The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson
4 Stars
The Book At A Glance
When a hockey star’s very public breakup turns into a PR disaster, Ian Chase teams up with Delilah Baker—a TV baker with slipping ratings and his best friend’s little sister—to fake a relationship that could save both their careers. What starts as a win-win publicity stunt quickly blurs the line between business and real feelings, putting everything on the line both on and off the ice.
Bookish Thoughts
While browsing my local library for a Lana Ferguson book, this was the only one available—and honestly, I wasn’t mad about it. It’s a sports romance, a genre I’m always a fan of, making it an easy pick and a fun surprise find.
Book Review
The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson is an absolute treat for anyone who loves a good romantic comedy—especially one filled with brother’s-best-friend tension, fake dating shenanigans, and delicious baking moments. Delilah is a struggling baker whose show ratings are slipping, while Ian is a hockey star desperate to repair his bad-boy image. Teaming up on screen seems like the perfect solution for both of them, and watching their worlds (and chemistry!) collide is half the fun.
I adore Lana Ferguson’s writing style—there’s always warmth, humor, and just the right amount of spice. This novel is no exception. Delilah and Ian are incredibly charming leads, and their dynamic feels both swoony and heartfelt. I especially loved the baking element woven throughout the story; it added such a cozy, sweet vibe that balanced perfectly with the high-energy hockey backdrop.
The side characters were just as delightful. Jack Baker, Delilah’s brother, was such a standout, and Mei and Bella were an adorable duo I would absolutely read a novella about. Abby was another favorite—while I did predict her role in the story early on, it didn’t take away from her charm, and I’m so excited for her upcoming book with Jack. They’re the perfect pairing, and I can’t wait to see their story unfold.
One of my favorite things about this novel? No third-act breakup. I love when a romance leans on healthy communication instead of forced drama, and Delilah’s constant trust in Ian made their relationship even sweeter. Plus, the spicy scenes were incredibly well done—Ian definitely earns his spot as a top-tier hockey romance hero.
Overall, The Game Changer is a fun, flirty, heartfelt rom-com I would recommend to all romance lovers—especially anyone who enjoys brother’s-best-friend, fake dating, sports romance, or a cozy baking subplot. It has all the tropes you could want, great characters, and a love story that will make you smile from start to finish.
“Maybe love can only truly be held by two people, because it’s too big for just one.”
Lana Ferguson
Shelf To Table
The perfect food pairing for this novel is Cream-Filled Chocolate Cupcakes. Cream-filled chocolate cupcakes are the perfect match for this book. The main character affectionately calls her romantic interest “cupcake,” even has a cupcake tattoo, and works as a baker, making this treat feel especially fitting. With their rich chocolate exterior and round shape, the cupcakes even resemble a hockey puck, tying together the baking and hockey elements in a sweet, playful way.
Cream-Filled Chocolate Cupcakes
Cream-filled chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist chocolate cupcakes with a deep cocoa flavor, topped with a soft, domed crumb and filled with fluffy vanilla buttercream. The smooth, sweet center contrasts perfectly with the tender chocolate cake, creating a bakery-style treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent—like a classic snack cake elevated into a decadent dessert.
Book Club Bite
A perfect book club food idea for this novel is mini chicken sliders—they capture the fun, casual vibe of a hockey game day and feel just like something you’d grab at the arena between periods.
