But also the ridiculousness of them two waiting for the OTHER to call💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
One of you broke the other's trust. The other one said aight, bet, you do you but I'm not going to be your dirty secret and dumped him.
Boys. Get. It. Together!!!!!
Under which moon of lunacy and delusion are both of y'all waiting for the OTHER to call? Was your business not finished?
Honestly I'm glad they broke up for that while. And the only reason I can get behind the eventual reconciliation is that Malcolm initiated it. As he MF should.
And poor Vance can't believe that Malcolm still wants him (which has me wanting to pull my hair out because nooooooo). Vance wanting very clear specific things doesn't make him the villain.
Malcolm did a fucked up thing which was somehow swept under the rug because he faced consequences for it.
Which, fine. You broke his heart and denied him only to then come out publicly like a week later and STILL lose your precious job.
So, really. Was it worth the drama?
The only reason I was okay with them fixing shit was that in all honesty, Malcolm had been exceptionally down bad for Vance before that one (EPIC) fuck up. Which was why it came out of left field when he fumbled.
Vance had always been the loose cannon. Which I was grateful for eventually because if the other guy is going to move like that, I'd rather it be with a strong minded MC who WILL put him in his place and/or dump him for it.
Had been such a sweet uneventful bi-awakening romance before that, too.
80% in, you call that man, ask how he wants to proceed then go out into the world and make the opposite choice?
Deny him in front of God and man?
No, man. Why did you even ask?
"You can't compromise with me on this?"
AFTER MAKING A PUBLIC STATEMENT DENYING EVERYTHING?
The AUDACITY!!!!!! The balls of steel.
"I don't want to be with someone who can't be with me!!!"
"Do you love me?"
This is the most unfair ask in the history of unfair asks.
Worst bit is that I had SO much faith in Malcolm. He knew Vance was out. He knew how Vance felt about hiding. He stood there and made that man a promise only to break it.
"I wanted to talk to you first and see how you wanted us to handle this" head ass.
Christ.
Nobody has been publicly denied like this since Peter with Jesus.
I legit thought Vance would be the problem child in this relationship. Honest.
And I know, I KNOW that Malcolm offered to come out FOR Vance. But he OFFERED. He offered. He said, "I want to do what you want to do."
Vance didn't ASK.
Which, sure, maybe not the best of reasons to come out. But he offered. And obviously Vance grabbed at it. Why wouldn't he? I don't love the whole revisionism with Barrett where he implies Vance gave Malcolm an ultimatum. He didn't.
Malcolm offered. There's no two ways about it. He knew what Vance wanted. Vance never said we're out or we're done. He only said I can't do this AFTER Malcolm broke his trust.
But beyond offering, he promised that man he'd be brave for them. Then he went into that meeting with his GM and fucked Vance over so thoroughly he probably couldn't sit well for a week.
Then he has the audacity to come over asking, 'Can't you compromise with me on this?'
THIS IS THE CONVERSATION YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU MAKE PROMISES!!!!!!
Not after.
Jesus. His fucking promise gave Vance the courage to stand up to his boss and risk his job😭
And now this? Sickening.
And like, there wasn't any reason to hide. There were pictures. Viral pictures. There wasn't much TO hide.
I feel like Vance got gaslit. By Barrett, by Jalen, then eventually he believes everyones version of events because they can't all be wrong, right? He gets flack for giving Malcolm an ultimatum but Vance didn't, though.
You're allowed to not want to be with someone who plays with you. Malcolm knew from the jump how Vance felt about going back into the closet. Vance never hid it. I'm not happy about the fact that they turned it all on him for being mad at Malcolm AFTER he explicitly broke his word to him-that he didn't ask for in the first place, but there's no grace for the fact that for two months, Vance DID go back into the closet for Malcolm.
Why are Malcolm's issues more important than Vance's? Who died and made him king? Why must Vance make all the compromises?
You don't get to make this huge life-altering promise to someone, fail to honor it, then get mad at them FOR BEING MAD ABOUT IT.
In the same way it was Malcolm's prerogative to change his mind about coming out (hated it but ultimately HIS choice), it's also okay for Vance to say, fine, but you broke my trust and changed your mind about something you offered me, then went on record to deny me publicly THEREFORE I don't want to be with you anymore.
There's no way everyone is making Vance out to be some wicked witch who was unfair to want more from Malcolm (moreover when the 'more' in question is something Malcolm offered freely)!!!
AAAAARGH.
Sorry but no. I'm not buying it.
But also the ridiculousness of them two waiting for the OTHER to call💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
One of you broke the other's trust. The other one said aight, bet, you do you but I'm not going to be your dirty secret and dumped him.
Boys. Get. It. Together!!!!!
Under which moon of lunacy and delusion are both of y'all waiting for the OTHER to call? Was your business not finished?
Honestly I'm glad they broke up for that while. And the only reason I can get behind the eventual reconciliation is that Malcolm initiated it. As he MF should.
And poor Vance can't believe that Malcolm still wants him (which has me wanting to pull my hair out because nooooooo). Vance wanting very clear specific things doesn't make him the villain.
Malcolm did a fucked up thing which was somehow swept under the rug because he faced consequences for it.
Which, fine. You broke his heart and denied him only to then come out publicly like a week later and STILL lose your precious job.
So, really. Was it worth the drama?
The only reason I was okay with them fixing shit was that in all honesty, Malcolm had been exceptionally down bad for Vance before that one (EPIC) fuck up. Which was why it came out of left field when he fumbled.
Vance had always been the loose cannon. Which I was grateful for eventually because if the other guy is going to move like that, I'd rather it be with a strong minded MC who WILL put him in his place and/or dump him for it.
Had been such a sweet uneventful bi-awakening romance before that, too.
September 8, 2017
5 stars
It's been a long time since I gave 5 stars to a book but I think this one is worth it.
I mean, not everything was perfect, but the story kept me up until the wee hours of the morning a couple of times this week so in that regard, my final rating is 5 stars and I assume it.
If you follow my reviews, you know I don't like the "slow-build" type of story. Don't ever talk to me about a book where the MC meet around 10% into the book, then kiss around 50% and begin to make out around 85%..... I'LL "DNF" FOR SURE !
The Game Changer is a kind of slow-build story but in this case, it was ok. Very ok in fact because one of the MC, Malcom, has so much to think about, he has so much to discover about himself that the pace was just perfect. He can't go from straight to bi in a mater of pages... this kind of things takes some time. I guess :)
The two MC were great together and I really appreciated their story. The issues at hand were serious maters and I do think the author treated these issues the right way : with finesse, delicacy and honesty.
There's a couple of things I would have made otherwise, but nonetheless I enjoyed my reading immensely.
Greg Tremblay did a very good job narrating this book, but of course, because the master characters are two men, I think it would have been better with two different narrators. Personal opinion here.
It's been a long time since I gave 5 stars to a book but I think this one is worth it.
I mean, not everything was perfect, but the story kept me up until the wee hours of the morning a couple of times this week so in that regard, my final rating is 5 stars and I assume it.
If you follow my reviews, you know I don't like the "slow-build" type of story. Don't ever talk to me about a book where the MC meet around 10% into the book, then kiss around 50% and begin to make out around 85%..... I'LL "DNF" FOR SURE !
The Game Changer is a kind of slow-build story but in this case, it was ok. Very ok in fact because one of the MC, Malcom, has so much to think about, he has so much to discover about himself that the pace was just perfect. He can't go from straight to bi in a mater of pages... this kind of things takes some time. I guess :)
The two MC were great together and I really appreciated their story. The issues at hand were serious maters and I do think the author treated these issues the right way : with finesse, delicacy and honesty.
There's a couple of things I would have made otherwise, but nonetheless I enjoyed my reading immensely.
Greg Tremblay did a very good job narrating this book, but of course, because the master characters are two men, I think it would have been better with two different narrators. Personal opinion here.
June 7, 2024
I enjoyed this well enough, more so the first chunk than the last third or so. The MCs were likable (although Vance had his moments), had good chemistry, and the GFY angle was pretty believably done. I thought the relationship development was crafted well and the slow burn was pretty juicy.
I did get hung up on how some aspects of Malcolm’s football career seemed completely not believable. Why didn’t he have an agent? Why did he blow off attending or even watching his team’s games just bc he was injured? How did he have time for an excursion to NYC in the thick of the football season and how did he think he wouldn’t be recognized and splattered on social media while kissing Vance?? The third-act breakup was moronic. Both guys metamorphosed from mature, rational people into a couple of grade-A dummies. And the public proposal in the epilogue was complete cringe.
Luckily though, nothing grated overly hard. And bonus, Greg Tremblay’s narration was stellar as always. All in all, an easy and enjoyable listen.
I did get hung up on how some aspects of Malcolm’s football career seemed completely not believable. Why didn’t he have an agent? Why did he blow off attending or even watching his team’s games just bc he was injured? How did he have time for an excursion to NYC in the thick of the football season and how did he think he wouldn’t be recognized and splattered on social media while kissing Vance?? The third-act breakup was moronic. Both guys metamorphosed from mature, rational people into a couple of grade-A dummies. And the public proposal in the epilogue was complete cringe.
Luckily though, nothing grated overly hard. And bonus, Greg Tremblay’s narration was stellar as always. All in all, an easy and enjoyable listen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2020
Good. Malcolm is a great character, a kind and thoughtful man, dedicated to his family and football. Vance, the team PT, has some big chips on his shoulder - with cause - but his voice got more strident as the story went on. The angst was major, both characters got tormented for (too) much of the story. I was very bothered that there was no justice for Malcolm being benched and eventually let go by his football team. I know that it is a realistic depiction of how these things go (hello, Colin Kapernik), but goddammit I really wanted the homophobic asshole coach to get his comeuppance. I did like and respect what Malcolm did with his post-football life.
Bought from audible.
Bought from audible.
November 26, 2017
This might be my favorite Kay Simone book so far...although it's hard to beat You're the One that I Want...such a wonderful friendship that develops into love. Malcolm and Vance are perfect for each other with their imperfections! Thank you for another wonderful story!
May 6, 2018
This book was quite good. I felt the whole relationship was drawn up too much but overall a good read
October 9, 2021
Dumb friends to lovers.
Where’s his agent? No talking.
Worst sports book ever.
Where’s his agent? No talking.
Worst sports book ever.
dnf
March 30, 2024DNF @ 50%
It’s been like 3/4 months and I remember jack shit and will never go back.
It’s been like 3/4 months and I remember jack shit and will never go back.
October 12, 2017
Really liked this one!
March 29, 2022
DNF 25%
The PT is so outrageously unprofessional to the point of absurdity. And when I thought it couldn’t get more stupid, they play ‘Never Have I Ever’ - two ADULT MEN, a professional physical therapist and his CLIENT, that haven’t known each other for a full week yet.
Frankly, I’m embarrassed for the author; did she write this when she was 12?
The PT is so outrageously unprofessional to the point of absurdity. And when I thought it couldn’t get more stupid, they play ‘Never Have I Ever’ - two ADULT MEN, a professional physical therapist and his CLIENT, that haven’t known each other for a full week yet.
Frankly, I’m embarrassed for the author; did she write this when she was 12?
September 21, 2016
I received an advance review copy from the author in exchange for a written review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The creative premise behind the story had me intrigued at the cover, not to mention everything Kay writes is gold. Malcolm Rodgers is in need of a friend and Vance Coberly is more than happy to step in. The two meet in physical therapy and connect almost right away. The ease it takes for them to open up to one another leads to their fast paced friendship, which always allows a little room for something more. As someone who has no interest in sports whatsoever this story actually had me enjoying reading about football.
Vance’s personality brings out something in Malcom that changes him for the better. I really liked this quality between them. Although different, the characters manage to slip into this bond that had me chuckling at their back and forth. I recommend this book if you have read and enjoyed any of Kay’s other works, but also if you’re a fan of realistic modern day romance.
The creative premise behind the story had me intrigued at the cover, not to mention everything Kay writes is gold. Malcolm Rodgers is in need of a friend and Vance Coberly is more than happy to step in. The two meet in physical therapy and connect almost right away. The ease it takes for them to open up to one another leads to their fast paced friendship, which always allows a little room for something more. As someone who has no interest in sports whatsoever this story actually had me enjoying reading about football.
Vance’s personality brings out something in Malcom that changes him for the better. I really liked this quality between them. Although different, the characters manage to slip into this bond that had me chuckling at their back and forth. I recommend this book if you have read and enjoyed any of Kay’s other works, but also if you’re a fan of realistic modern day romance.
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