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Game Changer
Finn Chalmers looks like he has it all - the body, the brains, the upcoming captaincy of the Auckland Knights rugby league team. But there's one thing the man they call 'Charming' can't get - and that's the attention of his best friend and unrequited love Cara Holt. When a stalker targets Cara, Finn moves her into his place for safety. But there's nothing safe about being in such tight quarters with temptation.
When the whistle blows and the sun comes up, will Charming have found his Happily Ever After?
When the whistle blows and the sun comes up, will Charming have found his Happily Ever After?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2022
About the author
Courtney Clark Michaels
25 books37 followersWriter of modern, diverse fairytales with a South Pacific twist.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 9, 2023
okay story
The story was okay, with characters that were also okay.
I have nothing bad to say about the book but I couldn’t connect to the plot(s) the way I wanted and some of it felt a little wooden and two-dimensional.
The story was okay, with characters that were also okay.
I have nothing bad to say about the book but I couldn’t connect to the plot(s) the way I wanted and some of it felt a little wooden and two-dimensional.
December 8, 2022
A hair shy of three stars.
Game Changer was my first time reading something by this author, and while I didn't precisely dislike it, I didn't love it either. As a best-friends-to-lovers novel (my kryptonite), it should have knocked my socks off. Instead, it was just mildly pleasant.
Cara and Finn have been BFFs since university, though he's a couple of years her junior (at 24, a baby...but then again, I'm old). He's now a rugby star and she a teacher, and he's beyond ready to profess his love for her... She's just not ready to hear it.
Both have things in their pasts that have shaped their individual perceptions of love and fidelity, though it seems odd to me that neither shared those things with the other before now. None of their secrets seemed the type to hide from a best friend, and it just felt to me like they only purpose the secrets had were to drive the plot forward. The stalker element is a little weak until it isn't (and not at all hard to figure out); perhaps things are different in New Zealand, but in the US, it's doubtful the police would give two seconds consideration to a couple of notes, especially notes that weren't worded in any particularly threatening way. It would have been more believable had there been evidence of escalation, but there really wasn't. Like the secrets thing, it felt like the stalker was added for no other reason to drive the plot.
I would have preferred the story not have those two elements and instead focus on the incremental, beautiful changes that turn a perfect friendship into something more. That part--the wonder when you start to see someone you know in a different light--was missing for me. It felt more accidental than gradual, and for me, that was disappointing.
On the other hand, the characters are cute. Finn is not the dog the public think he is (I was never sure how posing for an underwear add could lead to that assumption, especially as it didn't appear he dated much). Cara is a harder nut to crack, but her soft spot for kids and animals shows she has much to offer.
More books in this series are on the horizon, but I'm not sure that I feel the need to check back in with these characters, as cute as they are.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Game Changer was my first time reading something by this author, and while I didn't precisely dislike it, I didn't love it either. As a best-friends-to-lovers novel (my kryptonite), it should have knocked my socks off. Instead, it was just mildly pleasant.
Cara and Finn have been BFFs since university, though he's a couple of years her junior (at 24, a baby...but then again, I'm old). He's now a rugby star and she a teacher, and he's beyond ready to profess his love for her... She's just not ready to hear it.
Both have things in their pasts that have shaped their individual perceptions of love and fidelity, though it seems odd to me that neither shared those things with the other before now. None of their secrets seemed the type to hide from a best friend, and it just felt to me like they only purpose the secrets had were to drive the plot forward. The stalker element is a little weak until it isn't (and not at all hard to figure out); perhaps things are different in New Zealand, but in the US, it's doubtful the police would give two seconds consideration to a couple of notes, especially notes that weren't worded in any particularly threatening way. It would have been more believable had there been evidence of escalation, but there really wasn't. Like the secrets thing, it felt like the stalker was added for no other reason to drive the plot.
I would have preferred the story not have those two elements and instead focus on the incremental, beautiful changes that turn a perfect friendship into something more. That part--the wonder when you start to see someone you know in a different light--was missing for me. It felt more accidental than gradual, and for me, that was disappointing.
On the other hand, the characters are cute. Finn is not the dog the public think he is (I was never sure how posing for an underwear add could lead to that assumption, especially as it didn't appear he dated much). Cara is a harder nut to crack, but her soft spot for kids and animals shows she has much to offer.
More books in this series are on the horizon, but I'm not sure that I feel the need to check back in with these characters, as cute as they are.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
January 14, 2023
Overall, this book was good. The chemistry between Cara and Finn was intense and yet very sweet and honest. I really enjoyed being on their journey through admitting their feelings for one another. Though it was frustrating at times just how much they used things in their lives as an excuse not to be together, primarily Cara. I understand that her parents were absolutely the cause of her attitude and feelings toward love and being in love. But she just seemed to take it to the extreme many times.
While she had a stalker, there were times it felt Cara was really making light of the situation. It kind of seemed like Finn was more concerned with her having a stalker than Cara was. And honestly it felt like she put Finn through a lot. The guy is head over heels for her, that much is clear from the first chapter. And there were many times where I found myself wishing Cara would just give the poor guy a break.
But I will say the pacing and the evolution of the relationship was very good and very realistic. Even though I wanted Cara to give Finn a break sometimes, the way the two of them came together was done very well. The ending had a definite twist that I didn’t see coming. And that’s always nice to not be able to predict the outcomes. Finn was an extremely easy character to fall in love with and he was definitely my favorite character in this book. I would love to get to know more about his teammates as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While she had a stalker, there were times it felt Cara was really making light of the situation. It kind of seemed like Finn was more concerned with her having a stalker than Cara was. And honestly it felt like she put Finn through a lot. The guy is head over heels for her, that much is clear from the first chapter. And there were many times where I found myself wishing Cara would just give the poor guy a break.
But I will say the pacing and the evolution of the relationship was very good and very realistic. Even though I wanted Cara to give Finn a break sometimes, the way the two of them came together was done very well. The ending had a definite twist that I didn’t see coming. And that’s always nice to not be able to predict the outcomes. Finn was an extremely easy character to fall in love with and he was definitely my favorite character in this book. I would love to get to know more about his teammates as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2023
~3.5 stars~
This was a sweet, somewhat humorous tale. I enjoyed the friendship Finn and Cara shared. They obviously cared very deeply for one another beyond the romance part of their relationship. Finn was a solid alpha male—protective, possessive, and loving. I, at certain points, actually thought he was too good for Cara. Cara’s extreme stubbornness and reluctance to acknowledge her obvious chemistry with Finn was tiresome.
The stalker subplot added some excitement to the story, but it was rather undeveloped. The stalker’s identity was clear pretty early on, but the reasoning behind the stalking was weak. The book’s suspense was also dampened by my difficulty connecting with Cara’s character. I didn’t really care what happened to her, though I still wanted Finn to get his happy ending and was pleased by the conclusion.
Overall, this was a fun, slightly suspenseful romance. I recommend it to those who love the friends-to-lovers trope.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
This was a sweet, somewhat humorous tale. I enjoyed the friendship Finn and Cara shared. They obviously cared very deeply for one another beyond the romance part of their relationship. Finn was a solid alpha male—protective, possessive, and loving. I, at certain points, actually thought he was too good for Cara. Cara’s extreme stubbornness and reluctance to acknowledge her obvious chemistry with Finn was tiresome.
The stalker subplot added some excitement to the story, but it was rather undeveloped. The stalker’s identity was clear pretty early on, but the reasoning behind the stalking was weak. The book’s suspense was also dampened by my difficulty connecting with Cara’s character. I didn’t really care what happened to her, though I still wanted Finn to get his happy ending and was pleased by the conclusion.
Overall, this was a fun, slightly suspenseful romance. I recommend it to those who love the friends-to-lovers trope.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
January 5, 2023
Good start to a new sports series
Game Changer was the first book from this author I have read, and I enjoyed it.
A friend to lovers story, Finn has been in love with his best friend Cara since he met her, Cara on the other hand, takes her time getting to the same point.
Both their backstories come out during the developing relationship in an organic way, their pasts very much forming their current views and actions on life, love, and relationships, Ms. Michaels has written it in a natural flowing way that hooks the reader and takes you along for the ride, making you invested in the outcome.
The stalking sub-plot adds interest, tension and lets Finn’s protector flag fly, it also puts them under the same roof to get their relationship to the next level.
I really liked that it was set in New Zealand, a country I lived in for a while and loved. I’ll be watching for the next in the series and look forward to reading it.
Game Changer was the first book from this author I have read, and I enjoyed it.
A friend to lovers story, Finn has been in love with his best friend Cara since he met her, Cara on the other hand, takes her time getting to the same point.
Both their backstories come out during the developing relationship in an organic way, their pasts very much forming their current views and actions on life, love, and relationships, Ms. Michaels has written it in a natural flowing way that hooks the reader and takes you along for the ride, making you invested in the outcome.
The stalking sub-plot adds interest, tension and lets Finn’s protector flag fly, it also puts them under the same roof to get their relationship to the next level.
I really liked that it was set in New Zealand, a country I lived in for a while and loved. I’ll be watching for the next in the series and look forward to reading it.
April 13, 2023
This was so incredibly good, though I'm bitter as I chug coffee to try to make up for the late night I was forced to have to finish it. The premise-hiding from a stalker forced proximity- is basically an auto click for me, and this did not disappoint.
Finn is a cute, frustrated little baby (he's 24?! I don't know why that seems like baby age to me but it does) and I loved him. Loved him. I admit I spent about half the book wanting to punt Cara into the sun. But that's fine. They both had me literally putting my hand over my heart at how cute they were multiple times. Precious lil nuggets.
The steam was...amazing? Incredible? I would like to list all of the most delightful parts, but I don't want to give anything away. But I promise it's a real treat. And the kissing scenes were beautifully written, which is hard to come by, I find.
Finn is a cute, frustrated little baby (he's 24?! I don't know why that seems like baby age to me but it does) and I loved him. Loved him. I admit I spent about half the book wanting to punt Cara into the sun. But that's fine. They both had me literally putting my hand over my heart at how cute they were multiple times. Precious lil nuggets.
The steam was...amazing? Incredible? I would like to list all of the most delightful parts, but I don't want to give anything away. But I promise it's a real treat. And the kissing scenes were beautifully written, which is hard to come by, I find.
December 12, 2022
Michaels does it again. After enjoying Pacific Passions, I was excited to hear this new series has six books!
Game Changer is a story of a strong friendship that becomes the love story. I was begging for them to get together as much as Finn was.
Mixed with past and current trauma - Michaels navigates this with sensitivity.
My favourite line was about consent being sexy. Hell yes it is and I appreciate how Michaels portrays healthy sexual relationships in her writing.
Michaels story telling is detailed and has a certain pace that draws you in and makes it hard to put down. There are links to past books, feels like catching up with old friends, as well as links to future books...whose sexy stories will we here next? Looking forward to Izzy and Zac!
Game Changer is a story of a strong friendship that becomes the love story. I was begging for them to get together as much as Finn was.
Mixed with past and current trauma - Michaels navigates this with sensitivity.
My favourite line was about consent being sexy. Hell yes it is and I appreciate how Michaels portrays healthy sexual relationships in her writing.
Michaels story telling is detailed and has a certain pace that draws you in and makes it hard to put down. There are links to past books, feels like catching up with old friends, as well as links to future books...whose sexy stories will we here next? Looking forward to Izzy and Zac!
January 5, 2023
Loved Cara. Loved Finn. I understood Cara’s need for independence. With her history, being dependent equaled being weak, not just a relationship of give and take. Finn was a wonderful man - an athlete who hadn’t had all his emotions beaten out of him, despite HIS horrible childhood. He was so loving and open with his feelings. I was also so pleased when Cara protected herself, though she wasn’t as careful about her safety as she should’ve been. Very moving story/ relationship. Making mistakes is human but forgiving and loving can make everything right.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2024
3.5
Really well written. Not my usual type of book as a sports romance, but it was quite neat reading a story full if NZ cultural references.
This is a friends to lovers story with a stalker thrown in for tension. Both characters have some childhood trauma which creates issues and angst for them. It flips some stereotypes. The league playing hero has a playboy rep but is actually a super sensitive guy, and the sweet kindergarten teacher is secretly tough and independent with a wild side.
If you like this style of story, contemporary romance with a sports hero and some family drama, I think this is a book you'd definitely enjoy.
Really well written. Not my usual type of book as a sports romance, but it was quite neat reading a story full if NZ cultural references.
This is a friends to lovers story with a stalker thrown in for tension. Both characters have some childhood trauma which creates issues and angst for them. It flips some stereotypes. The league playing hero has a playboy rep but is actually a super sensitive guy, and the sweet kindergarten teacher is secretly tough and independent with a wild side.
If you like this style of story, contemporary romance with a sports hero and some family drama, I think this is a book you'd definitely enjoy.
May 10, 2025
I loved this book 💜 it was short and easy but had everything and not in try-hard way, just in a every day life, way. It had different races, different sexualities, an ease of use of the Maori language and yet none of it was shoved in your face, it just existed like it does in real life and it was done so well.
The book was easy, the characters easy, it was simple. I don’t like rugby but he was just a rugby player, it didn’t go into huge detail of the game so it was fine even as a non-sports person.
This book for me was a pallet cleanser after a heavy, deep, emotional big fantasy story and it was just what I needed. Highly recommend for a simple romance. Loved it!
The book was easy, the characters easy, it was simple. I don’t like rugby but he was just a rugby player, it didn’t go into huge detail of the game so it was fine even as a non-sports person.
This book for me was a pallet cleanser after a heavy, deep, emotional big fantasy story and it was just what I needed. Highly recommend for a simple romance. Loved it!
January 5, 2023
Finn and Cara are the sweetest. Both of them have very good reasons to have relationship issues. Cara learned in a very harsh way, seemingly good relationships are not good. Finn has never really known what it is like to be loved unconditionally. Their friendship was beautiful and supportive, it makes sense that these friends would become lovers. I love the fact that even though this is a sports romance it is not bogged down with the sport. It is more like Finn happens to play professional Rugby so, by default rugby players are his social circle.
December 12, 2022
Thoroughly entertained. I got so wrapped-up in the way they were figuring out how to manage their more romantic feelings that I forgot about the stalker. She's a little too trustworthy, very independent, and a little stubborn but Finn just wants to love her forever, love his determination. Very emotional and a bit of angst. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2023
Game Changer (Hot Rugby Knights) was a sweet read. I love a good friends to lovers story and this one was very well done.
I do wish there wasn't the stalker aspect of the story - I think it took away a bit from the romance but it did bring them together in the same place which allowed for their feelings to grow.
I received this ARC free from Booksirens. The review is voluntary. The opinions my own.
I do wish there wasn't the stalker aspect of the story - I think it took away a bit from the romance but it did bring them together in the same place which allowed for their feelings to grow.
I received this ARC free from Booksirens. The review is voluntary. The opinions my own.
April 10, 2025
My first rugby romance!
I went into this expecting full blown rugby and supporter romance and was presently surprised to find there is a suspense and stalker element to the story as well! this is a classic friends to lovers. Finn has waited 5 years and he's done waiting!
I will say I feel like the end was a little rushed but it's also a short book so that could just be taken as fast paced as everything does get wrapped up (:
looking forward to reading book 2
I went into this expecting full blown rugby and supporter romance and was presently surprised to find there is a suspense and stalker element to the story as well! this is a classic friends to lovers. Finn has waited 5 years and he's done waiting!
I will say I feel like the end was a little rushed but it's also a short book so that could just be taken as fast paced as everything does get wrapped up (:
looking forward to reading book 2
December 29, 2022
First book I have read by this author and it won’t be my last. Cara and Finn are so sweet, and stubborn in their different ways. They both have things from their childhood that affect their lives and how they think about love. I was so engrossed in the story, willing them to open their eyes! Great read.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
February 7, 2023
A true friends to lovers story with a twist - someone is stalking Cara. While the law seems powerless until something happens, Finn steps in to protect his best friend.
Along the way both have to work through painful past experiences so that they may ultimately find personal healing
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm voluntarily posting this review
Along the way both have to work through painful past experiences so that they may ultimately find personal healing
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm voluntarily posting this review
February 26, 2023
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was ok. It didn’t grab me while reading it and I didn’t connect with the characters. I appreciated some of the resolution between the characters but if there could have been more excitement throughout the book I might have been more engaged. A lot of it seemed like poor communication between Cara and Finn.
This book was ok. It didn’t grab me while reading it and I didn’t connect with the characters. I appreciated some of the resolution between the characters but if there could have been more excitement throughout the book I might have been more engaged. A lot of it seemed like poor communication between Cara and Finn.
April 1, 2023
A brilliant sports romance and great series starter! Game Change is swoony and steamy and funny. Id devoured it in a day. (And anyone who can get the phrase “the lure of the hegemonic fantasy” into their romance novel deserves high praise, in my opinion!)
Tropes: M/F, dual POV, forced proximity, friends to lovers, New Zealand setting, open door spice.
Tropes: M/F, dual POV, forced proximity, friends to lovers, New Zealand setting, open door spice.
January 18, 2026
honestly, i was so excited for this book. it was my first read of the year & im kinda disappointed. the book was ok. to me, cara was irritating throughout the whole book & i felt that finn deserved better. she had a stalker, didn't take shit seriously & that's why bernard caught her ass slippin 🤣 if she just listened to finn then it might have been prevented?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2023
This book hits the sweet spot, with just enough angsty longing to make the pay-off sing! Great banter and a really sweet friendship, but then it turns super steamy and I AM HERE FOR IT. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
July 30, 2024
Best friends-to-lovers novel. Cara stays at Finn’s house because she has a stalker. He has loved her since college and she is unaware. I liked the chemistry between the two but thought they could have gotten together earlier.
July 2, 2024
This was very sweet and a little spicy. I'm intrigued by the players on Finn's team.
August 13, 2024
This is a friends-to-lovers romance set with a rugby background in New Zealand. Finn is one of the star players for the Knights. And his best friend Cara has been his biggest supporter since college. He loves her, but he is firmly stuck in the friend zone. But when she has a stalker, she moves in with him for better security.
I liked the team and am glad that more books about the Knights are coming. I found this a great presentation of masculinity that isn't toxic. And I really liked both Finn and Cara and their character arcs. However, some of the stalker storyline went a bit far for me and felt like a big change in tone. The underlying writing was good, and I don't expect that again, so I plan to read future books from this author.
3.5 stars rounded up
I liked the team and am glad that more books about the Knights are coming. I found this a great presentation of masculinity that isn't toxic. And I really liked both Finn and Cara and their character arcs. However, some of the stalker storyline went a bit far for me and felt like a big change in tone. The underlying writing was good, and I don't expect that again, so I plan to read future books from this author.
3.5 stars rounded up
September 7, 2024
1.75. Just not for me. I found myself skimming most of the book.
January 7, 2023
This book was a fast read with plenty of steam. I liked that Finn was the one who kept pushing Cara. They'd been the best of friends since university, but she was enough older than he, that she just never considered a relationship. Yes, she'd always been attracted but he could have anyone, as the hordes of women swarming him after his rugby matches attest. What could he possibly see in a teacher who moonlights as a waitress in a bar?
When a stalker begins making Cara very uncomfortable, Finn steps in, moving her into his home for "protection." Will their new living arrangements finally help her see that he's more than a friend?
I read this in the span of one afternoon, so if you're looking for something steamy that you can fly through, this is a great one to pick up. This was my second book by this author, and I'm happy I picked it up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a stalker begins making Cara very uncomfortable, Finn steps in, moving her into his home for "protection." Will their new living arrangements finally help her see that he's more than a friend?
I read this in the span of one afternoon, so if you're looking for something steamy that you can fly through, this is a great one to pick up. This was my second book by this author, and I'm happy I picked it up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2023
I chose to read and review this book. I enjoyed reading this one. I have read others for this author and like her work. I liked Finn and Cara's characters a lot. I liked how they meet and interacted together. I enjoyed his protective and caring side of him toward her. I also enjoyed how in each chapter they both evolve and change with their interactions. I recommend it and cant wait for the next one in this series
January 27, 2023
A few weeks ago I saw a post from @amyandrewsbooks about another rugby series and after loving the Sydney Smoke series I knew I could take her recommendation. Game Changer is the first book in a new series Hot Rugby Nights focused on Finn and Cara.
Finn and Cara have been friends for five years after meeting in college and Finn has been in love ever since. One day Cara calls Finn because she is being stalked, someone is leaving notes on her car. The stalker knows where Cara works and lives so Finn decided she must move in with him to be safer.
Finn takes this time to show Cara that they can be more than just best friends. Although Cars is stubborn to fall in love (with valid reasons), it is obvious that Finn is perfect for her. They were an adorable couple and I loved them together. I also loved how Cara was always so quick to defend and stand up for Finn to his family and couch.
I am excited to see what happens with the next player, Zac! So thankful to Amy Andrews for introducing me to @Courtneyclarkmichaels !
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Scene: club
Finn and Cara have been friends for five years after meeting in college and Finn has been in love ever since. One day Cara calls Finn because she is being stalked, someone is leaving notes on her car. The stalker knows where Cara works and lives so Finn decided she must move in with him to be safer.
Finn takes this time to show Cara that they can be more than just best friends. Although Cars is stubborn to fall in love (with valid reasons), it is obvious that Finn is perfect for her. They were an adorable couple and I loved them together. I also loved how Cara was always so quick to defend and stand up for Finn to his family and couch.
I am excited to see what happens with the next player, Zac! So thankful to Amy Andrews for introducing me to @Courtneyclarkmichaels !
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Scene: club
November 9, 2025
Un friends to lovers modalidad «dos tontos muy tontos» (son amigos enamorados el uno del otro que nunca se lo han dicho). Ambientado en Nueva Zelanda, con héroe dedicado al rugby league (parecido, pero no igual a lo que aquí conocemos como rugby).
Tópicos: friends to lovers, forced proximity.
Él: Finn Chalmers (24), jugador estrella, rico de familia, modelo y con fama de ligón.
Ella: Cara Holt (27), profesora de prescolar.
Narrada en tercera persona, ¡qué alivio! Aunque... acabé leyendo de través. Sonaban muy infantiles, por mucho picante que le echen a algunas escenas. Me parece a mi que la autora tiene buenas ideas pero que no sabe encajarlas bien en la historia para armar un argumento con tensión.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog, donde hablo de las duchas de agua caliente, el servicio doméstico y el índice de suicidios de los chicos neozelandeses.
Tópicos: friends to lovers, forced proximity.
Él: Finn Chalmers (24), jugador estrella, rico de familia, modelo y con fama de ligón.
Ella: Cara Holt (27), profesora de prescolar.
Narrada en tercera persona, ¡qué alivio! Aunque... acabé leyendo de través. Sonaban muy infantiles, por mucho picante que le echen a algunas escenas. Me parece a mi que la autora tiene buenas ideas pero que no sabe encajarlas bien en la historia para armar un argumento con tensión.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog, donde hablo de las duchas de agua caliente, el servicio doméstico y el índice de suicidios de los chicos neozelandeses.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews