Note: This is not a standalone novel. Book 1 is The Perfect Game and while we haven't reviewed it here, we really enjoyed it. Find out more information by clicking HERE!
Thrust into the spotlight, Cassie must learn how to navigate the waters of this sometimes unforgiving and cruel world. It's a lifestyle that makes you question your happiness and sanity as the past is never truly far behind.
How do you stay together when the world's trying to tear you apart?
Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Published June 25th 2013 by Amazon Publishing
Source: Bought
Where to Find The Game Changer:
Where to Find J. Sterling
The story begins with Jack recounting what took so long for him to come to her. We learn about Chrystle's shenanigans and how deeply sad he was about what he had done. We hear about how desperate and nervous he was to win back Cassie and how he enlisted in his brother and her best friend to get her back. Once we know the back story, the story follows their journey to find happiness in New York. Truly, his logic was flawed...but it was an incredibly romantic and sweet reunion. I liked that we picked up exactly where The Perfect Game left off.
Cassie actually provided the drama in this novel. She loves Jack but does not love the celebrity that comes with his job. She struggles with how invasive the press is and even though she knows to ignore it she finds herself reading it way too much. I cannot imagine living with the pressure that she put herself under in addition to the scrutiny of the press. Having every action photographed and posted for the world to question and judge and then not feeling like you want to burden the most important person in your life with your feelings...gah...torture! And while I had sympathy for her plight I also wanted to shake some sense into her--just talk to him, Cassie! Sheesh!
Cassie definitely has a lot of issues to work on..and Jack created that. She tries to be very self assured but with all of their relationship baggage coupled with the heartache caused by social media I totally got when she had a major meltdown. She doesn't confide her feelings in him. I didn't understand that...but like you said none of us normal people would be able to deal with the hate that comes with being in the public eye. J. Sterling also did a great job of showcasing how mean women are to one another. The baseball wives would ignore Cassie completely instead of being welcoming because she was only a girlfriend...so life lesson here: be nice and help a sister out! Got it!
Before Jack and Cassie can find a way to their wedding day, Cassie pushes Jack away to get some clarity. Jack struggles to allow her the space and fears that everything he's fought so hard for will be gone. I have to give him credit--he doesn't try to pressure her and he works to contain his panic...until one picture makes his way to his phone. This one picture has the potential to ruin everything he's worked so hard to have with Cassie.
Yeah, their communication skills weren't stellar, but he promises to go to the end of the earth to prove to her that he will be the man that she needs. I think he did a fantastic job of living up to that...and even got to turn her prove it line back around on her. Thank God for Melissa, Dean, and Gran & Gramps coming in at the perfect time to lend her some advice and clarity. I really enjoyed moments with them! (Although, shame on Melissa for sending her all of the crap posted online!)
We do get a happily ever after and a sweet epilogue at the end. While The Perfect Game had a complete story and could've ended the story of Jack and Cassie, I'm glad we got this addition to their story. I am glad too...I wasn't sure at first...but now I really am. This was a testament that life does go on, and it is still messy even after the heartstopping romantic gesture at the end of The Perfect Game. They had to work really hard at meeting in the middle, and I'm really glad that we get to see it!
Shelley: 3 1/2 Stars
Courtney: 3 Stars
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