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Game Changers #1
Play to Win
A Scorching Hot Romance
Ethan Henley traded in his suit, tie and Secret Service badge to mix drinks at the Game Changers Sports Bar he now co-owns with his childhood friends. Returning to their hometown where they’d been branded the “bad boys” wasn’t part of their plan, but now that they’re back, they’re determined to prove everyone in town wrong. For Ethan, that means making amends with the girl who’s heart he’d unintentionally broken during high school.
Portia Merin left Providence and the awkward life she’d led there behind long ago. After a messy breakup and her retaliation leads to her unintended stardom as a sex instructor on YouTube, she decided to roll with it—despite her lack of actual experience on the subject—and is now on tour to promote her first instructional book. Life’s looking pretty good for Portia right now, until the weather and the sale of her godmother's house leave her stranded in Providence and her old high school crush shows up with a copy of her book.
Ethan Henley traded in his suit, tie and Secret Service badge to mix drinks at the Game Changers Sports Bar he now co-owns with his childhood friends. Returning to their hometown where they’d been branded the “bad boys” wasn’t part of their plan, but now that they’re back, they’re determined to prove everyone in town wrong. For Ethan, that means making amends with the girl who’s heart he’d unintentionally broken during high school.
Portia Merin left Providence and the awkward life she’d led there behind long ago. After a messy breakup and her retaliation leads to her unintended stardom as a sex instructor on YouTube, she decided to roll with it—despite her lack of actual experience on the subject—and is now on tour to promote her first instructional book. Life’s looking pretty good for Portia right now, until the weather and the sale of her godmother's house leave her stranded in Providence and her old high school crush shows up with a copy of her book.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2020
102 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
184 books918 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 31, 2020
** 4 1/2 stars **
Well, this super sexy book was good!
I have to say, after reading the first chapter, I thought it would go one way, but the author surprised me and took it slightly different.
I wasn’t expecting the vulnerability of Ethan. The way he owned up to his past mistakes with Portia were admirable.
That Portia didn’t have a “traditional” job also sparked some conversation in my household. It makes you think outside the box and may be outside your comfort zone a little bit. But I will always love a character who is their own person and Portia is someone who has grown into herself and not ashamed of who she is.
Great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book.
Well, this super sexy book was good!
I have to say, after reading the first chapter, I thought it would go one way, but the author surprised me and took it slightly different.
I wasn’t expecting the vulnerability of Ethan. The way he owned up to his past mistakes with Portia were admirable.
That Portia didn’t have a “traditional” job also sparked some conversation in my household. It makes you think outside the box and may be outside your comfort zone a little bit. But I will always love a character who is their own person and Portia is someone who has grown into herself and not ashamed of who she is.
Great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book.
September 8, 2020
LOVED THIS STORY! SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE AT ITS BEST.
So, I received an ARC of Play to Win in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. AND... I absolutely loved this novel. This caught me in the first paragraph. It was scorching hot and I thought "What is going on.. It's going down like that in the opening chapter?" But it was just the most creative intro to the main characters that I've read in a long time. Portia writes about sex and does demos and has returned home to sell her aunt's house and runs into Ethan, a former classmate she tutored and crushed on in high school.
I truly saw myself and could relate to Portia so closely. I understood the shy, reserved, unpopular, smart, bookworm that had mad crush on the popular, cute, athlete with a tramautic past. I was Portia in high school getting her heart broken and embarassed by the rejection of that athlete. And then you grow up, grow into your own and come home, run into him, and he likes what he sees. What do you do? Well Portia does what I would have done. And what I did. At first. If you have ever had that type of situation, you will love how this plays out.
It surprised me in that it wasn't as predictable as I thought. No major mysteries or suspenseful action, but enough twists and turns that delve into Portia and Ethan's backgrounds. I really understood them and liked them more and more as I read. The interaction between Portia and Ethan was authentic and quite erotic without being distasteful. I don't know how you can write an intimate scene that is hot like fire, sexy and sweet all at the same time. But A.C. did that. The side characters are interesting enough that I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. This is a true romance novel, but it also follows Portia and Ethan overcoming their past trauma's and disappointments in life to find happiness and try to hold onto it as adults.
So, I received an ARC of Play to Win in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. AND... I absolutely loved this novel. This caught me in the first paragraph. It was scorching hot and I thought "What is going on.. It's going down like that in the opening chapter?" But it was just the most creative intro to the main characters that I've read in a long time. Portia writes about sex and does demos and has returned home to sell her aunt's house and runs into Ethan, a former classmate she tutored and crushed on in high school.
I truly saw myself and could relate to Portia so closely. I understood the shy, reserved, unpopular, smart, bookworm that had mad crush on the popular, cute, athlete with a tramautic past. I was Portia in high school getting her heart broken and embarassed by the rejection of that athlete. And then you grow up, grow into your own and come home, run into him, and he likes what he sees. What do you do? Well Portia does what I would have done. And what I did. At first. If you have ever had that type of situation, you will love how this plays out.
It surprised me in that it wasn't as predictable as I thought. No major mysteries or suspenseful action, but enough twists and turns that delve into Portia and Ethan's backgrounds. I really understood them and liked them more and more as I read. The interaction between Portia and Ethan was authentic and quite erotic without being distasteful. I don't know how you can write an intimate scene that is hot like fire, sexy and sweet all at the same time. But A.C. did that. The side characters are interesting enough that I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. This is a true romance novel, but it also follows Portia and Ethan overcoming their past trauma's and disappointments in life to find happiness and try to hold onto it as adults.
August 31, 2024
Ethan and Portia both left their hometown and fast as they could after high school. Ethan is back in town for good and opened a sports bar with his childhood friends. Portia is supposed to just be passing through on her book tour and to handle some family business. The sparks start to fly.
This is a steamy second chance romance. I'm looking forward to book two.
This is a steamy second chance romance. I'm looking forward to book two.
September 9, 2020
Ethan Henley and Portia Merin begin our adventure in the small town of Providence.
By the small-town standards Ethan, as well few others from The House were slated to fail in all aspects of their lives. Growing up in the House made them brothers, with a strong bond. Portia, also from the same town grew up in a frugal household with parents that believe it's their way or the highway.
After becoming successful and upstanding members of society, they find themselves back in the place that threw them away. Ethan retires from the secret service to mix drinks in the sports bar he co-owns with his House brothers. Portia beats the odds against her. Her profession is a Sex/Intimacy Instructor. It was decision leading up to that first video that spearheaded her million-dollar empire. This happens to be my favorite part of the story.
One of my favorite takeaways from this one is your past does not define your future. Overall, this was a great intro to the series. Now, I can't wait to grab the next release.
By the small-town standards Ethan, as well few others from The House were slated to fail in all aspects of their lives. Growing up in the House made them brothers, with a strong bond. Portia, also from the same town grew up in a frugal household with parents that believe it's their way or the highway.
After becoming successful and upstanding members of society, they find themselves back in the place that threw them away. Ethan retires from the secret service to mix drinks in the sports bar he co-owns with his House brothers. Portia beats the odds against her. Her profession is a Sex/Intimacy Instructor. It was decision leading up to that first video that spearheaded her million-dollar empire. This happens to be my favorite part of the story.
One of my favorite takeaways from this one is your past does not define your future. Overall, this was a great intro to the series. Now, I can't wait to grab the next release.
September 10, 2020
Game Changers is a new series by Ac Arthur about six friends who return to their childhood home and open a sports bar and the first installment was an enjoyable read. In Play to Win, we meet Ethan Henley and Portia Merlin both natives of Providence and old classmates. Portia has risen to fame after a disastrous relationship gone viral and Ethan left the Secret Service to open the restaurant with his friends. Little do the two realize their paths would cross years later and the attraction is still present.
Old insecurities run rampant as these two reacquaint themselves and learn how to open up and express their feelings they were unable to express while in school. Of course they will fight their feelings and old habits are hard to break. Will the two realize their feelings are true and get that to that happy ever after, readers will need to download their copy to find out.
Overall, a good read and Mrs. Arthur does a good job with story development and bringing forth a theme and subject matter that is still ever present in today's world.
Old insecurities run rampant as these two reacquaint themselves and learn how to open up and express their feelings they were unable to express while in school. Of course they will fight their feelings and old habits are hard to break. Will the two realize their feelings are true and get that to that happy ever after, readers will need to download their copy to find out.
Overall, a good read and Mrs. Arthur does a good job with story development and bringing forth a theme and subject matter that is still ever present in today's world.
September 25, 2020
REVIEW:
Game Changers is the first book in Ac Arthur new series. Game Changers is about six friends who return to their hometown of Providence where they were consider the “bad boys”. For various reason the brother is all back to where their life started and decided to open a sports bar where they are all co-owners.
In Play to Win we are introduced to Ethan Henley and Portia Merlin both are from Providence and are old classmate. Ethan and his friends were two years ahead of Portia. Portia is a best-selling author who just happen to be on her book tour, when she runs into Ethan. Ethan left the Secret Service to open a sports bar with his friends.
On her way to the next stop on her book tour, she makes a stop in Providence to sale her godmother house, this was supposed to be a short turn round because this town hold bad memory for Portia. Ethan and Portia run into again. This is where it all begins for Ethan & Portia and this is where they are healing will begin for both. All these years Portia thought Ethan took part in hurting her back in school which was the last thing he would do because he was in love or liking her bad. For Ethan his hometown considers he a bad boy and he never thought he was good enough for Portia, so he never told her how he felt.
Overall, this was a good read, Mrs. Arthur showed how the couple was able to open and express their feeling. They each showed their vulnerability. The development of the characters and secondary characters was great.
I am looking forward to reading book 2 “Playing for Keeps.
Smooches
LL Brow
Game Changers is the first book in Ac Arthur new series. Game Changers is about six friends who return to their hometown of Providence where they were consider the “bad boys”. For various reason the brother is all back to where their life started and decided to open a sports bar where they are all co-owners.
In Play to Win we are introduced to Ethan Henley and Portia Merlin both are from Providence and are old classmate. Ethan and his friends were two years ahead of Portia. Portia is a best-selling author who just happen to be on her book tour, when she runs into Ethan. Ethan left the Secret Service to open a sports bar with his friends.
On her way to the next stop on her book tour, she makes a stop in Providence to sale her godmother house, this was supposed to be a short turn round because this town hold bad memory for Portia. Ethan and Portia run into again. This is where it all begins for Ethan & Portia and this is where they are healing will begin for both. All these years Portia thought Ethan took part in hurting her back in school which was the last thing he would do because he was in love or liking her bad. For Ethan his hometown considers he a bad boy and he never thought he was good enough for Portia, so he never told her how he felt.
Overall, this was a good read, Mrs. Arthur showed how the couple was able to open and express their feeling. They each showed their vulnerability. The development of the characters and secondary characters was great.
I am looking forward to reading book 2 “Playing for Keeps.
Smooches
LL Brow
September 8, 2020
I love how this book came together and AC Arthur shows us how two high school kids later on in life had the opportunity to express their love for each other. 
Ethan always knew that Portia had something special but was so afraid as a teenager to show his interest because of peer pressure from the other kids. Portia was a nerdy school kid that got tease for being smart and had the biggest crush on a football star that she was tutoring. 
I do wish that Portia would have own her sexiness with the career she was in. I feel like she was so good at what she did and made millions from it but was so shy.
All in all this was a good book and I can't wait to read the next one.
Ethan always knew that Portia had something special but was so afraid as a teenager to show his interest because of peer pressure from the other kids. Portia was a nerdy school kid that got tease for being smart and had the biggest crush on a football star that she was tutoring. 
I do wish that Portia would have own her sexiness with the career she was in. I feel like she was so good at what she did and made millions from it but was so shy.
All in all this was a good book and I can't wait to read the next one.
September 13, 2020
Portia and Ethan again.
This was a good read. Both Ethan and Portia had childhood issues. He
liked girl but didn't know how to approach her. Mother left him with alcoholic father when he was young. Abandonment issues. Portia parents had no time for her but thankful for Sunny always being there. Portia first boyfriend was a jerk and like Melissa tried to embarrass her. All of the participants were from the same town and returned there. I liked Camy who became friends with Portia.
Ethan accidentally meet Portia again and their journey begins. They fall in love
and the rest is history.
This was a good read. Both Ethan and Portia had childhood issues. He
liked girl but didn't know how to approach her. Mother left him with alcoholic father when he was young. Abandonment issues. Portia parents had no time for her but thankful for Sunny always being there. Portia first boyfriend was a jerk and like Melissa tried to embarrass her. All of the participants were from the same town and returned there. I liked Camy who became friends with Portia.
Ethan accidentally meet Portia again and their journey begins. They fall in love
and the rest is history.
September 13, 2020
PLAY TO WIN opens with a scene that is provocative and scorching hot indicated by a sign on a door that reads, “Blow Jobs 101”. I’ll allow you to discover what that title has to do with the story and it’s major characters. Speaking of major characters, I like Portia and Ethan because both of their backgrounds and life experiences are very compelling and inspirational. They each had people and life changing moments that helped to shape their present circumstances. Their reunion in Providence, VA is the heart and soul of this captivating story.
I enjoyed PLAY TO WIN, and I recommend it for your reading pleasure. It is the first book of a two book series.
I enjoyed PLAY TO WIN, and I recommend it for your reading pleasure. It is the first book of a two book series.
September 10, 2020
Play to Win
I was hooked from the beginning and could not put this book down! Ethan and Portia were old "frenemies" from high school. They both had feelings for each other back then but didn't act on them. Fast forward to years later and their feelings for each other are still as hot as ever! They both had hardships in their lives but I'm so glad they finally made their way to each other. Great chemistry between these two and can't wait to read the next book and about the other fellas. 🙂🙂
I was hooked from the beginning and could not put this book down! Ethan and Portia were old "frenemies" from high school. They both had feelings for each other back then but didn't act on them. Fast forward to years later and their feelings for each other are still as hot as ever! They both had hardships in their lives but I'm so glad they finally made their way to each other. Great chemistry between these two and can't wait to read the next book and about the other fellas. 🙂🙂
September 8, 2020
Impatiently awaiting book 2
This series opener was extremely hot and sexy. I mean how could it not being with that opening scene. I like that Ethan & Portia got to find the love they’ve been searching for since childhood with each other especially after a twelve year misunderstanding. I think I’m definitely going to enjoy the town of Providence. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This series opener was extremely hot and sexy. I mean how could it not being with that opening scene. I like that Ethan & Portia got to find the love they’ve been searching for since childhood with each other especially after a twelve year misunderstanding. I think I’m definitely going to enjoy the town of Providence. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
June 29, 2021
Unforgettable Love
High school Tutor become friend while being picked on by others. Secret attraction between them that they denied. Family problems that both had to face. Fast forward to 12 years and she return to the home town. Being a Sex Specialist brought them together. Trust issues still prevalent. When they finally stopped denying they were in love and knew their hearts belonged to the other they surrendered. Another good book by A.C. Arthur🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
High school Tutor become friend while being picked on by others. Secret attraction between them that they denied. Family problems that both had to face. Fast forward to 12 years and she return to the home town. Being a Sex Specialist brought them together. Trust issues still prevalent. When they finally stopped denying they were in love and knew their hearts belonged to the other they surrendered. Another good book by A.C. Arthur🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
August 20, 2023
Wow
I had this gem and just read it. I loved it. Portia and Ethan have history. Ethan sees her again at a conference. She’s embracing her sensual side and that’s all I’m going to say. Needless to say, he’s intrigued. The Portia he knew was shy and timid. Well new Portia handles up on Ethan. Can their new connection lead to something more? Will the past ruin their future? Read the book and find out!!
I had this gem and just read it. I loved it. Portia and Ethan have history. Ethan sees her again at a conference. She’s embracing her sensual side and that’s all I’m going to say. Needless to say, he’s intrigued. The Portia he knew was shy and timid. Well new Portia handles up on Ethan. Can their new connection lead to something more? Will the past ruin their future? Read the book and find out!!
October 26, 2020
Love finds a way
This story had so many ups and downs. You find yourself cheering for Ethan and Portia ' s fight for all of their hardships they've endured and still be able to stand . I just wish there was some closure with Portia ' s parents and who was the reporter really ? But the song love will find a way comes to mind with their love story .
This story had so many ups and downs. You find yourself cheering for Ethan and Portia ' s fight for all of their hardships they've endured and still be able to stand . I just wish there was some closure with Portia ' s parents and who was the reporter really ? But the song love will find a way comes to mind with their love story .
November 10, 2020
Very elementary
I did not enjoy this book. Took weeks to get through and I just wanted it to end. I was like they never got out of high school, mentally. A sexual novice being a successful expert. It seemed promising in the beginning but there was no real character progression and the B characters added nothing.
I’ll pass on this whole series.
I did not enjoy this book. Took weeks to get through and I just wanted it to end. I was like they never got out of high school, mentally. A sexual novice being a successful expert. It seemed promising in the beginning but there was no real character progression and the B characters added nothing.
I’ll pass on this whole series.
October 5, 2021
Pleasure at it's best.
I fell in love with the characters of this book. To be an outcast to most and not be loved by your parents is definitely a very difficult time in one's life, but to get a chance at success and love is the ultimate best change in one's life.
Great book and love the story line!!!
I fell in love with the characters of this book. To be an outcast to most and not be loved by your parents is definitely a very difficult time in one's life, but to get a chance at success and love is the ultimate best change in one's life.
Great book and love the story line!!!
December 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading Play to Win so much! I couldn't put my kindle down until I finished reading it. I was hooked from the very beginning. This is a part of Ac Arthur new series Game Changers. I enjoyed the storyline and the romance. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Such a great start to the new series. Amazing read as always!
September 12, 2020
Ethan and Portia
This book was absolutely fire! I loved the second chance romance with Ethan and Portia and I loved how she stood up for herself. Impatiently waiting for book 2 and the rest of the series.
This book was absolutely fire! I loved the second chance romance with Ethan and Portia and I loved how she stood up for herself. Impatiently waiting for book 2 and the rest of the series.
September 14, 2020
Every parent is not a good parent
Ethan and Portia had parents who didn't show them love but in spite of that they made a success of their lives and found each other again . Thank God for Sunny who made Portia's life bearable and Ethan had his brothers.
Ethan and Portia had parents who didn't show them love but in spite of that they made a success of their lives and found each other again . Thank God for Sunny who made Portia's life bearable and Ethan had his brothers.
September 26, 2020
A Great Start for the Series
A.C. has become one of my favorite authors. The pacing of the story line never seems rushed. When I got to the resolution of plot, I was satisfied and wanted more Game Changers.
A.C. has become one of my favorite authors. The pacing of the story line never seems rushed. When I got to the resolution of plot, I was satisfied and wanted more Game Changers.
October 20, 2020
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Ethan and Portia both had disappointments in their past from their parents and hometown. This caused misunderstandings and fear in their relationship. But love conquers all. I recommend this book.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Ethan and Portia both had disappointments in their past from their parents and hometown. This caused misunderstandings and fear in their relationship. But love conquers all. I recommend this book.
December 16, 2020
Oh my!
Oh My!!! I really enjoyed this read. There was pain and heartache, but passion and love overruled. An amazing story of strength and growth. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
Oh My!!! I really enjoyed this read. There was pain and heartache, but passion and love overruled. An amazing story of strength and growth. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
May 18, 2021
Game Changers One
Two lost souls having very little love in their life as children didn't know how to love finally learned to trust themselves enough to try. Good luck Ethan and Portia or should I say E and Ladybug.
Two lost souls having very little love in their life as children didn't know how to love finally learned to trust themselves enough to try. Good luck Ethan and Portia or should I say E and Ladybug.
September 12, 2022
LOVED IT ❤❤
I loved this story loved the characters as well. This was really a good read and would absolutely recommend this book to everyone who enjoy reading a good romance with steam. Great job Ms. Arthur please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you. 👍🙏♨️❤❤
I loved this story loved the characters as well. This was really a good read and would absolutely recommend this book to everyone who enjoy reading a good romance with steam. Great job Ms. Arthur please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you. 👍🙏♨️❤❤
September 11, 2020
Great read
September 14, 2020
Great read
I was gonna read one chapter at a time but when I started I couldn't stop until the end,wonderful, wonderful !! Keep up the great work ME A C Arthur
I was gonna read one chapter at a time but when I started I couldn't stop until the end,wonderful, wonderful !! Keep up the great work ME A C Arthur
September 17, 2020
Beautiful love story!
Ethan and Portia had terrible childhoods. Thank God Portia had her Godmother and Ethan had his friends! Love the way the book ended! Starting Book 2 now.
Ethan and Portia had terrible childhoods. Thank God Portia had her Godmother and Ethan had his friends! Love the way the book ended! Starting Book 2 now.
October 9, 2020
Great book
This was a good read. It has a few steamy moments that I really enjoyed reading. It has a good story line and believable characters. I'm a fan of the author.
This was a good read. It has a few steamy moments that I really enjoyed reading. It has a good story line and believable characters. I'm a fan of the author.
October 6, 2020
Hot hot and the hotter
This was probably in my top ten favorite book by this author. Loved their story. It was so real and brought back memories from my teenage years. They weren’t as bad as Portia but I could easily imagine how she felt.
This was probably in my top ten favorite book by this author. Loved their story. It was so real and brought back memories from my teenage years. They weren’t as bad as Portia but I could easily imagine how she felt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews