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New Beginnings #1
The Changeup
For the entirety of her life Geffri Robinson has known that being a girl who plays baseball was a novelty. At some point, however, the novelty wore off and she stepped away from playing the sport until a chance exhibition places her at the center of attention once again. With the spotlight shining brightly upon her, Geffri finds herself with an amazing opportunity within her grasp that’s she’s eager to take. But with all great success comes the trolls—enter Noah Fence, a sports blogger who’s a little too opinionated about how excellent Geffri really is and challenges her to a competition to prove his superiority. Between Noah’s challenge and the opportunity placed before her, Geffri’s calm summer escalates into a whirlwind season of dreams fulfilled.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2019
166 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Falls
62 books547 followersNicole Falls is a contemporary Black romance writer who has taken entirely too long to complete her first project. She's also a ceramic mug and lapel pin enthusiast who cannot function without her AirPods constantly blaring music. When Nicole isn't writing, she spends her time trolling her friends and family while drinking coffee and/or cocktails or checking off yet another of these great United States visited in her quest to see some land! She currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 22, 2023
Read this for the Sports Romance September Storygraph challenge and also because I wanted to check out more books by Nicole Falls, so it was a win-win.
This was really cute, with some funny moments and no third act breakup, WE CHEER!!!! I was scared there would be something, but was pleasantly surprised when there was no conflict which ultimately made me enjoy it more. Sometimes you just need an angst free read.
I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the series too, they follow Geffri's friends, but can be read as standalones.
This was really cute, with some funny moments and no third act breakup, WE CHEER!!!! I was scared there would be something, but was pleasantly surprised when there was no conflict which ultimately made me enjoy it more. Sometimes you just need an angst free read.
I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the series too, they follow Geffri's friends, but can be read as standalones.
August 8, 2021
I love sports themed romances and I especially love sports themed romances that spotlight black women as the lead character but, I did not like this book. The Changeup had all of the makings for the perfect black romance but, it did not come together very well. It had none of the qualities I've come to expect from Nicole Falls. It almost felt like this book wasn't even written by her. From the first page to the last, I was pretty much bored with this book. Generally, I love it when there's no drama in the storyline but, this book could've used some kind of conflict. I thought the author would play up the jealously issue with Geffri's teammate Meredith but, she got rid of her too fast for anything to happen. The lack of drama just made the book that much more boring. I wasn't a huge fan of the main characters. There was no real spark between Geffri and Noah. I felt like they had zero chemistry so, I couldn't really connect with them. The Changup was a boring, no-angst romance. It just fell flat and missed the mark.
April 22, 2023
Sport Romance
There’s just something about a Sport Romance written by Nicole Falls.😍 I love the exchanges between Geffri and Noah from start to finish. Noah talked all that sh*t on Twitter and Geffri was the right one to show him better than she could tell him. I love the Women’s baseball representation, it’s a breath of fresh air.
This is a funny and quick read.
There’s just something about a Sport Romance written by Nicole Falls.😍 I love the exchanges between Geffri and Noah from start to finish. Noah talked all that sh*t on Twitter and Geffri was the right one to show him better than she could tell him. I love the Women’s baseball representation, it’s a breath of fresh air.
This is a funny and quick read.
Want to read
April 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2020)! 🎁
September 2, 2020
This was such a fun sports romance featuring a Black baseball player HEROINE! That’s right: heroine. I was very much Team Geffri. And Noah was all right too LOL.
This is fairly low angst, which doesn’t always work for me because I love to feel all the feels. But in this case, I was so invested in seeing how things would go for Geffri as she was recruited and then went on to play for Team USA. She and Noah had some great chemistry and I liked how straightforward he was about his interest in her. I got a big kick out of Geffri’s friends—those scened inevitably had me laughing out loud. I also loved her dad! I was a little worried there would be some kind of healthcare crisis because he’s aging but rest assured, he’s fine.
There are some Christian references here—Geffri prays before meals and Noah refers to himself as a “truthteller in the Lord’s Army. But there’s no Sneaky Jesus, to quote my friend Kini, or overt portrayal of faith.
Character notes: Geffri is 26 and Black. Noah is Black and a little older than her.
CW: sexism, heroine’s mother had miscarriages before getting pregnant with her and died in childbirth, hero broke both legs in a car accident which ended his baseball college career and chance at the majors, alcohol
This is fairly low angst, which doesn’t always work for me because I love to feel all the feels. But in this case, I was so invested in seeing how things would go for Geffri as she was recruited and then went on to play for Team USA. She and Noah had some great chemistry and I liked how straightforward he was about his interest in her. I got a big kick out of Geffri’s friends—those scened inevitably had me laughing out loud. I also loved her dad! I was a little worried there would be some kind of healthcare crisis because he’s aging but rest assured, he’s fine.
There are some Christian references here—Geffri prays before meals and Noah refers to himself as a “truthteller in the Lord’s Army. But there’s no Sneaky Jesus, to quote my friend Kini, or overt portrayal of faith.
Character notes: Geffri is 26 and Black. Noah is Black and a little older than her.
CW: sexism, heroine’s mother had miscarriages before getting pregnant with her and died in childbirth, hero broke both legs in a car accident which ended his baseball college career and chance at the majors, alcohol
Read
March 20, 2021Had a women's baseball tournament, and for that alone I'd love it, but also had great family dynamics too. I also appreciate how realistic the depiction of women's baseball was - it's largely tournament-based - and so it felt true-to-life that Geffri didn't see this a long-term career option. I think this is the only (?) book about women's baseball set in the US in the modern era, but I would be happy to be proved wrong.
April 28, 2023
Amazing!!!
I loved everything about this story! The journey Noah and Gef each took separately and the journey together. And everyone needs a Pops in their life. I can’t wait for Blair and P Diddy’s stories!
I loved everything about this story! The journey Noah and Gef each took separately and the journey together. And everyone needs a Pops in their life. I can’t wait for Blair and P Diddy’s stories!
November 30, 2019
Sweet
The budding relationship between Noah and Geffri was enjoyable. Their initial interactions online and their competitive spirits were funny. What really made the book endearing to me was the relationship between Gef and her Pops. Their connection was felt through the pages. Their love of baseball, his sacrifice and her wanting to make him proud, it was the sweetest.
The budding relationship between Noah and Geffri was enjoyable. Their initial interactions online and their competitive spirits were funny. What really made the book endearing to me was the relationship between Gef and her Pops. Their connection was felt through the pages. Their love of baseball, his sacrifice and her wanting to make him proud, it was the sweetest.
February 24, 2020
This was easily the best book I read during a Black romance readathon! Geffri is such a mature and grounded character and we get to see her absolutely killing it in her dream career. Wish the book had tighter proofreading but the writing itself is really strong. (And that cover though.)
November 30, 2020
Good Book
I love reading about women in sports. This is my first reading about Geffri a woman playing baseball. I like how her and Noah had a little wager going on. I really loved the chemistry between them two. Really enjoyed reading this book.
I love reading about women in sports. This is my first reading about Geffri a woman playing baseball. I like how her and Noah had a little wager going on. I really loved the chemistry between them two. Really enjoyed reading this book.
November 29, 2019
Consider me changed!
Loved it!
Idk anything about baseball and it was good not to have to know anything technical to enjoy the story.
I love the competition elements and the heroine's easy confidence.
Our guy could get boo'd up or whatever.
Loved it!
Idk anything about baseball and it was good not to have to know anything technical to enjoy the story.
I love the competition elements and the heroine's easy confidence.
Our guy could get boo'd up or whatever.
May 28, 2023
Nice story.
March 16, 2020
Ok read
This book was ok. If didn’t leave my mouth dropping but maybe because I’m not a sports fanatic. I want to hear more about the friends
This book was ok. If didn’t leave my mouth dropping but maybe because I’m not a sports fanatic. I want to hear more about the friends
October 10, 2021
This book may have lost one star in reference to my favorite woman in baseball book, A Season of Daring Greatly. I love the snap between hero and heroine, though it took a bit for me to warm to anyone who trolls on Twitter.
May 12, 2020
The Changeup is book 1 in The New Beginnings series by Nicole Falls about high school teacher/ softball coach Geffri Robinson and sports blogger Noah Fence. This book is a home run, 9 innings of greatness. I don’t even care for baseball but I am feeling the Love & Baseball vibes. Geffri is a part of an amateur pitching competition at a baseball game and becomes a viral sensation. Geffri new stardom leads to an opportunity to pitch for team USA. As we know haters come along with celebrity, in comes Noah trolling Geffri on Twitter. The banter between these two is hilarious 🤣, Noah is a mess. The Atop the Mound segment is perfecto! I can see it all so clearly! The relationship between Geffri and Pops is so cute, he’s an amazing father. The friendship/sisterhood between a Geffri, Blair and Parker is a sweet treat! This a great read, check it out!
November 8, 2020
Stopped at 62%. Will try to return when I can concentrate better.
****
11/8/19–
Finished today. Short, sweet, and scratched my sports romance itch.
****
11/8/19–
Finished today. Short, sweet, and scratched my sports romance itch.
Read
March 12, 2022We buddy read Reading the Signs and The Changeup as part of our March Smashness baseball week. The full discussion can be read at The Smut Report
Heat Factor: Disappointed that the teased phone sex didn’t actually happen, because the sex was fun and sexy.
Character Chemistry: She giggles so much. Enough said.
Plot: On the one hand, Geffri plays baseball. On the other hand, Geffri meets a man.
Overall: This was a weird book.
What do you think is the most salient information a reader should know before getting The Changeup?
H: The initial contact between Geffri and Noah is so, frankly, gross on Noah’s part that I had a hard time overcoming that hump. He’s a troll and I didn’t like it.
I: Readers should know that there’s more than one baseball romance called The Changeup. Because I read the one by Megan Quinn. Which was 700 pages long.
E: It’s first-person and she’s mostly describing everything—I remember one part where there were three “I” sentences in a row. So it’s like your friend sat down to tell you a story.
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Heat Factor: Disappointed that the teased phone sex didn’t actually happen, because the sex was fun and sexy.
Character Chemistry: She giggles so much. Enough said.
Plot: On the one hand, Geffri plays baseball. On the other hand, Geffri meets a man.
Overall: This was a weird book.
What do you think is the most salient information a reader should know before getting The Changeup?
H: The initial contact between Geffri and Noah is so, frankly, gross on Noah’s part that I had a hard time overcoming that hump. He’s a troll and I didn’t like it.
I: Readers should know that there’s more than one baseball romance called The Changeup. Because I read the one by Megan Quinn. Which was 700 pages long.
E: It’s first-person and she’s mostly describing everything—I remember one part where there were three “I” sentences in a row. So it’s like your friend sat down to tell you a story.
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October 19, 2023
I came across this book when I was perusing the KU selections, and I had to read it. Seeing a female pitcher made me think of an awesome TV show that should never had been canceled (Pitch), and that was enough to make me download this book.
I am happy to say, I have no regrets. I had a great time reading this book. Some great elements of the story include:
• The romance - Geffri and Noah were a fabulous pair. I loved the chemistry and rapport.
• The competition - It was a good time seeing Geff and Noah compete. The challenges were fun, and the sparks were also flying.
• Baseball - I may not be a fan, but it was exciting rooting for Geff as she attempted to earn her place with the US National team. I love seeing dreams come true!
• Friendship - Geff was part of a trio who were thick as thieves. I love strong female friendships, and this one definitely qualified.
• Family - Geff's relationship with her dad was very sweet. They had such a tight bond, and they were very sweet together.
Overall, I really enjoyed meeting Geff, Noah, and the gang, and look forward to reading the other women's stories.
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I am happy to say, I have no regrets. I had a great time reading this book. Some great elements of the story include:
• The romance - Geffri and Noah were a fabulous pair. I loved the chemistry and rapport.
• The competition - It was a good time seeing Geff and Noah compete. The challenges were fun, and the sparks were also flying.
• Baseball - I may not be a fan, but it was exciting rooting for Geff as she attempted to earn her place with the US National team. I love seeing dreams come true!
• Friendship - Geff was part of a trio who were thick as thieves. I love strong female friendships, and this one definitely qualified.
• Family - Geff's relationship with her dad was very sweet. They had such a tight bond, and they were very sweet together.
Overall, I really enjoyed meeting Geff, Noah, and the gang, and look forward to reading the other women's stories.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 17, 2020
Rating: 3.75
This was such a cute, quick and fun book to read. I follow a fellow book lover on ig and she makes these posts where she finds celebrities or people who "look" like the characters, kind of giving a face to the fiction. And fo this book, she posted Kylie Bunbury as Geffri. Kylie plays Ginny Baker in a show Fox stupidy cancelled called "Pitch" where she is the first female pitcher in to play in the MLB.
I LOVED that show...so when I saw that post, even though I'd seen this book floating around previously, I immediately wanted to read it because anything that could give me a similar feeling to that show was going to be a win for me.
And I wasn't disappointed. The Change Up, while a very short story, was utterly entertaining. I loved everything about Geffri. How rich her relationship was her father was. The interactions between Geffri and her friends. Their relationship felt so authentic and full. Its so rare to get a book where the female lead has such a great relationship with not only one other female character but two.
Most of all though, I loved her interactions with Noah. I loved their negging of eachother. I loved their competitiveness, the witty banter, the flirting, the support, everything.
This was just a really fun book to read.
This was such a cute, quick and fun book to read. I follow a fellow book lover on ig and she makes these posts where she finds celebrities or people who "look" like the characters, kind of giving a face to the fiction. And fo this book, she posted Kylie Bunbury as Geffri. Kylie plays Ginny Baker in a show Fox stupidy cancelled called "Pitch" where she is the first female pitcher in to play in the MLB.
I LOVED that show...so when I saw that post, even though I'd seen this book floating around previously, I immediately wanted to read it because anything that could give me a similar feeling to that show was going to be a win for me.
And I wasn't disappointed. The Change Up, while a very short story, was utterly entertaining. I loved everything about Geffri. How rich her relationship was her father was. The interactions between Geffri and her friends. Their relationship felt so authentic and full. Its so rare to get a book where the female lead has such a great relationship with not only one other female character but two.
Most of all though, I loved her interactions with Noah. I loved their negging of eachother. I loved their competitiveness, the witty banter, the flirting, the support, everything.
This was just a really fun book to read.
January 14, 2022
Follow your dreams.....
Geff being an outstanding baseball player and a lady was quite unconventional but it was her thing. She was actually pretty good in almost every sport from when she and Noah were competing. Her father raised her just as tough as any boy could be. They had a great relationship especially since she was the only child and her mother died at childbirth.
I'm glad her dreams came true to play on a baseball team. She got to play with an all-women team and get them a championship. She deserves it with all the hard work she put in baseball.
Noah and Geff were bound to get together after all of the back and forth on social media. He was feeling her but did know how to express it. He made sure he put her on blast because she won the pitching contest. This was a great story and plot.
I would definitely recommend it. I am looking forward to the other friend's stories, especially the nanny.
Geff being an outstanding baseball player and a lady was quite unconventional but it was her thing. She was actually pretty good in almost every sport from when she and Noah were competing. Her father raised her just as tough as any boy could be. They had a great relationship especially since she was the only child and her mother died at childbirth.
I'm glad her dreams came true to play on a baseball team. She got to play with an all-women team and get them a championship. She deserves it with all the hard work she put in baseball.
Noah and Geff were bound to get together after all of the back and forth on social media. He was feeling her but did know how to express it. He made sure he put her on blast because she won the pitching contest. This was a great story and plot.
I would definitely recommend it. I am looking forward to the other friend's stories, especially the nanny.
April 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Geffri & Noah's story. I love how Nicole Falls can write a sports centered novel and really make you feel like a fan of the sport too. I'm in no way shape or form a fan of baseball but this story had me feeling like I was reading about one my favorite athlete. I really liked how Noah went from being a troll on twitter to being Geffri's man. I loved their banter and that mini competition that they had against one another was so much fun to read about. Mr. Robinson was so supportive and I loved his bond with Geffri. The truthteller in the Lord's army was Geffri's perfect match. Such a great story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Excellent Read for Sports Girls
Nicole Fall has definitely become my holiday reading champion! From the women’s empowerment of her pieces to the intricate technical details of the sport she writes about, I can’t seem to get enough of her writing. I love a good romance story and she does it for me whether it be a short story or series. I’m happy to see that the women in her stories aren’t always victims of abuse and trauma, but trailblazers through education, grit, and determination. I’m so glad I found her work. Being an avid sports girl and professional, I like the marriage of the two. I also like that her characters also practice safe sex before any steamy scene.
Nicole Fall has definitely become my holiday reading champion! From the women’s empowerment of her pieces to the intricate technical details of the sport she writes about, I can’t seem to get enough of her writing. I love a good romance story and she does it for me whether it be a short story or series. I’m happy to see that the women in her stories aren’t always victims of abuse and trauma, but trailblazers through education, grit, and determination. I’m so glad I found her work. Being an avid sports girl and professional, I like the marriage of the two. I also like that her characters also practice safe sex before any steamy scene.
December 4, 2019
Loved the story
I loved the relationships in this book. All of them where well thought out and super relatable. The depths that Nicole Falls took to make us understand the relationships was amazing. I loved the story as a whole and can’t wait for something like this to truly happen. I loved how humble and easy going the character was. Loved that she blushed throughout the entire book. Her friends were hilarious and balanced her character so well. All in all it was a great story.
I loved the relationships in this book. All of them where well thought out and super relatable. The depths that Nicole Falls took to make us understand the relationships was amazing. I loved the story as a whole and can’t wait for something like this to truly happen. I loved how humble and easy going the character was. Loved that she blushed throughout the entire book. Her friends were hilarious and balanced her character so well. All in all it was a great story.
December 16, 2020
Hot! Hot! Hot!🔥🔥🔥
Wow, the love scenes were steamy! This book was so refreshing. I read a lot of urban romances and it was nice to have a break from the typical mean and rude Alpha male meets love interest however he cheats on said love interest with bitter ex and then the love interest takes him back. This book was definitely not that! So glad the conflict was external and not internal to their relationship. I enjoyed reading this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Wow, the love scenes were steamy! This book was so refreshing. I read a lot of urban romances and it was nice to have a break from the typical mean and rude Alpha male meets love interest however he cheats on said love interest with bitter ex and then the love interest takes him back. This book was definitely not that! So glad the conflict was external and not internal to their relationship. I enjoyed reading this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
November 30, 2019
Awesome read!
It was great to read a boy meets girl story without the unnecessary drama.. This was an original story line and great supporting characters. Noah and Gef relationship was organic and refreshing. Loved the relationship she had with girlfriends Blair and Parker. They were down to earth and funny. The love of Gef and her pops made the book more enjoyable to read. You will not be disappointed when purchasing this book. This was an awesome and funny read!
It was great to read a boy meets girl story without the unnecessary drama.. This was an original story line and great supporting characters. Noah and Gef relationship was organic and refreshing. Loved the relationship she had with girlfriends Blair and Parker. They were down to earth and funny. The love of Gef and her pops made the book more enjoyable to read. You will not be disappointed when purchasing this book. This was an awesome and funny read!
November 30, 2019
Ok now!😅🔥🔥🔥
Listen to me, this book is more than 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. The sports aspect, the chemistry between main characters, the bomb supporting characters....total home run ⚾️. I loved Geffri’s confidence and Noah’s cockiness. They were definitely meant for each other. I need to see what’s going to happen with the side characters...I’m invested in this group of friends 👌🏾. Hands down, I recommend this one!😉
Listen to me, this book is more than 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. The sports aspect, the chemistry between main characters, the bomb supporting characters....total home run ⚾️. I loved Geffri’s confidence and Noah’s cockiness. They were definitely meant for each other. I need to see what’s going to happen with the side characters...I’m invested in this group of friends 👌🏾. Hands down, I recommend this one!😉
April 5, 2020
Loved this one!
I love everything that this book had to offer! Sports and love!! Geffri and Noah were so fun to read about. Noah has this, “know it all” demeanor and Geffri likes to let her game speak for itself. As a sports junky, I loved that this book was surrounded around sports. The passion that both Noah and Geffri had for the game was evident. I couldn’t put this one down. Such a great love story!
I love everything that this book had to offer! Sports and love!! Geffri and Noah were so fun to read about. Noah has this, “know it all” demeanor and Geffri likes to let her game speak for itself. As a sports junky, I loved that this book was surrounded around sports. The passion that both Noah and Geffri had for the game was evident. I couldn’t put this one down. Such a great love story!
August 22, 2023
I’ve tried to pick this book up a couple of times. I probably shouldn’t have forced myself to read it but everything about it I should be eating up. Female pitcher, romance. There is nothing I want more in the world.
But this was boring. I didn’t care about her becoming the pitcher and even less than that I didn’t care about the romance. It’s only like 145 pages so maybe it needed to be longer to really tell the story effectively.
But this was boring. I didn’t care about her becoming the pitcher and even less than that I didn’t care about the romance. It’s only like 145 pages so maybe it needed to be longer to really tell the story effectively.
December 1, 2019
3.5 stars.
Really, really charming, with great, well-drawn characters and especially wonderful female friendships. The baseball story and the love story weren't quite as intertwined as they should have been, so it felt like two plots running parallel to each other most of the time, but I was so on board with Geffri that I just wanted her to get an HEA for both.
Really, really charming, with great, well-drawn characters and especially wonderful female friendships. The baseball story and the love story weren't quite as intertwined as they should have been, so it felt like two plots running parallel to each other most of the time, but I was so on board with Geffri that I just wanted her to get an HEA for both.
December 3, 2019
Great story
Noah and geffrie what a weird name for a girl but different. Noah knew he wanted her from all the banter they were doing on twitter he just had to make good on his gesture to challenge her knowing she was winner and very competitive. I almost think he lost on purpose to see her flair her winning around him. They're a very Cute couple and happy that her dad agreed.
Noah and geffrie what a weird name for a girl but different. Noah knew he wanted her from all the banter they were doing on twitter he just had to make good on his gesture to challenge her knowing she was winner and very competitive. I almost think he lost on purpose to see her flair her winning around him. They're a very Cute couple and happy that her dad agreed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews