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Cleat Chasers #2

The Game Changer

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FROM POPULAR YOUNG ADULT FICTION AUTHOR, JAQUELINE SNOWE

Book two in the Cleat Chasers series

Pretending to date your best friend is always a good idea…right? Wrong.

Greta Aske has a lot on her mind, and a string of bad dates has her giving up on men, at least for the time being. Her life contains a little too much drama, meaning she needs a break and to save money and get good grades. The perfect solution presents itself—pretend to date the campus playboy. That’ll keep the guys away for sure.

Aaron Hill is desperate to save his baseball career because, with his dad fighting cancer, he damn well knows he can’t ask for a single penny from his parents. Baseball is his past, present and future, so when a scandal threatens his chance in the MLB, he turns to his best friend for help. A fake relationship will keep him out of trouble. It’s perfect, really. Greta’s taking a break from dating and Aaron needs to focus on training.

Nothing could go wrong…as long as neither falls for the other. But when lines are crossed, what’s real and fake blurs and the two are forced to face their fears. Could Greta be the game changer Aaron needs?

430 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2019

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About the author

Jaqueline Snowe

39 books1,280 followers
Jaqueline Snowe lives in Arizona where the "dry heat" really isn't that bad. She prefers drinking coffee all hours of the day and snacking on anything that has peanut butter or chocolate. She is the mother to two dogs who don’t realize they aren’t humans and a = mom to the sweetest boy. She is an avid reader and writer of romances and tends to write about athletes. Her husband works for an MLB team (not a player, lol) so she knows more about baseball than any human ever should.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Ally Swanson.
289 reviews96 followers
May 13, 2019
This book was such an exciting, fun, flirty, entertaining read!

This is the second book I’ve read from the amazing writer, Jaqueline Snowe. Last year, I had the privilege of reading her book, “Take a Chance on Me,” and I absolutely loved it, so I was very excited to read her latest work, “The Game Changer.”

Mrs. Snowe’s writing style and character development continues to impress me! Although her storyline’s may not always be a new concept, she still finds a way to keep the story fresh, entertaining, and exciting! Her ability to consistently establish an instant connection between her characters and her readers is only further proof of her talent.

This book focuses on Greta, a college student, who has given up on men and all their drama. So, she decides she needs to just focus back on schoolwork and forget about guys.

This book focuses on Aaron, a sexy, playboy, college baseball player and Greta’s best friend. Unfortunately, he just had his own social media drama scandal which could jeopardize his MLB chances and have his scholarship pulled. His dad has cancer and family finances are tight. Without his scholarship he would not be able to play baseball or attend college. His coach suggests that he stop partying, hooking up, and causing scenes; and that he needs to get stable and get “off the market” as his coach put it lol.

Aaron asks Greta to be his fake girlfriend so he’ll be “off the market,” and will help clean up his recently trashed reputation so his scholarship and future MLB plans will stay intact. Greta agrees to help Aaron with this PR stunt even though she thinks it’s silly and ridiculous at first, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes for her friend. Will these two be able to pull off this fake relationship? Will this fake relationship turn into something more? Will Aaron be able to stop his partying bad boy ways? Will Aaron lose his scholarship? Will Aaron and Greta end up together? No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out!!

I really enjoyed reading this book! I experienced so many emotions over the course of just 243 pages! From blushing over those hot and steamy moments; to laughing out loud over silly, witty banter and hilarious nicknames; to excitement and suspense while cheering for Greta and Aaron to be a real couple and make it work! I felt like I was on the journey with Greta and Aaron.

I liked the main characters, Greta and Aaron. They were totally relatable, likable, and realistic. They were typical college students. I think many readers will be able to easily connect with the characters.

I really liked Greta and Aaron together! They were so adorable! Their silly, playful, witty banter was beyond entertaining and led to many real LOL’s!! Plus, their chemistry was just off the charts!!! You could feel the passion leap off the pages!! It was obvious these two were meant to be together – for reals!!

I’ve always loved the friend to lovers’ storyline angle as there is just something so innocent and romantic about it – and this book did not disappoint in that department! I think in many cases when a relationship is first built on a friendship foundation it has a better chance of actually working out in the long-term.

This book also hit a bit close to home for me as my mom has cancer. Having a parent with cancer is – so many things!!! Mostly scary, upsetting (not at her of course; at cancer), and difficult. It’s painful to watch and feel helpless. It’s exhausting going to dozens of doctor’s appointments, treatments, picking up medications, etc. There is just lots of overwhelming emotions and chaoticness and many days it seems hopeless...

I loved that this book was a sports romance book! Two of my favorite things in a book! I loved all the sports excerpts which were fun and entertaining. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s not overwhelming or difficult to follow the sports references.

This book is Book Two in The Cleat Chasers Book Series. I had not read the first book before reading this book, but I wish I had. There are many references to the previous book and the characters significantly overlap. It could technically be read on its own as a standalone. I wasn’t completely confused or lost. I just occasionally felt out of the loop and that I was missing important information about the characters and how they got to the point at where they are when book two starts. So, I personally would recommend reading the first book, before you start book two.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all NA romance readers will like this book - and this book series too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
Profile Image for E..
2,079 reviews22 followers
May 20, 2019
“The Game Changer” by Jacqueline Snowe centers around the relationship between best friends Aaron Hill and Greta Aske. Aaron’s hedonistic lifestyle as a star athlete on campus threatens to derail his hopes for a professional career and his desperate attempt at redemption requires a fake romantic relationship with Greta. Both go into the arrangement knowing that it’s fake, and they’re both determined to adhere to the terms they set…or are they?

This contemporary new adult romance is part of the ‘Cleat Chasers’ series and definitely depicts the angst, stress, and joy of dealing with college life, friendships, relationships, and family challenges. Part of the charm of the story is its depiction of the awkwardness that is part of the maturing process as these new adults bump their heads and make unwise choices and hopefully learn from them.

I enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope and thought these two make a cute couple, but there were a few things glossed over that I would have liked to learned about in more detail to get a better sense of their respective backgrounds. I think some things were treated as having been resolved more optimistically than they actually were, and although I understand the need for hope, I thought the reactions were a little unrealistic.

Somehow I think my wince at an impulsive decision or two is due to an age perspective and I’m very relieved that college days are long since past, lol. Those in search of an entertaining tale featuring new adults dealing with the difficult task of adulting should enjoy the antics of these folks. Hopefully some of the charismatic secondary characters will also get their time in the spotlight.

A copy of this title was provided for review.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,508 reviews15 followers
October 5, 2021
Entertaining and fairly low angst young adult romance story. Greta and Aaron are best friends who enter into a fake relationship to improve his reputation after sordid pictures are posted on IG with him partying and acting wild.

Aaron needs to keep his scholarship and his prospects for going early in the first round of the baseball draft. His BFF agrees to the scheme to help him and she figures it will keep her from making bad decisions.

These two truly were very close friends so they have no problem hanging out and appearing to be in a relationship. The public displays of affection and passionate kisses start to heat things up between them until they have an incredibly steamy night together and decide to add benefits to their fake relationship, but to keep the change a secret from the mutual friends.

What happens when both develop feelings for the other, but neither wants to be vulnerable and declare them for fear of being hurt? This trope in a young adult romance could have easily been 10x as angsty as this author depicted, and the low angst allows the reader to enjoy the emotional development that happens despite Aaron and Greta’s initial plan.

This was an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andrea.
728 reviews20 followers
May 6, 2019
I am always happy to see a new Jaqueline Snowe book, but I was even more excited to see that there was a second book in the Cleat Chasers series. I loved the first book, Challenge Accepted. We met Aaron and Greta in that one. Both of them are fierce and bull-headed and have so much baggage. And yet they are best friends and absolutely perfect for each other.

I know that they are just fictional characters, but the heat and chemistry between the two of them just about melted my Kindle while I was reading. Their playful banter and dedication to each other flowed so naturally through the pages. That takes talent to write! And it completely sucks you in. In fact, I was late getting back to work because I was reading this on my break and totally lost track of time.

Nothing beats the roller coaster ride of a best friends to lovers story, especially one where it starts off as a fake romance. They definitely push each other in ways that no one else can. I loved watching their relationship evolve. I loved this book as much as the first one and cannot wait until the next installment comes out!

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,148 reviews108 followers
October 4, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the YA Bound Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Fake it until you make it!
The Game Changer by Jaqueline Snowe encompasses what happens when college students are away from home. The story deals with a scholarship student that depends on a scholarship to stay at school and becomes drafted for the MLB. The other student's parents pay for part of the expense and works while attending classes. This is the story of Greta and Aaron for the first half of their junior year of college.
Greta Aske
Greta Aske is the first point-of-view character that we met, and she is a great character who loves to help everyone. However, that may be a problem for her later on because of an agreement with her best friend, Aaron Hill. Greta is twenty-one years old, works at a bar, and knows she wants to be a teacher when she gets out of college. One of Greta's coping mechanisms is to help people instead of focusing on herself when she is struggling. She does that a lot in this book.
Likes

She can take a lot from Aaron and handle it well
Her big heart
She can cuss like a sailor
Smart

Dislikes

Doesn’t talk to Aaron when she overhears something about him

Aaron Hill
Aaron Hill is the second point-of-view character that we met, and he is struggling with a lot of things throughout the story. He has been dealing with his dad having cancer, baseball practice, and trying not to do anything else that would give a person ammunition against him on the internet. Just like any other college student, Aaron is trying to keep his scholarship together and not fall in love with Greta.
Likes

His has a foul mouth
Is scared of rollercoasters
Smart
Is loyal to Greta even though he is not one for relationships

Dislikes

Doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.

Four Stars
I am giving The Game Changer by Jaqueline Snowe four stars. The story is a wonderful coming of age story. Greta and Aaron are great characters and I enjoy reading about college life.

It's different than what I’m used to reading. It had a bit more cussing and sex scenes in it then I usually read. However, I am recommending it to all new adult contemporary romance lovers out there. 

If you want to read an excerpt from The Game Changer check out the Book Blitz that includes it, HERE.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope that you enjoyed this review of The Game Changer by Jaqueline Snowe.

Until the next time,

Karen SignatureHappy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Profile Image for Lisa Mandina.
2,400 reviews494 followers
June 1, 2019
The first book in this series, Challenge Accepted, was one that while it had a good story, I had some issues with it overall. So at first I wasn't sure if I would give this one a try. But man am I glad that I did, because I loved this one! Honestly, I didn't have any of the issues with this one that I did with the first, and so this was a win-win for me. I couldn't keep from turning the pages as I read (or tapping the screen I guess on my phone since it was an e-book). I could barely put it down to do anything else, because I was so eager to find out what would happen next. I'd say Aaron was definitely someone I'd want for a book boyfriend, or real boyfriend, because he was so sexy and damn! That's just it, so much hotness with him. Towards the end I was getting a little frustrated with them just not telling each other, but as I've mentioned with romances, I know that's all part of the drama! It can't be all perfect, right? But this book is a winner. I also enjoyed spending time with the couple from the first book, because they were a great couple and there were some really good moments in that first book that I enjoyed. I look forward to reading more in this series about the other guys that we get to know in these stories.
Profile Image for Julee Allen.
23 reviews
February 21, 2019
Having read previous works by this author, I snapped up the chance for an ARC of The Game Changer. Then promptly devoured it. It hits all the feel-good NA points, featuring two college best friends who decide to fake a stable relationship in order to save the scholarships--and possible future career--of baseball player Aaron after he hits a downward spiral that plays out publicly. Already friends, the chemistry is immediate with their banter and joking. It only builds from there, making for some super steamy bedroom scenes. Some of the best parts were in how strong the original friendship shone through during hard family times. It supported the foundation of the budding relationship and made it easily believable they could overcome the obstacles and make things real.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,091 reviews61 followers
May 20, 2019
Readers will find themselves charmed by this tale of friends whose fake relationship soon becomes all too real in a scorching story full of witty banter that put a smile on my face. Taking place in the world of college baseball, readers will find themselves fully immersed in the stresses of trying to make something of yourself while dealing with matters of the heart. While cheering on this immensely likable main couple readers will find other characters worth rooting for in this latest installment in a series full of heart and soul.

Aaron Hill’s a promising shortstop for his college baseball team when compromising photos of him are released on the internet. The photos are a year old and the result of him trying to escape from his fears over his father’s cancer diagnosis. Their release though threatens his future, both in college and in the pros, and has him formulating a plan that will change his life irrevocably. Having his best friend Greta play his fake girlfriend seems simple at first, but it’s not long before their fun and flirty banter turns more intense. To a man who’s always guarded his heart, the feelings Greta engenders in him catches him off guard in his angst-fueled journey to HEA. Through it all Aaron’s an endearing hero who owns up to his manwhore past, owns up to his past partying as a way to forget about his father’s cancer. Leading a charmed life until the diagnosis had him acting out all the more and the release of these pictures has him wanting to change as he doesn’t want to disappoint his family again. To prove that he’s a changed man means having a committed relationship, and the longest relationship he’s had is with Greta, which made for a seamless transition of friends to lovers. Aaron’s always been protective of Greta, always shares everything with her, so their close friendship felt believable as it became more. While he’s always been popular with the ladies there were times that he was less than suave around Greta, times where he put his foot in his mouth. There were times too where he let jealousy and quick judgments lead him astray. Despite those moments though I just adored Aaron, cluelessness and all, and thoroughly enjoyed watching love creep up on him.

Greta Aske‘s a wild child, bold and bubbly. She tends to see the bright side of life and being around her makes people happy. She too went through a period of partying, a period of poor choices, so she’s quick to accept her role as fake girlfriend to help Aaron. After a slew of bad dates she’s happy to be off the market and embraces her role, making it her mission to clean up Aaron’s bruised reputation and bring back the joy to his life that his father’s diagnosis dimmed. In her role as fake girlfriend she pushes Aaron to embrace things he’s scared of head-on while keeping the manipulative ”Cleat Chasers” at bay. In a slow and steady evolution, what was once friendly and flirty banter soon takes a more sensual turn. Though she promised not to let their fake relationship ruin their real friendship, it’s clear that lines became crossed and hearts became invested which led to heartbreak and a bumpy ride to HEA. Greta’s an appealing heroine, strong-willed and outgoing with her words and deeds. She’s a good friend too, supportive and caring to those closest to her as she would sacrifice everything to see them happy. Some heroines I’ve read of were demure when it came to matters of sex, but Greta’s bold there too as well as unapologetic of her desires which made for many scorching interludes. All in all she’s a memorable heroine who was a perfect match to the hero and who I wish other heroines were more like.

The theme of friends to lovers is a favorite of mine and done very well here courtesy of the likable main couple and their fun and flirty banter. Though some of the storyline was predictable I still found myself charmed and rooting for this couple as their pairing was thoroughly entertaining. Their banter was playful early on and seamlessly turned scorching as the story progressed in scenes that almost overheated my tablet. While fears and holding back caused a bump in their journey to HEA, it was their talking and a final Grand Gesture that left me smiling in a tale that felt comfortably familiar. Alongside this likable main couple was the main couple from the previous book and I enjoyed getting an update of their relationship while getting a tempting glimpse of other “players” whose stories need to be told. The most tempting of Aaron’s teammates are Tanner (who has a slightly complicated past with Greta) and Jeff (who’s young and clueless, but means well) and I’m now counting down the days until we go back to college and the storytelling of Ms. Snowe that nicely balances sports and romance to craft satisfying action on and off the field!

4.25 STARS!
3,601 reviews44 followers
July 3, 2022
Aaron is a baseball player whose dad is battling cancer. Aaron's career is at stake because of bad publicity and he needs to live squeaky clean for the time being in order to get his chance at the big leagues. His good friend Greta agrees to be his fake girlfriend. Soon it becomes friends with benefits. But their other friends are not aware and things get awkward with people worrying about them.

This book was hard to review as I liked the beginning a lot, the writing style was pleasant, and the characters are good. Yet at some point I had had enough and drifted off, leaving this half-finished and reading something else instead. I think I was mostly frustrated because they keep insisting that they are not a couple and that it's fake for so long after they have clearly become more than that, what with regular sex, emerging feelings, and bouts of jealousy and possessiveness on Aaron's part. A honest conversation about their current emotional stance would have fixed it but they would only dance around the issue and confuse each other, and it seemed inevitable that someone would get hurt. Yeah I know, I know, in most romances things have to get worse before they can get better, but I wasn't in the mood to deal with heartbreak caused by unwillingness to say, "hey I like you for real, how about making it a real commitment"? And then it took me months to return to the book and finish the story. So if you're a glass half empty sort of person you might say that the story wasn't gripping enough to keep my attention, but if you're a glass half full type person you could take it as an indication that I had gotten really invested in the characters and cared about what happened to them. In the end it was just as simple as saying the words and I am glad I got around to finishing the story, eventually. I would consider reading something else from this author.

Steam level: The benefits were quite good for them both.

I received a free copy of this book and this is a voluntary review.
















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Profile Image for Sara (onourshelves).
800 reviews17 followers
January 17, 2023
Fake dating is popular now, and one of my favorites when done right, and I think this one was done right. Aaron and Greta hit the mark--they are best friends, so there is history to base the fake dating off of; there is a good reason for them to fake date; and there's chemistry. It is also set in college, which to me always adds a unique perspective in a romance novel.

Greta is a singer/teacher, and Aaron is a baseball player who is looking to join the big leagues, and his father has advanced stage cancer. Maybe we got this in the first book, but I would have loved a little more individual development of the characters in this book, though at the same time, I am glad the book didn't go too long.

The best part of a fake dating needs to be when they get to the end and realize that it wasn't fake after all, and while this one wasn't perfect, I thought it hit most the emotional notes it needed to in terms of groveling and emotions and such, so I really enjoyed it.

Birth control is something that tends to take me out of books (namely when it's not explicitly stated there is birth control) and I was a little confused at the end bc when they stopped using a condom, Greta said "I trust you" but like... that doesn't prevent babies? Maybe I missed something, or am supposed to infer the use of hormonal birth control, while the "concern" is STIs? idk, just something that took me out of it a bit.

Also, Aaron was not perfect by any means, but he was also likeable. Usually I have limited patience for "alpha" or jealous men (in life and books), but it was super impressive to me how he was incredibly irritating at times, but remained likeable, so I thought he was really well developed and flawed but good. Greta I loved all the way through tbh

Overall, I thought this was a solid college, fake dating romance that hit the right emotional beats for the trope, had a solid cast of supporting characters, and it knew when to stop
Profile Image for Lauren - SERIESous Books.
1,900 reviews63 followers
Did Not Finish
June 12, 2019
**I received a copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

**DNF'd at 35% (Start of Chapter 10)**

I really struggled to get into the story of these two. I'm not sure what it was that stopped me from investing my time in their romance because it had the aspects I love in a NA story (like a friends to more, fake romance, etc).

For one thing, despite how great they were as friends, their sexual chemistry was lacking. Yes, this story is more of a slow burn since they have been great friends for years, but I was missing that tension to keep me hooked.

Aaron as a character was a little all over the place. He just seemed to go from one extreme to another and I didn't find him entirely likeable (which is weird because I'm sure I liked him in the first book in the series).

But the main reason I stopped reading was the pacing of the novel. There is far too much dialogue about non-essential things so it just felt like it dragged.

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: http://seriesousbookreviews.com/2018/...
Actual Rating: DNF
Profile Image for Minnie.
1,111 reviews
April 24, 2026
4.5⭐|2🌶️|14%🌶️frequency

I know I'm an absolute cry-baby. I'm an empath. Being a romance book lover and an empath is a very bad combination, I know that, but it is how it is 😎

Why I'm telling you that? Because my eyes are 🥹 right now.
I loved these two. Aaron and Greta are so cute. I love it when best friends fall for each other. It's not that they've been best friend for decades, but for a few years, and really good best friends.
It's not easy for someone like Aaron, who is on the college baseball team, to find friends who don't want his fame. So, having someone who is grounding him, who gives him heII sometimes, is very important. And just so cute 🥰

Now put a fake relationship onto it... Might sound easy, but I think the fact that you see the other person from a different angle for the first time... They do such funny things 🤣

I love that there is still so much Zane and Callie time, the couple from the first book. I still love these two, too.

Oh, what I have 🥹 eyes, because the ending is just so sad but cute too. No, nobody dies, no panic! But it just, I love these two so much 🥰

I had a little glimpse of the next book, and oooh, I can wait for it.
It will be re-released soon, so I hope I can read it soon. As well as book 4. I really need all 4 of the teammates/best friends to get a HEA 🩷


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486 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2021
4.5-stars for The Game Changer
The is a well written, amazing sports romance. Aaron & Greta are best friends, only friends who have been there for each other. Aaron has a problem when some not so great comments and pictures were posted online which affect his reputation and his future but Greta is his only solution to clear his name and ensure his future. What can possibly happen when......... they agree to play pretend, AKA fake boyfriend/girlfriend, for six month to repair his reputation after those not so great pictures and comments were posted on social media + their combustible chemistry + a strong friendship
=Aaron and Greta journey to their HEA. Definitely recommend The Game Changer, Greta truly proves to be Aaron's game changer.
***Spoiler Alert***
Best line from Greta in the book, "You know your way around the bases and how to use a nice piece of wood. It's a perfect combo."
Don't miss The Game Changer by Jacqueline Snowe I can't wait to read Tanner's story in book 3, Best Player.
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited, voluntary opinion with this review.
3,775 reviews42 followers
September 24, 2021
This is book two in The Cleat Chasers Series and it is Greta and Aaron's story and omg it is a must read. Greta and Aaron are best friend's but when a scandal threatens Aaron's scholarship and MBL chances he knows that he has to do something about it as his dad has cancer and money is tight so instead of carrying on being a playboy he asks his best friend Greta to be his fake girlfriend to help him not loose everything and because Greta has had her fair share of drama attached to men she agrees to help Aaron after all they are best friend's. Will things get complicated between them or will it be plain sailing all the way only time will tell. The chemistry between Aaron and Greta is so hot that you can feel it sizzling of the pages of this book but will they give in to it or will they remain best friend's. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down as it was my favourite book of Jaqueline Snowe who is a brilliant author and writer and I look forward to reading more of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brittany Grantham.
165 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2021
This was my first time reading a book from Jacqueline Snowe. It was such a good book. It was addicting and I couldn’t put it down.
Aaron is a college baseball player with so much life baggage he didn’t handle it well for a while. He earned a party playboy reputation that came back to bite him and his future. Greta is his best friend. She crazy, funny and so loyal. After a scandal happens she agrees to a fake relationship. They are so close that it’s easy to fake dating. So when things start becoming real neither is mature enough to make it real. Their story is funny, full of ‘just say it already!!’ moments, it has great characters and does not lack in the steamy romance at all. It’s also an HEA and so worth reading. It’s the type of book you can read over and over. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read it and plan to look for more books from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews53 followers
October 10, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

I had lots of fun reading this book! We meet Greta who has no luck with men and her BFF Aaron who needs to clean up his image. He is at rick of losing his baseball career along with the scholarship that goes with it. The only chance to turn things around is to find a steady girlfriend as well as staying out of trouble. Aaron quickly comes to the decision to ask his BF to be his fake girlfriend. They set some ground rules to make things easier and charge full steam ahead. What they didn't expect was the hidden attraction between the two of them that have been ignoring for years. Of course this makes things inter sting as they can no longer ignore things. While still a rough ride with plenty of things to smooth over this makes for a fabulously fun friends to lovers sports romance that is sure to delight fans of the genre. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Meka Ferguson.
22 reviews
February 15, 2023
Before I first started reading I knew it was going to be about Greta I could tell based on how the first book in the series went, what I did not expect was her love interest to be Aaron I expected Tanner. But they (Greta and Aaron) both complemented each other well I just wish we got that back story of how she helped him with his Dad more, like I get they were best friends but I didn’t know until they said based on all this stuff that happened in between the first book and this one. I feel like there were some plot holes in parts of the story where you get the jist of what’s happened but want more. I still really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading about Aaron’s sister in the next one - as soon as she said she was going to their college I was like which one of the boys is she getting with Jeff or Tanner, I’m hoping Tanner because that would make things interesting after how Aaron and Tanner’s relationship changed during the book…can they go back to they way they were?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dawn .
567 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2021
Greta and Aaron have been friends since college started. When Aaron needs a fake girlfriend temporarily to repair his image, Greta immediately agrees. They spend even more time together and their friendship deepens as well as a simmering desire. They finally give in to their desires and they are explosive together. They agree it is only sex and the relationship is still fake...until it isn't. Greta stands by him during his darkest times. She is ready to confess her love when she hears Aaron tell a friend they are definitely still fake and he doesn't intend to make it real. She is devastated and has to pull away from him. Can Aaron make things right? Aaron and Greta deserve a real love. Great read. Lots of hot times between Aaron and Greta.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deanna.
3,761 reviews55 followers
May 31, 2022
I have a feeling that The Game Changer will be my favorite in the Cleat Chasers series when all is read and done. How could it not be with Greta as one of the MCs? Greta was just as amazing as Callie was in the first book. I loved her self-confidence and willingness to put herself out there. I was not expecting her to be matched up with Aaron. That was a little bit of a shock because of the vibes she had with Tanner in the first book. That being said, Greta and Aaron were perfect for each other. I loved that their story was built on both friendship and a fake relationship. They already had a solid foundation based on their friendship. It was an easy transition from friends to more. I loved how they were there for each other in the best and toughest of times. Such a great NA sports romance!!!
Profile Image for Karina.
380 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2026
The short of it is that the storyline was okay...I think some plot points are missing, but I enjoyed the friends-to-fake-dating aspect. I said in my review of Challenge Accepted that I could tell these books were early in Jaqueline's professional journey because her writing style has evolved and gotten better over time. From what I understand, the first two books of the Cleat Chasers are no longer under her ownership, but I'm hoping they will be one day and that, when she decides to re-release them, she makes some updates. There is some dialogue or slang used in the book that may have been fine back in 2017 or 2018, but has not aged well.

I already knew I was going to like Greta and Aaron's love story because I enjoyed them in The Best Player (re-release). Great example of true friendship evolving into a love relationship. It feels like it was inevitable.

Profile Image for Shayay.
2,862 reviews55 followers
October 9, 2021
Cute, sweet friends to lovers romance. Friends to lovers and fake relationships aren’t my favorite tropes, but I did like the connection between Greta and Aaron. Both agree to a fake relationship because they both lack impulse control; Aaron hopes that a “relationship” with Greta will curb his party boy ways, so he can keep his baseball scholarship, and Greta is trying to stay away from dating. As time progresses, the feelings between Greta and Aaron grow deeper. These are college students, so there are those immature, annoying moments for the characters, but both are mostly likable. Both have good hearts and are there for each other; they have cute banter. Overall, I enjoyed this sweet college romance.
Profile Image for Wendy Bunnell.
1,599 reviews38 followers
March 12, 2019
I love a good fake relationship romance. My biggest hang-up with this trope is when one party gets unreasonably mad at the other party for the fact that they were in a fake relationship, assuming of course that both parties knew it was fake from the inception.

This story does NOT make that misstep, and both parties are actually very reasonable and mature about the fact that they let their own feelings exceed the agreed upon parameters for the relationship. Pretty good for young adults, who otherwise swear and make dumb mistakes like the young adults that they are. Good banter, lots of funny nicknames, and a satisfying plot.

2,286 reviews13 followers
October 6, 2021
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Aaron and Greta. He's the star shortstop for the team. But he had it rough last year, partying to much and his dad's cancer diagnosis.. Luckily he has a good friend in Greta. She's a spunky bartender/singer, who happens to be his best friend. She sees him and isn't a clear chaser. But when a scandal blows his way, he asks her to be his fake girlfriend for some positive influence. Greta agrees since she's had a run of bad luck dating. But they get a curve ball thrown at them when feelings change.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for January Bain.
Author 91 books1,105 followers
April 2, 2019
You gotta read this one! (5 stars)

The Game Changer has it all if you love authentic characters, a fast-paced plot, and lots of hot sex! A staged relationship sets the story off with a great premise. Best part? The author really knows her stuff, her characters sound and act real-to-life which puts the reader right in the eye of the storm as it grabs a hold of you and doesn’t let go until the final page.

The line that really got to me was, “She was his game changer.”
And if you are a baseball fan as while as a romance fan, it’s too perfect.

Profile Image for Susan.
90 reviews
October 9, 2021
Greta and Aaron have become the best of friends and would do anything for each other. When Aaron’s past becomes a complication that could affect his having a career in professional baseball, he needs to revamp his image. He asks Greta for her help and she agrees to be his “fake” girlfriend. I adore the sweet and loving relationship these two have. Just watching their attraction intensify is so rewarding and you can’t help but hope that their fake relationship becomes something more. Love this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,448 reviews11 followers
October 10, 2021
Best Friends set rules in place for their fake relationship, but what happens when they break all the rules. Great and fun storyline of Greta helping out her best friend Aaron when he finds himself in a terrible situation. Enjoyed the depth and complexity of their characters with so much spunk and humor. I loved the dynamic of this duo they mean so much to one another, they just don’t have the knowledge how about to go ahead with a real meaning relationship. Can these two figure things out, or will they lose everything.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
1,108 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2021
Great story
THis is another great story. Aaron's reputation takes a hit with some false photo's. His coach and him comes up with a plan to clean up his act with a false girlfriend. Greta who was his best friend agrees to the act for six month. They soon become more without each other admitting it. The emotions that are exposed pull you into their world. Loved this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
October 9, 2021
After a rough year and some bad publicity, Aaron is needing help to turn his image around. When he asks his best friend, Greta, to play as his girl friend. Aaron ad Greta have a great relationship that only blooms and grows as the spend more time together.

The Game Changer is a sweet romance that you will not want to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,414 reviews19 followers
October 9, 2021
loved it !!! love this series !!! love Greta... sweet... love Aaron...swoon... this is their story... a fast paced drama...Aaron needs to avoid a scandal... the campus playboy... Greta has sworn of men... well, for the time being... they are best friends... what could go wrong ? until, they both start falling... sweet story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodie Cary.
995 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2021
I was so hooked into the story, that i could not put it down. A friends to lovers story.
Aaron & Greta were an Awesome pair. Their chemistry and friendship were HOT! I laughed a lot at the language from Greta. She was Awesome.
I loved reading this story. All the characters were great and i cannot wait to read more, more from this author and more of this series. Awesome read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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