Game Changer

Vancouver Orcas, Book 2

By: Amy Aislin

Narrated by: Aaron Hokanson

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

It’s Blair Brawsiski’s ride or die year. After a decade in the AHL, if he doesn’t get called up to the NHL this season, it’s time to hang up his skates and focus on other things. But between a second job and family priorities, his attention isn’t where it should be, and his dreams of making it to the big leagues are dwindling by the day.

Hiring a personal assistant to help out with day-to-day stuff? Probably the smartest move Blair’s made in a while. 

But when that PA turns out to be an assertive baker who’s exactly Blair’s type? Blair can’t help but wish those dexterous hands would knead something other than pastry dough. 

Charlie desperately needs extra income. With his expenses about to go up, it’s find a second job or get evicted. Getting hired as Blair’s PA is perfect: flexible hours, decent wages, and a scorching-hot professional hockey player who’s willing to let him use his gorgeous kitchen for his baked goods.

Too bad that hockey player is exactly Charlie’s type. Too bad Charlie knows better than to date his new boss....

©2023 Amy Aislin (P)2023 Amy Aislin

Baking + Hockey = yummy

We first meet Blair and Charlie in Star of the Game; Game Changer picks up a few years later and the two MCs are definitely more mature and sure of themselves. Charlie is no longer the bullied and somewhat timid fanboy and Blair, while still stretched thin, seems to be handling his many responsibilities a little better (with the exception of standing up Charlie). So, it's nice to see that some personal growth has taken place before the story begins. With that said, while I recommend reading the first book in the Vancouver Orcas series and at least the sixth book of the Stick Side series to enhance your enjoyment of this story, I think it can be read as a standalone.

Amy Aislin's characters are pretty self-aware — or tend to gain self-awareness during the story — so that a lot of the angst is within the MCs, as opposed to between them. I appreciate the fact that the mis-understandings are relatively rare and minor and there usually isn't serious conflict. I did feel as though this story focused more on the individuals than it did on them as a couple — basically, once they allowed themselves permission to date, they were a couple. I would have liked a little more couple development, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a heartwarming and sweet story.

Narrator Aaron Hokanson does a nice job, and there's never any doubt that the characters are Canadian (which is completely appropriate). He doesn't do much to differentiate the characters' voices, but since the novel is in third person, that's not really an issue.

If you like low angst romance with some hockey and some sass, you'll enjoy Game Changer!