The Change Up

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below, I would recommend reading those books(s) first
The Perfect Pitch (Indianapolis Lightning #1)
The Curve Ball (Indianapolis Lightning #2)
The Screw Ball (Indianapolis Lightning #3)

This is Hannah and Matt’s story. He had everything he needed. Until he met her on vacation, and she didn’t know anything about him. She was on vacation with her son, and he made sure to not only bond with her but her son also. They connected after the vacation she got some news and could not tell him as they only exchanged first names not last or numbers, after all it was all just supposed to be fun. Now two pink lines has her needing to tell him. How will she find him and tell him the news? Could a vacation fling bring them together for a great future?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

arc read-2022 series

Kari Hansen

10.2k reviews87 followers

•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥

Hannah is on vacation with her son Braydon to help ease a very difficult time in their lives when she meets Matt. Not only do the sparks fly between them but his relationship with her son are special as well. They forget to exchange contact information so they both return to their lives until she realizes that he left her with more than a memory.

Matt is a professional baseball player who is enchanted by both Hannah and her son. Losing her is one of the biggest regrets in his life so when destiny brings them back together he isn’t about to make the same mistake twice.

Matt is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy while Hannah is a great mother and appreciates him for the man he is and not the career he has. This is a romantic story about love and family which is sure to touch your heart.

2,991 reviews146 followers

Having read The Screw Ball i’ve been looking forward to more of this series ever since! As soon as The Change Up was announced i couldn’t wait to read it and get Matt’s story. I picked it up as soon as i could and got right back into the Indianapolis Lightning world. I enjoyed it!

Matt and Hannah’s journey grabbed my attention quickly! Right from their very first meeting on the beach, i couldn’t wait to see how things would play out. I was so glad that i got to dig into both of their minds. I so enjoyed the chemistry between these two! Both of them had me feeling many things throughout!

It was so awesome to be back in this world!

With The Change Up, Ms.Lind has created such a good read that will pull you in! I am so looking forward to more from her!

*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*

mimi_reads

190 reviews11 followers

March 7, 2022

Ah I loved this so much! I absolutely devoured it from start to finish with barely a break - who needs to adult anyway?

I really enjoyed both Matt and Hannah’s characters and the way they interacted with not only each other, but all of the people around them. And Brayden, gah what a little cutie!

The cameos from Matt’s teammates were great, I always love getting to check back in on book couples and getting a little snippet into their lives after their books have ended. The characters in this series are definitely some of my favourites!

Laurie

1,553 reviews31 followers

Hannah Knight's husband Ryan passed away in a car accident three years ago. Since then, she and her young son Brayden have made it a tradition to take a vacation around the anniversary of his death. They're at a beach resort in the Bahamas this year, which also happens to be where professional baseball player Matt O'Riley is staying with a couple of friends to relax after a grueling season. Hannah and Brayden are playing catch on the beach when they meet Matt, who's all too happy to join in, especially after noticing that pretty Hannah isn't wearing a wedding ring. Matt and Hannah's connection only grows as they continue to run into each other around the resort, and he asks her to have dinner alone with him on the night before she and Brayden are scheduled to leave. One thing leads to another, and four weeks later, Hannah is staring at a positive pregnancy test. The problem is that she and Matt never exchanged last names or contact information. How will she ever find him to share the news?

"The Change Up" was a fast-paced, sweet, and steamy read that featured likeable characters. Matt and Hannah were cute together, and I loved the way that Matt bonded with Brayden and immediately accepted him as his own. That said, Matt and Hannah's relationship just felt too easy to me. From the time they met, there was basically no conflict between them. Sure, Hannah had to track Matt down since they hadn't exchanged contact information at the resort, but when she did, he reacted like a doting husband and immediately jumped into family life. There never seemed to be any doubts or hesitation on either side, and without that, I was frankly a little bored at times.

There were also several details about the story that didn't entirely make sense to me. For example, the timeline was a bit confusing. Early in the story there are two time jumps of four weeks each, but when Hannah tracks Matt down, she's somehow already 16 weeks pregnant. Where did the other eight weeks go? I was also confused about why Hannah referenced a "media frenzy" when her husband died. I thought he was just a financial planner, but was he actually famous somehow? If not, why would the media be involved? There's rarely much, if any, coverage of car accidents that don't involve famous people beyond a single mention on the evening news or in the local paper.

Overall, I'd still recommend "The Change Up" for contemporary/sports romance fans looking for a light, quick read, but I can't say that this one is going to be a keeper for me. I would give the author another chance in the future, however.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.

arc

Aubrey

268 reviews5 followers

Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks

The Change Up is the fourth and final book in the Indianapolis Lightning Series and was the most beautiful conclusion I could have ever dreamed of.
This fast paced, second chance, surprise pregnancy, sports romance is breathtakingly enchanting. I was completely swept away in this from start to finish and devoured it in one sitting.
Matt falls hard for Hannah and her 5-year-old son Braydon from their very first meeting on the beach in the Bahamas. He loves that Hannah has no idea he’s a star pro baseball player, he finds it so refreshing to just be Matt and not Matt the famous athlete.
The chemistry between these two is off the scale hot but both leave the vacation without the exception of first names and go back to their every day lives kicking themselves as neither Matt nor Hannah can move on. However, fate has a way of stepping in and giving the two a second chance.
I found myself swooning and worshiping the ground Matt walked on. He really was the perfect gentleman and the way he embraced Braydon from the beginning was just everything. I loved Hannah, she’d been through so much losing her husband so young, but she is resilient and is the most amazing mother who always puts her son first. I also loved her best friend/sister-in-law and how supportive she was of Hannah finding Matt and of all the changes that happened along the way.
I couldn’t have loved this book more, Matt and Hannah are the perfect couple, and Braydon is a total sweetie pie.
A beautifully written story that not only did the characters justice but closed out this series in the most incredibly wonderful way.

Donna

1,016 reviews10 followers

March 11, 2022

Indianapolis Lightning # 4

Hannah and her 5 yr old son, Braydon are on vacation and playing catch on the beach. For Hannah this is always a hard time of the year for her after losing her husband 3 yrs ago. When the ball comes up to Matt he goes over and offers to give Brayden some tips. Matt and Hannah end up spending the rest of their vacation together and spend a wonderful night together.
Matt O'Riley is the star first baseman for the Indianapolis Lightning team and is on vacation with several of his teammates and their families. At 32 he has been thinking about his life, how much longer he wants to play and even having a family. He enjoyed the time he spent with Hannah and Brayden but forgot to get her number or last name and is thinking about hiring a PI to find her.
Several weeks have passed and Hannah finds she is pregnant with Matt's child but doesn't know how to find him until one night at work a customer mentions the game on tv and there he is. Funny thing, her son knew all along but of course didn't say anything. Hannah has decided to go to Indianapolis and tell Matt about the baby.
How will Matt react when he hears and does he even want to be a part of their lives?

5 stars

Jackie Wright

4,975 reviews107 followers

March 16, 2022

If you love swoony, hot, second chance, single parent love stories with wonderful characters look no further than The Change Up (Indianapolis Lightning #4). This is Matt O’Riley star baseman with the Indianapolis Lightning and Hannah’s journey and it starts when they meet while on vacation in the Bahamas. .
Hannah is taking a break with her 5 year old son Braden, it’s a difficult time of year for the pair after losing her husband 3 years ago. Playing ball on the beach soon turns into so much more when Brandon’s wayward throw ends up at Matt’s feet because what kind of baseball player would Matt be if he didn’t offer some pointers for an adorable little boy. From the moment Hannah and Matt meet sparks fly and fun on the beach ends up with a romantic date and a night of passion. Who would have thought one night would turn this couples world around ……
I love everything about this series, I fell hard and fast for Matt, I adored Hannah but it was Brandon who at times stole the show and once you add in the cameo appearances from teammates, their partners and families from previous books you get the perfect read. This book ticked all my boxes and I recommend you all one click this gem of a read.

1,045 reviews19 followers

March 16, 2022

The Change Up is book four in the Indianapolis Lighting series and each book can be read as a standalone if you so choose. Ever feel like you're a third wheel when out with a couple? Yep! Just ask Matt! It's a blessing in disguise though that he was that third wheel or he would not have been in the area at the right time. Brayden is a little cutie and Hannah has been through so much so seeing how easy Matt took when he ran into them on a beach was heart melting. These two have an instant connection, he enjoys her not knowing that he is famous and she enjoys that he takes to her son without issue. Problem being that while they shared a connection they never got each other's numbers (guess that is why it is called a one night stand). Brayden is hilarious when the truth comes out all along that he knew who Matt was, way too funny. Hannah is very brave cause you never know how this would have played out once he sees them a second time. Matt, you really wowed us in this book based upon your past and how you know when a true Change Up is needed. I highly recommend this book or series if you enjoy sports romance, single parent with a secret baby when you don't know how to find them.

Jennifer Pierson

11.6k reviews166 followers

Matt is a pro baseball player who isn't the normal player off the field we see per se. He meets Hannah & her adorable tiny human on vacation, and with the instant connection they decide to spend some sexy time in the sheet while on vacation with no strings so neither knew who the other was. A couple months later, she finds out that she got a party favor which arrives in less than a year, and she has no way to contact him. Finally out of the blue, she sees him on TV so learns who he is, and is off to tell him the news. Matt is an amazing hero who never blinked when Hannah found him again, he just stepped right up to the plate to knock it out of the park as they started on a new journey to become a family. He was hardworking, and there weren't all kinds of women coming out of left field to trip them up. Hannah didn't have stars in her eyes when it came to his fame, and she would do what was best for her family before anything. I never wanted this story to end, and I can say with certainty that I'll be revisiting this story in the future whenever I need a pick me up. The Change Up is my favorite to date in this series, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

World Of Books 65

2,529 reviews47 followers

baseball highly-recommend must-read

I love a good single parent sports romance and Samantha Lind has produced a mesmerizing one in 'The Change Up', this story has it all, swoon, romance, heat and an adorable little boy, what more could you want!

I never ever have to read the synopsis for a Samantha Lind story as I know I am always going to be left satisfied and for me, The Change-Up is one of my fav books so far in the Indianapolis Lightning Baseball romance series, from the moment that Matt and Hannah meet when they are on vacation I just knew I was not going disappointed, Hannah's adorable 5-year-old Brayden is a real cutie and rounded of the dynamics for this couple brilliantly. Hannah is a widow and always take's Brayden away on the anniversary of her husband's death, she wasn't expecting a hot holidaymaker to take time with not only her but also her son, a holiday romance that leaves both sad when they have to say goodbye, weeks later both still remember the great time they had, only trouble is they didn't give out last names, now Hannah needs to get hold of Matt, but how and when she does how will he take her news?

Just loved it! Highly Recommend

Sharon

1,768 reviews21 followers

March 10, 2022

What an amazing end to a great series! Samantha hit it out of the park with this story! 5 baseball stars for this one!
Matt is on vacation with his friends and fellow teammates and their better halves. He's thinking about his career, and how he doesn't have much time playing the sport he loves and he's thinking he wants to find someone special to spend his time with like his friends. When he see's a woman trying to play catch with her son, he's immediately drawn to her and heads over to talk to her.
Hannah takes this vacation every year with her son Brayden, and while playing catch with him, this handsome stranger comes over and offers to play catch with him. Wow, she's very much taken with him, and melts at the attention he gives her son. They share a night together and go their separate ways without sharing more than their first names. Now she needs him, but how can she find him?
I loved this story so much, great way to end this series, this book had me hooked from the first page! Don't miss out on this one!

Erin Lewis

4,878 reviews180 followers

5 star review of The Change Up (Indianapolis Lightning #4) by Samantha Lind

This is a second chance at love story and ticked all the boxes for me. The Change Up is a fast paced, well written story originally set in the Bahamas about baseball player Matt, Hannah and an adorable little five year old boy named Brayden.
From the moment a ball falls at his feet on the beach, Matt is taken not only with Hannah but her little boy. Maybe because she has no idea who he is and for a famous sportsman that makes a wonderful change.
The chemistry that sizzles between them makes it impossible to ignore but what happens on vacation, stays on vacation. Until it doesn’t. What happens when Hannah needs to find Matt? Thankfully fate has plans for these two and the re connect.
I have a new book boyfriend. I fell hard and fast for Matt, such a swoon worthy, caring man and his relationship with Brayden melted my heart.
I read this one in almost one go as I was so hooked on the story that Ms. Lind wove I simply had to know what was going to happen.

Jill Kerich

193 reviews5 followers

Sometimes you just need a good love story about good people with little to no drama in their life to snuggle up with on a cold night....this is the perfect book for exactly that! A quick read, characters you are rooting for and a cute little five year old boy named Brayden were just what I needed.
Matt and Hannah meet while vacationing and spend a wonderful night together and weeks later are still thinking of each other-but last names and phone numbers were not exchanged. When Hannah discovers she is pregnant after their time together, she enlists the help of Aunt Court to help her find Matt and ends up finding him in the funniest way.
Obviously there was some strong chemistry between the two of them from the start so it's not surprising to find they fall into an easy relationship.
Loved seeing and hearing from the Lightning Gang that we have already met and am a little sad that the Lightning series has come to an end. What will become of Aunt Court?!?! She needs love and we want to be part of that story! :-)

Read.Review.Repeat Blog

5,245 reviews96 followers

March 23, 2022

"This was such a great book to read. I found it quite emotional at times. There is just so much love in this story.
Matt is towards the end of his baseball career and has watched many of his teammates fall in love. It was something he wanted for himself but wasn’t particularly active in seeking it out. But a chance meeting with Hannah certainly changed all that. And I have to say it never gets old reading a super alpha male fall hard and fast.
I adored Hannah and her little boy Brayden. Her past is so sad and it always puts a smile on my face when I read a character that has gone through so much find so much happiness. It makes for some absolutely amazing reading.
This is such a great series and I definitely hope there will be more books still to come. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book." ~Sharon

I loved this story. I got sucked in right from the beginning and I knew I was gonna laugh, tear up and cheer once this couple got their HEA. A great steady paced story that kept my attention right from the start. ~Jen

Laura

398 reviews2 followers

June 3, 2023

sweet simple story

This was an unusually sweet story. Matt started sweet and stayed that way through the whole book. He never varied in his love and attentiveness to Hannah and Brayden. In a way, it made him almost too perfect if you know what I mean. Maybe 2 dimensional. And It was odd that we never meet his parents until the epilogue. We learn very little about his past. Hannah and Brayden were the same way. Except for the death of her husband, we learn almost nothing about her past. Where are her in-laws? Parents? Other relatives? The omission was puzzling and never explained. Same thing with Courtney. Does she work?? She’s stilll living with them several years later? This was a very shallow story, with no complexity or depth of characters or plot. Nothing offensive, kinda bland and sweet. I gave it 3 stars because it’s well written and edited and the characters are all likable. Sorry to be a little harsh, but it was a little like eating cereal when there are steak dinners being written by other authors.

Sharon Moritz-rosenthal

2,177 reviews25 followers

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
----
In this story we meet 32-year-old and single baseball player Matt and he is on vacation with friends when he meets a widow of 3 years, Hannah and her 5-year-old son, Brandon. they both sort of crush on each other and have an amazing date. This is the first 20% of the story.

The story then picks up 4 weeks later when Hannah gets a plus sign, and she has no idea what Matt's last name is or how to find him. When she finally does find him. It was in such an awesome way that it made me laugh.

This is a story about fate, families, and friendship. It was a fast read and really heartwarming but also had some really hot scenes. I really loved getting to know Matt, Hannah and Brayden and I really liked seeing the other characters from the previous characters in other books in the series like Carmen and JJ.

Tiffany Levin

525 reviews

This is the fourth book in the Indianapolis Lightning series and is so far my favorite! Matt and Hannah meet while on vacation and only exchange first names. After an incredible night together, they lose touch and go their separate ways. Once she returns home, Hannah gets some unexpected news that makes her realize that she needs to find Matt - and she does by seeing him in a Major League Baseball game on TV!

The story continues with the two of them finding each other and navigating their relationship with each bringing their own baggage.

Samantha does an incredible job once again of giving us a story with well written characters (including cameos from the characters in the other books in the series) and a story line that grips you right from the beginning. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the other books in the series as well! Definitely not one to miss!!

Sharon Jones

1,771 reviews12 followers

This was such a great book to read. I found it quite emotional at times. There is just so much love in this story.
Matt is towards the end of his baseball career and has watched many of his teammates fall in love. It was something he wanted for himself but wasn’t particularly active in seeking it out. But a chance meeting with Hannah certainly changed all that. And I have to say it never gets old reading a super alpha male fall hard and fast.
I adored Hannah and her little boy Brayden. Her past is so sad and it always puts a smile on my face when I read a character that has gone through so much find so much happiness. It makes for some absolutely amazing reading.
This is such a great series and I definitely hope there will be more books still to come. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Damaris Bookbesties

235 reviews1 follower

Here is a cute low angst read that brings two people together by fate. Matt and Hannah meet in paradise and have a great night that leaves both remembering of what if...... Fast forward to back to their real worlds and fate brings them back to each other. Hannah is a single mom who is also a widow . Her son is adorable! Matt plays baseball and has persuasive ways. When Matt finds out he will be a daddy that is when the real story starts. I love seeing these two navigate each others lives and get to know each other. Its a sweet story that doesn't disappoint. Of course a little bit of chemistry, sports and an adorable little boy and you will be smiling till the end. Hannah is a strong heroine especially after she dealt with being a young widow and raising a son by herself with the help of her sister in law. Matt was so easygoing and flowed with everything. Great addition to the series.

Kayla Pocernich

1,542 reviews1 follower

arc sports wildfire-publishing

If you love sports romance you will love this book. From the very first page Matt and Hannah had my heart. The way Matt was with Hannah's son was super sweet and I loved moments that they spent together. The chemistry between them is great but they go there separate ways when the vacation is done and Hannah returns home with a shock of a lifetime and she is wondering how does she find Matt when she only has is first name and nothing else to go by. But she sees him on TV playing baseball and needs her son to verify if that is the same Matt that they meet on vacation. Matt and Hannah's relationship grows stronger after she finds him and shares her surprise with him and they are able to pick up right were they left off and get there happily ever after that they both deserve. I'm sad to see this series come to a close and it was nice to see his teammates make an appearance in this book.

Reading In the Red Room

2,215 reviews59 followers

March 10, 2022

A very cute quick read! Hannah is a single mother on vacation with her son when she meets Matt. Matt is a professional baseball player who while on vacation with his teammate meets a single mother who he had an amazing night with. They did not exchange last names or phone numbers so after a few weeks go by they both can’t stop thinking about each other but don’t know how to find each other. Then Hannah gets a big surprise and surprise with two blue lines…when these two finally meet up again it’s fireworks all over again! This is a great instant connection love story. Matt is incredibly sweet and understanding with her and I really enjoyed their connection. I enjoyed the banter between the friend group and look forward to reading more books in this series.

Doris

2,808 reviews114 followers

March 13, 2022

Melt Your Heart Sports Romance

If you are looking for a fast paced, sexy, melt your heart romance this is the book for you. Matt is a star baseball player and is on vacation with some other teammates and their s.o.’s in the Bahamas when a ball is thrown his way. He goes to take it back to the beautiful woman who is playing catch on the beach with her son.

They all click as Matt takes the time with her little boy giving him tips on the game. Matt and Hannah more than click because they do spend a hot night together. Now months later she needs to find Matt but she has no idea who he is or where to start.

What a great sports romance read that was swoon worthy. I’m so glad I found this author and she has made another genre open up for me with her sports romance books.

Amy Miller

3,531 reviews31 followers

March 20, 2022

Hannah, Braydon & Matt

Hannah and her 5 year old son are on vacation. This is a sad time for her since her husband passed 3 years ago. They meet Matt when a ball comes up to him and he offers some tips.
Matt is a 1st baseman and on vacation with his teammates.
Lately he is starting to think about wanting more in his life like starting a family.
These three spend their vacation together and the sparks start to fly between Hannah & Matt.
When their time is over they both go back to their lives. However, she is pregnant and he is missing them terribly. Neither know the others last name until fate steps in.
I just loved this story. I think they all are just the perfect family. A hit for me!

Jenna Price

900 reviews

March 31, 2022

If you are in mood of a swoony and sexy sports romance with adorable characters and fast paced storyline, The Change Up by Samantha Lind is for you. Hannah and her 5 yr old son, Braydon are on vacation and playing catch on the beach. For Hannah this is always a hard time of the year for her after losing her husband 3 yrs ago. Matt O'Riley is the star first baseman for the Indianapolis Lightning team and is on vacation with several of his teammates and their families. Matt & Hannah meet & end up spending time together on vacation, which results in a pregnancy. Hannah needs to find Matt to make him aware and eventually finds out he is a baseball player. When she goes to visit him, how will he react?

Definitely a good read!

Chantelle Bouffanie

1,177 reviews11 followers

March 11, 2022

Wow! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. The Change Up is the fourth book in the Indianapolis Lightning series. It's Matt and Hannah's story. Oh boy did this story started off with a bang and hasn't stopped any. Matt is a teammate of Derrek and JJ's. Matt is on vacation with a teammate. This is where he meets Hannah and her sweet little boy. Hannah is a widow and a single mother. I love how Matt is with Hannah and her son. They are so perfect together. Matt will have you swooning over his attention on both Hannah and her son. You will fall in love with them. This is a must read. I couldn't put down the book. I read it in one night. Keep up the amazing work.

Jessica

613 reviews3 followers

March 12, 2022

This was such a sweet book!

Matt and Hannah meet while they're both on their own vacation trip and have an instant connection!

The way Matt cares for Hannah and her son Brayden is absolutely swoon worthy. He embraces Hannah's pregnancy from the very beginning and goes above and beyond to make sure she, Brayden and his baby are well taken care of.

I also loved that we got to catch up with some of the characters from the earlier books in this series, Derek, Jillian, JJ, Riley, Carmen and Lucas.

The lightning feel like a family and not just a team and it's easy to get sucked in and want to be part of the group.

United Indie Book Blog

4,441 reviews82 followers

The Change Up is the fourth book in the Indianapolis Lightning series. It's Matt and Hannah's story. Oh boy did this story started off with a bang and hasn't stopped any. Matt is a teammate of Derrek and JJ's. Matt is on vacation with a teammate. This is where he meets Hannah and her sweet little boy. Hannah is a widow and a single mother. I love how Matt is with Hannah and her son. They are so perfect together. Matt will have you swooning over his attention on both Hannah and her son. You will fall in love with them. This is a must read. I couldn't put down the book. I read it in one night. Keep up the amazing work.

REVIEW BY CHANTELLE

Paulette

658 reviews20 followers