The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson

This was my first encounter with Lana Ferguson’s work, and sadly, “The Game Changer” didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Plot Overview: Delilah has harbored a crush on Ian since childhood, and seeing him again as an adult reignites those long-dormant feelings. However, Ian, who vaguely remembers Delilah as his friend’s little sister, takes his sweet time recognizing his feelings for her.

What Didn’t Work:

1. Character Dynamics: I generally prefer romance stories where the MMC falls first and is wholly smitten. Here, Delilah’s unrequited crush, stretching back to her youth, felt a bit desperate. Ian’s obliviousness and slow realization of his feelings added to my frustration. Despite being in his thirties and previously married, he struggled to identify his attraction to Delilah, making his character seem somewhat juvenile.
2. Ian’s Secrecy: Ian’s reluctance to share his past and circumstances with Delilah was irritating, especially when Delilah kept insisting she trusted him based on his character. This lack of communication created unnecessary tension.
3. Ian’s Ex-Wife: Ian’s ex-wife being his best friend felt unrealistic and cringy. Their overly amicable relationship detracted from the story’s believability.
4. Delilah’s Self-Doubt: Delilah’s constant disbelief that Ian could be interested in her was disheartening. She’s depicted as a successful, attractive woman, yet she seemed to lack self-confidence.
5. Pacing and Plot: Once the main characters got together, the story lost momentum. The conflict, mainly revolving around internet controversies and a two-dimensional antagonist in Ian’s father, felt contrived and underdeveloped.
6. Ian’s Pessimism: Ian’s constant self-deprecation and “wounded warrior” complex became tiresome. His repeated insistence that Delilah was too good for him and his general defeatist attitude were off-putting.

What Worked:

• Supporting Characters: Delilah’s best friend Ava and her brother Jack added some much-needed lightness and humor to the story. Jack, in particular, was a favorite, bringing a refreshing dynamic to the plot.
• Spicy Content: The book does deliver on the spice. Ian’s dirty talk and the steamy scenes were well-executed. If you have a “brat” kink, you might find the repeated use of this term appealing.

Final Thoughts:

While “The Game Changer” had potential, it ultimately fell flat due to its slow pacing, frustrating character dynamics, and underwhelming plot. As much as I wanted to love this book, it just wasn’t for me. However, if you enjoy a bit of spice and complex character relationships, you might find it more to your liking.