Beyond the Rating: Game Changes Series by Rachel Reid

My thoughts as a reader who enjoyed the show then read the books

What’s it About

Each book follows a different couple - with the exception of Heated Rivalry and Long Game which are about the same couple - where at least one of the men is an NHL player.

Game Changer - Kip, a Masters student in Art History who works at a smoothie bar, and Scott, an NHL player who’s “ancient” (in his late 30s).

Heated Rivalry and Long Game - Shane, an anxious, quiet Canadian and Ilya, a Russian. Both NHL players, rivals since they were rookies.

Tough Guy - NHL player and musician, Fabien

Common Goal - Eric, an NHL goalie, and Kyle, a grad student

Role Model - Troy, defender who is constantly being traded, and Harris, his latest team’s social media manager

What Do I Think?

These books are all 3.5 stars for me using my 2026 rating system. A good balance of story character development, and spice.

I have to point out that I read them after watching teh entire show so was used to teh pace of the episodes. Reading them (via eBook) took a much shorter amount of time so felt like the stories were rushed. I’d since read another one of Reid’s hockey books that’s not related and rated it 4.25 stars so take that as you will.

Before You Go

Have the HR / Hollanov universe found you? Did you watch the show or read the books first?