Reviews with content warning for Suicide - Heated Rivalry

I think I liked this one infinitely more on a reread, and I really liked it the first time I did it!
It was so nice to revisit Shane and Ilya and having context for them as you watch the beginning of their relationship made it all the sweeter. I just love these lil fictional hockey men so much, and this book is a masterpiece.

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toopunkrockforshul's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad tense 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? Yes

4.0

Really love the characters and their dynamic in this, and also the way that their relationship builds and unfolds. Writing is a bit clunky at times, but overall enjoyable book!

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levilore_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-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

4.5

I loved this book! I thought Shane and Ilya were great characters plus the exploration of being queer in Russia vs Canada was very interesting. I really enjoyed the fact that there was very explicit consent during all the sex scenes and that their aggressiveness towards each other was never even close to being abusive.

In particular, the exploration of sexuality really stuck out to me, because many books have a confident gay character and another character who realizes he is bi due to the gay character. This was reversed and I thought that was awesome.

I do wish there was a bit more of an ending after all that build up which is the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars.

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