Game Changer

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Game Changer blends the high stakes of professional hockey with the intimacy of a contemporary romance. Did you find the balance between the sports action and the central love story effective? Which aspect of the novel were you more drawn to, and why?

2. What did you think of the introduction of Scott’s on-ice rival, Ilya Rozanov? Knowing that he becomes a main character in the next book, Heated Rivalry (2019), did his brief appearance make you curious to read his story?

3. Did the progression of Scott and Kip’s relationship feel authentic to you, from their first meeting at Straw+Berry to their public declaration on the ice?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Scott constantly navigates the pressure of maintaining a polished public persona that is separate from his private self. In what ways do you manage different aspects of your own identity in various settings, such as at work versus with friends and family?

2. Before finding love, Scott relies on superstition to manage his anxiety and performance. Have you ever had a personal ritual or superstition that you felt was tied to your success or well-being?

3. A significant source of tension for Kip is his feeling of inadequacy when comparing his life to Scott’s fame and wealth. How do you think large differences in career, income, or public status can affect a relationship’s dynamics?

4. Have you ever felt the need to keep a significant part of your life private from the people around you, like Kip and Scott do with their relationship? Did their journey make you think differently about your own experiences?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel is set within the hypermasculine world of professional hockey and addresses the anti-gay bias present in that culture. Do you feel this portrayal is realistic, and have you seen any shifts in this kind of environment in professional sports since the book was first published?

2. How does Scott’s triumphant coming out after winning the Stanley Cup contribute to the broader narrative of LGBTQ+ representation in sports and media?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What did the author achieve by alternating between Scott’s and Kip’s perspectives? How did having access to both of their internal thoughts shape your understanding of their anxieties and motivations?

2. The theme of vulnerability being a catalyst for growth is central to Scott’s journey. What specific moments of emotional openness were most critical for his transformation, both as a person and as an athlete?

3. Aside from Zullo, what other character or thing would you argue is an antagonist in the text? Discuss how they/it facilitates Scott or Kip’s growth and development in the novel.

4. Discuss how the novel explores the “love at first sight” trope. In what ways does it align to other romance novels you have read? How does it subvert this trope?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If Scott had chosen not to kiss Kip on the ice, how do you envision their relationship progressing in the months following the Stanley Cup win?

2. Imagine you are Coach Harv Murdock. What advice might you give Scott in a private meeting the day after the on-ice kiss became international news?

3. The Epilogue ends with Scott’s small group of teammates celebrating at a gay nightclub. What do you imagine a quiet, post-dance-floor conversation between Scott and Ilya Rozanov might sound like?