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lauraelovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book has been on my TBR forever and I’m so glad I finally read it. It was everything I wanted it to be and more
I was a little hesitant when the prologue jumped right into the spice (I need a much slower burn) but was thrilled to see how it backtracked and everything played out. All the longing and pining (even though their physical relationship isn’t slow to begin, it still has everything I look for in a slow burn romance). Fellow slow burn lovers, if you’re reading this and wondering whether this book will work for you, I’m betting it will!
Otherwise I really have no notes. This was such a captivating story and I can’t wait to jump right into the Long Game (I’m afraid I’ll be skipping the rest of the series for now because I just can’t wait!)
I was a little hesitant when the prologue jumped right into the spice (I need a much slower burn) but was thrilled to see how it backtracked and everything played out. All the longing and pining (even though their physical relationship isn’t slow to begin, it still has everything I look for in a slow burn romance). Fellow slow burn lovers, if you’re reading this and wondering whether this book will work for you, I’m betting it will!
Otherwise I really have no notes. This was such a captivating story and I can’t wait to jump right into the Long Game (I’m afraid I’ll be skipping the rest of the series for now because I just can’t wait!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide, Dementia, and Death of parent
bycandlelight's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
And to think I once DNFed this book after just one chapter!
I adored this story and the characters of Shane and Ilya. The narrative was light but surprisingly mature given the nature of their relationship and the rivalry. I half-expected one or both of them to freak out and bolt afterthey realised their feelings for each other or when they finally admitted them out loud, or when Shane's father walked in on them. I'm happy that it didn't happen, and that there was no drama (well, other than the expected kind) and no third-act breakup. The fact that they kept it up for ten (!) years, only to slowly begin realising that they were "it" for each other, and then fought for it instead of running away... It punched me right in the feels!
I loved:
- Ilya's humour and his entire personality, I laughed out loud at least a few times;
- Shane's anxiety and need for control; the fact that he bought an entire building for their hookups was honestly both sad and hilarious;
- Shane's relationship with Rose, she sounded so sweet and understanding (I wish we got more of her, it would be nice if she could have a more active role in this story);
- The fact that Shane encouraged Ilya to share his feelings in Russian instead of English (and that it actually helped. And that Ilya ended up confessing his love at that moment, even though Shane didn't know it);
- The fact that they talked, like REALLY talked to one another instead of bottling up their feelings (even though it scared them);
- The fact that Ilya was willing to sacrifice SO MUCH just to be with Shane, wow, I was not expecting that;
- Shane beginning to slowly realise and accept his sexuality;
- Shane's parents' reaction to Shane and Ilya;
- Shane's thought that it would make him happy to see Ilya holding the Stanley Cup despite them playing for rivaling teams;
- The fact that their chemistry was there from the moment they met, but the love came much later and was unrelenting.
At first, it was only hookups (and they were great), it wasn't that deep for either of them. Ilya kept seeing other people and Shane kept TRYING to see other people, but the moment it turned more personal, they both just went with it (even though they both tried to let this thing go, fearing their forbidden love would destroy them). They communicate, they care for each other, and they actively strive for their happy ending.
Why did I DNF it last year? I have no idea. Suffice it to say, never have I been happier to get something wrong.
I adored this story and the characters of Shane and Ilya. The narrative was light but surprisingly mature given the nature of their relationship and the rivalry. I half-expected one or both of them to freak out and bolt after
I loved:
- Ilya's humour and his entire personality, I laughed out loud at least a few times;
- Shane's anxiety and need for control; the fact that he bought an entire building for their hookups was honestly both sad and hilarious;
- Shane's relationship with Rose, she sounded so sweet and understanding (I wish we got more of her, it would be nice if she could have a more active role in this story);
- The fact that Shane encouraged Ilya to share his feelings in Russian instead of English (and that it actually helped. And that Ilya ended up confessing his love at that moment, even though Shane didn't know it);
- The fact that they talked, like REALLY talked to one another instead of bottling up their feelings (even though it scared them);
- The fact that Ilya was willing to sacrifice SO MUCH just to be with Shane, wow, I was not expecting that;
- Shane beginning to slowly realise and accept his sexuality;
- Shane's parents' reaction to Shane and Ilya;
- Shane's thought that it would make him happy to see Ilya holding the Stanley Cup despite them playing for rivaling teams;
- The fact that their chemistry was there from the moment they met, but the love came much later and was unrelenting.
At first, it was only hookups (and they were great), it wasn't that deep for either of them. Ilya kept seeing other people and Shane kept TRYING to see other people, but the moment it turned more personal, they both just went with it (even though they both tried to let this thing go, fearing their forbidden love would destroy them). They communicate, they care for each other, and they actively strive for their happy ending.
Why did I DNF it last year? I have no idea. Suffice it to say, never have I been happier to get something wrong.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Suicide, Dementia, and Death of parent
topy_loving_books's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is the king of hockey romances for a reason.
. I love a book written by a 🇨🇦 author which is set in 🇨🇦, especially in Montreal and a bit in Toronto.
. A proper ennemies to lovers for years, with enough time to build their relationship and makes it believable for their feelings to grow through 7 years.
. A gradual acceptance of themselves as gay/bi which feels realistic in a sport still very much homophobic.
. No outing as an easy twist. 🏳️🌈🎉
. No third act breakup.
. A HFN very satisfying and perfect, but I won't complain to have an extra book for them to get their HEA. Thanks Rachel Reid. 💖
. A loooooooooot of 🔥🔥🔥 s3x.
I've read it, while in Toronto in september 2022 and finished it back in Montreal, made the experience
even more special.
---
Re-read it in dec. 2022-jan. 2023, and as amazing & hot as the first time. 💖
. I love a book written by a 🇨🇦 author which is set in 🇨🇦, especially in Montreal and a bit in Toronto.
. A proper ennemies to lovers for years, with enough time to build their relationship and makes it believable for their feelings to grow through 7 years.
. A gradual acceptance of themselves as gay/bi which feels realistic in a sport still very much homophobic.
. No outing as an easy twist. 🏳️🌈🎉
. No third act breakup.
. A HFN very satisfying and perfect, but I won't complain to have an extra book for them to get their HEA. Thanks Rachel Reid. 💖
. A loooooooooot of 🔥🔥🔥 s3x.
I've read it, while in Toronto in september 2022 and finished it back in Montreal, made the experience
even more special.
---
Re-read it in dec. 2022-jan. 2023, and as amazing & hot as the first time. 💖
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent
topy_loving_books's review against another edition
5.0
This book is the king of hockey romances for a reason.
. I love a book written by a 🇨🇦 author which is set in 🇨🇦, especially in Montreal and a bit in Toronto.
. A proper ennemies to lovers for years, with enough time to build their relationship and makes it believable for their feelings to grow through 7 years.
. A gradual acceptance of themselves as gay/bi which feels realistic in a sport still very much homophobic.
. No outing as an easy twist. 🏳️🌈🎉
. No third act breakup.
. A HFN very satisfying and perfect, but I won't complain to have an extra book for them to get their HEA. Thanks Rachel Reid. 💖
. A loooooooooot of 🔥🔥🔥 s3x.
The first time I've read the ebook version, while in Toronto in september 2022 and finished it back in Montreal, made the experience even more special.
Then I've re-read it in dec 2022-january 2023, and last year for the third time by discovering the paperback (with the bonus chapter). It was as good, if not even better, annoting and adding fan-arts inside my book, making the re-reading experience even better.
So for this 4th rereading, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook while rediscovering all the fan-arts/annotations inside my paperback. 😍 Now on my way to read The Long Game for the very first time for a bookclub.
. I love a book written by a 🇨🇦 author which is set in 🇨🇦, especially in Montreal and a bit in Toronto.
. A proper ennemies to lovers for years, with enough time to build their relationship and makes it believable for their feelings to grow through 7 years.
. A gradual acceptance of themselves as gay/bi which feels realistic in a sport still very much homophobic.
. No outing as an easy twist. 🏳️🌈🎉
. No third act breakup.
. A HFN very satisfying and perfect, but I won't complain to have an extra book for them to get their HEA. Thanks Rachel Reid. 💖
. A loooooooooot of 🔥🔥🔥 s3x.
The first time I've read the ebook version, while in Toronto in september 2022 and finished it back in Montreal, made the experience even more special.
Then I've re-read it in dec 2022-january 2023, and last year for the third time by discovering the paperback (with the bonus chapter). It was as good, if not even better, annoting and adding fan-arts inside my book, making the re-reading experience even better.
So for this 4th rereading, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook while rediscovering all the fan-arts/annotations inside my paperback. 😍 Now on my way to read The Long Game for the very first time for a bookclub.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent
thereadingoutlaw's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Shane and Ilya immediately placed in my top 5 m/m OTPs of all time. Period.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Mental illness and Death of parent
lmeierhoff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow over the years. I also liked that there’s no big 3rd act breakup because the tension is mostly external to them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
iamamyyyyy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Don't let the ridiculous cover keep you away! Also light on actual hockey so don't worry if you are interested except for the sport. While being hockey players is core to the two leads, it's much more of a setting than a plot thing.
This is a great book - leads each have a unique voice and are complex characters.
It is basically a character study as the leads go from rivals with sexual tension to falling in love over a decade with plenty of spice and very little plot, especially in the first half to two-thirds. With that being said, there is still character development for both leads with solid emotional pay off and it is genuinely funny at times.
This is a great book - leads each have a unique voice and are complex characters.
It is basically a character study as the leads go from rivals with sexual tension to falling in love over a decade with plenty of spice and very little plot, especially in the first half to two-thirds. With that being said, there is still character development for both leads with solid emotional pay off and it is genuinely funny at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicide, and Death of parent
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
missanniewhimsy's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Suicide, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
kjenae's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed Shane and Ilya’s story so much. Their banter is hilarious, and they are just so adorable together. I absolutely adore their dynamic. (wish there was more)!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicide, and Death of parent
madscientistcat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book has no right being so good! I’m actually mad that it’s set the bar so high for any future sports romances I want to read. 😂 It has the most level 5 spice but also the sweetest story and absolutely adorable characters with top tier banter. It’s so well written, engrossing and emotional.
Final note: I love Ilya with my whole heart, he’s hilarious and precious and I just need to know that this fictional character is happy forever 🥹
Final note: I love Ilya with my whole heart, he’s hilarious and precious and I just need to know that this fictional character is happy forever 🥹
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Dementia
Moderate: Suicide and Death of parent
Minor: Toxic relationship