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Wild Card #0.5

Game Changer

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Nadia
Normally, I have no trouble avoiding the cocky football gods on campus, but Derrick Asher refuses to be ignored. Bad enough he's taking up all the space in one of my final psych classes, but then he dares me to get to know him instead of writing him off. The audacity. I want to stay unaffected, but when he smiles at me, all I can see is a future I've never imagined... and a heartbreak I need to avoid. Derrick
I'm a single season away from the draft, and I've never had a problem making football my only priority. Until her. From the first moment our eyes locked across the class, I knew she'd change my life. Nadia Blackwood is beautiful and prickly and absolutely done with athletes. Her walls are fierce, but I'll do whatever it takes to prove I'm the one she can trust.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2022

126 people are currently reading
2528 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Hall

9 books448 followers
Nikki Hall is a smart-ass with a Ph.D. and a potty mouth. She writes happy ever after stories with found families, sassy heroines, and strong men who love their women hard. Coffee makes her happy, messes make her stabby, and she’d sell one of her children for a second season of Firefly. You can find all her contemporary sports romance books at www.nikkihallbooks.com.

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5 stars
324 (27%)
4 stars
421 (35%)
3 stars
341 (28%)
2 stars
71 (6%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 15, 2025
Все сподобалось, але під кінець без драми ж ніяк. Надя замість того замислитися, а навіщо тренер її покликав, підслухала декілька фраз, рознервувалась і втекла до подруги, але навіть після вона не подумала, що тренер її спеціально покликав щоб вона почула про щось таке. Але хоч далі цей тренер веде себе більш адекватно. І чекала на появу сестри Дерріка, але нажаль тут не було.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MissBecka Gee.
2,091 reviews898 followers
September 17, 2023
This was positively delightful!
What a fabulous way to start off a series.
This had great character development, a nice amount of heat and a stellar plot. Eva was my favourite character, despite not being one of the MCs. I really hope she has more of a focus in this series.
For such a short story it was really well produced.
Can't wait to see what Nikki Hall does with 3 times as many pages!
Profile Image for staci ❥.
121 reviews42 followers
March 12, 2025
cute little novella
-
second read: moved up to a 3.5 bc derrick is adorable and i love him
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
June 17, 2022
Rather well done. I read hundreds of college sports romances so I say this was entertaining and sweet. It's a quick read and plot moves right along.
One star off for female running away....it's a bugaboo that I hate personally....so many authors use it and it's probably what girls typically do but I'd like to see a little fight or something different.
25 reviews
May 16, 2023
It was fine. I get that it’s a novella so it’s supposed to be short, but like with Rule Breaker that I read before it, I wanted to see more of them with their friends.
Soren is supposed to be Derrick’s best friend, but we see them have maybe two conversations, and both of them are about Nadia. Like, I get it, she and Derrick are the main focus of the story, but still.
Also, I understand that Soren was supposed to be teasing her a little throughout this with the whole blowing kisses and stuff, but he just came off as a bit of an ass.
Profile Image for Bindingly Bookish.
96 reviews7 followers
September 17, 2022
3 stars
🌶🌶/5

An interesting story line. I feel like it was rushed and could have been given more fleshing out even as a prequel.

On to the next book!
33 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2024
I don’t think novellas are it for me…
Profile Image for Nessa (Tell the Books im Home).
110 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2022
Sports romance? Check.
Short Read (perfect for end of year reading goal?) Check.
Spice on point? Check.
He falls first? MmMm check check CHECK!

This is the perfect intro book for a series, it's cute, with enough steam to make you smile (or smirk, if you can do it), a little drama, a mysterious best friend we all wanna read about in book two, and a cool side kick bestie.

Oh, and the main characters are pure soulmates.
Like, those people who are like magnets, pulled into each other, because the Universe kneels before them.

In such a short book, it's magic to weave a slow burn into it and yet, it was there. The chemistry was off the charts but the writing was phenomenal, because it's not always perfect timing to get nekkid and get off under the moonlight with everything going smoothly.

Yup, two hours tops and you'll find yourself a new pack of people you're gonna adore.

"Come to the game. Wear the jersey. Win the boy."
Profile Image for Mary Edwards Stagliola.
946 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2023
3.5⭐️ - cute little college football novella. I think the purpose is to set up the series but I’m here for it. Derrick and Nadia are super sweet and I love their connection.

Nadia and Derrick find themselves sitting in class next to each other. Derrick is infatuated and refuses to give up until she lets him into her life. They make a bet to try a little bit of each others worlds. Nadia comes to practices and hangs out with his friends, and Derrick volunteers at the community center and studies with Nadia in his (very limited) free time.

The two of them can’t avoid their chemistry, but Derrick holds back until he is sure Nadia is read and knows this isn’t some fling.

Don’t love the third act break up, they both value communication and it just seemed out of character for them and a little rushed. It’s a novella so I get it, but she went from devastated to declaring her love in a couple of pages and it was just a little much.
Profile Image for Nicole Schneider.
33 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2022
It has been a long time since I had the urge to read a contemporary sports romance but thanks to Nikki Hall I am back into it and loving it!
Derrick Asher is the sexy tatted up football star who doesn't let anything distract him.... well that is until Nadia enters his life. Nadia Blackwood can't stand athletes and their egos, but then she meets Derrick who desperately wants to prove to her that he isn't some selfish jock star.
This is just a glimpse into the Wild Card series and we get introduced to a couple of Derrick's teammates who I HOPE each get their own story.
The tension and heat between Nadia and Derrick is a total GAME CHANGER!
Seriously if you love college football romances and need something spicy in your life pick this book up you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,633 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2022
short sweet and spicy

Loved the story! You get quickly sucked into the push and pull between Nadia and Derrick. They have instant chemistry and challenge one another to really get to know each other instead of the preconceived notions about being a jock or psych major. Loved that Derrick was such a good guy and the complete opposite of the usually bully jock quarterback. Loved how he perused her and had no issues waiting because he knew she was it. Loved how all the friends just welcomed her despite Soren being more reserved. That phone scene whew. *Fans face* can’t wait for Soren’s book.
Profile Image for Diana.
385 reviews12 followers
March 26, 2023
so cute 🥰🥰

Now I didn’t start this series in order, didn’t affect my reading and Derrick and Nadia are so sweet 🥰 Their relationship wasn’t rushed and the whole coach thing was so messed up but a nice build up into what’s going to happen in Rule Breaker. Seeing Derrick reassure Nadia every step of the way in their relationship was amazing due to her having abandonment issues and not easily trusting people. He brought her around his team, his friends and never once gave her a reason to doubt but didn’t pressure her. He gave her the time she needed and overall he was amazing 🥰 definitely glad I got the first two books in this series after reading Front Runner.
Profile Image for Book Obsessed  Goddess.
122 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2024
First up in @nikkihallbooks #wildcardseries
The Prequel Game Changer. This was a cute little story that explain a couple that we meet in book 1.

Watching Nadia show D that there is more to life than football and having her give him a hard time was amazing. D is that friend that protects and cares about his friends. He makes sure they feel like family and has everyone feel included. Nadia is beautiful and smart and not afraid to call you out if you arent doing your part. Study sessions get steamy, football career gets threatened and the coaches get put in their place. I truly loved seeing a glimpse of this adorable couple and I'm so glad they got their #HappilyEverAfter that they deserved. They were the ones who helped the others find their story. D is dedicated and loyal and his friends always have his back. Reading this one first or after book one just gives you a different view but do not necessarily cause any issues in the time line.

It is a standalone series. Each book can easily be read alone but they are all so amazing I recommend reading them all in order.

You can even get this one free from joining her newsletter.

My only complaint is it wasn't longer lol
#books
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#booklover
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Profile Image for sassy.smutty.reads.
100 reviews4 followers
October 10, 2023
𝕊𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕪.𝕤𝕞𝕦𝕥𝕥𝕪.𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕤 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:
𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪: ✨✨✨✨/5
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Nadia is in her last year of college with her focus set on graduation. The last thing she expected was to get involved with the extremely hot Captain and Quarterback of her college’s football team who she just so happens to share a class with (does this make sense?). Losing a bet, she is forced to spend more time with Derrick Asher in order for her to see that he more than his skill on the football field.

Derrick Asher is so close to achieving his dreams of paying in the NFL, but he gets sidelined when he meets his mysterious, spunky, and beautiful classmate. He can’t get her out of his head and is determined to change her mind about football players.

“The choice is yours, always, but I’ve been dreaming of you for weeks. As long as you’re willing, I have no intention of keeping my hands—or my mouth—to myself.”

This was such a cute prequel to the Wild Card series! With a little over 100 pages, this is the perfect read to dip your toe into the Teagan University universe! I highly suggest reading this before you start Rule Breaker, the first book in the Wild Card series.

What to look for in this prequel:
- Opposites Attract
- College Football Romance
- He falls first
Profile Image for katapolt13.
255 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This football romance novella snapped me right out of my reading slump. It was quick, cute, and spicy. I adore a storyline where the guy falls first, and the female lead wants nothing to do with him at the start. Derrick was a total golden retriever, and Nadia had all the black cat energy, and I loved this dynamic, especially since he is used to being the one everyone adores.

Nadia has trust issues with athletes, and honestly, she has every reason to. Derrick is determined to prove he is different, so they agree to a dare. They will each spend a day doing the other's favorite activities so they can actually get to know one another.

✨ What to Expect ✨
📚 Novella
🏈❤️ Football Romance
🎯 A Dare
⚡️ Insta Attraction
🫶 He Falls First
➕➖ Opposites Attract
🐶 Golden Retriever MMC
🐈‍⬛ Black Cat FMC
Profile Image for bookbabe_18.
110 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
Game Changer was a great Prelude into the Wild Card series by Nikki Hall! 🤗

This was my first Nikki Hall book and I’m excited to have found a new author to get into! The writing was great! I think it can be tricky to have a whole relationship bloom in a Novella and have it not seem/feel superficial but I think she did a fabulous job at making their connection more than just physical.

I enjoyed the both characters a lot. Our MMC Derrick was wholesome and sweet and I adored watching him fall in love with Nadia! The FMC Nadia has been through so much in her life already be I think she handled herself with grace even in her hard moments.
I liked getting a glimpse at the side characters that I’m assuming I’ll get to know more of in the rest of the series!

Overall it was a great short read with a lot of heart that I enjoyed from start to finish! 🥰
316 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2023
Fun and flirty

Derrick and Nadia were too cute. I loved the insta attraction, and the flirting between them . It was nice to see their friendship develop before they gave into their lust but man when they finally did it was explosive.
I adored Derrick he was so much more than the sexy tatted football palyer. He was caring, and I loved how in spite of his focus on football he made the effort to spend time with Nadia. Derrick saw them as endgame which was so sweet, and made sure that Nadia and everyone else knew that. Nadia was sassy and spirited and fit perfect with Derrick and his world. This novella was funny, and sweet with lots of swoony moments, it was also the perfect introduction to some of the other guys on the team and I can't wait to read more!

Profile Image for Ashley.
111 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2024
Usually it is hockey romance books I read, but after this series being suggested on my kindle thought I would give it a go. I was not disappointed!

This was a nice sweet and spicy novella which provides a great set up for the rest of the series. I love Derrick and Nadia are a great couple their chemistry is off the charts. Love the pull that they had pretty much from the start, but tried to hold back, especially Nadia.

I didn't love the 3rd act break up, lack of communication between them which could have been avoided but once it was resolved it was a nice ending to the whole story. I know it was a novella but would have preferred if it was long to get a bit more of Derrick and Nadia.

Looking forward to meet the rest of the team in the series.
Profile Image for Lena.
36 reviews
January 18, 2026
This book isn’t bad at all, especially for a prequel. It’s very short and moves at a fast pace, which made me wish it were a little longer so the story could be explored more fully. That said, the storyline itself is quite good. It’s well-structured, flows in order, and you can clearly pinpoint the moment where everything shifts and the romance really begins to develop.
While I would have enjoyed a few more pages and perhaps a bit more drama, it’s still an enjoyable read. Everything unfolds naturally—one event leading smoothly into the next. Overall, I’d rate it four out of five stars. If you’re looking for a quick, easy read where you have a good sense of how things will play out and just want something light and romantic, this is a great pick.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,166 reviews31 followers
August 7, 2024
His Love and Patience Helped Build Her Trust -
This was a wonderful, but emotional college romance story, about a young lady with so much baggage she doesn’t trust anything good that comes into her life and a young man who finds himself inexplicably drawn to the young lady and is prepared to destroy the life he has worked hard to build, just so he can have her in his life. I was totally hooked on the story from the first page and couldn’t stop until I finished reading it. I am sure you will enjoy this story just as much as I did.

I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deanna.
3,703 reviews55 followers
December 23, 2023
I wish Derrick and Nadia's romance was a full-length romance instead of a novella simply because everything has to happen at a faster pace in a novella. I loved these characters, and I adored them together. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed and the drama that unfolded. I can only imagine what's next with that stinking coach by what they went through (and also because I started at book 2 and got a hint). This was a strong start to the series I've fallen in love with. 

You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
1,547 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2023
Insta love at fist sight, what a way to start the new school year for Nadia. Really who doesn't know Derrick " D" Asher on the football team. There is something about a guy that is confident and knows what he wants and goes after it.

D has set his sight on Nadia and oh boy is she in trouble. This guy will going the extra mile to show that he is more than a jock and that she is means more to him that a ball bunnie.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,680 reviews82 followers
August 8, 2023
I think I would have rated this higher if the book was longer and had time to fully flesh out all the details. Because the drama and conflict feel quite contrived and overdone and it tells you about their personalities instead of showing you, but I really think it was just trying to fit too many things into a limited number of pages, and if it had the length I think it would have really excelled. (Which does mean I expect great things from the first full length book).
128 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2024
A. This is book 1. Not 0.5.
B. Because of the condensed nature of this book all of the fodder that made the first book slow was gone. This book is good, fast, but not too Insta love that I'm like huh?

Such a good little book, it's refreshing although it is very fast!!

I'm basing my rating on how many time the terrible word "niggling" was used when "inkling" was right there. -1 star for every use = 4 stars.
Profile Image for Bailey.
234 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2024
It’s a short novella to introduce the characters that are going to be in the main series. Therefore, I will look past the very quick pace and sorta cringey storyline. I mean it’s basically A Cinderella Story but there isn’t a drought for them to kiss in the rain. Hahahaha but really - writing was good just not super original plot which is okay for an intro novella.

Favorite non-spoiler quote: “I think you’ve angered the harem. I’d rather stand, thanks.”
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,315 reviews79 followers
February 17, 2024
This novella was a nice introduction to the setting and characters for Nikki Hall's Wild Card series.

Derrick and Nadia have an instant connection and attraction, but se has trust issues and he is supposed to be laser focused on football. The easy about the relationship. I loved how all in he was from the very beginning.

This is my first book from Nikki Hall that I definitely want to read more and I can't wait to start the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Tara Cavanaugh.
139 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2025
This was a cute read. I loved Nadia and Derrick! Their relationship development was so fun to watch blossom. Nadia learning to love and let people in after her upbringing. Derrick finally learning to love something other than his only real love, football. Nadia shows him that there’s more to life than football. I got sucked into this book and my only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough lol It was a good start to the series and I can’t wait to read more from Nikki!
Profile Image for Catie.
269 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2023
I started to reading Rule Breaker said to be the first in the series, Which is obviously not true because of the references to this couple in the beginning of that book, so I went back and read this.if you can overlook that in the other book then I would say skip this it wasn't bad it just was what it was. Not worth a purchase but should definitely be available on KU.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,139 reviews39 followers
February 4, 2024
This was my first Nikki Hall book and I really loved it!
From the minute Derrick and Nadia’s (Em) eyes meet in class, it’s game on for him. I loved everything about their relationship. This is a quick read that leads you into a series of football players and their girls. Can’t wait to read more!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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