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beccaand's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide and Dementia
eclecticallyreading's review against another edition
5.0
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.
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
toopunkrockforshul's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Terminal illness and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia, Suicide, and Outing
levilore_'s review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Outing, and Deportation
crystalmackey's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia, Suicide, and Dementia
mlb16's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Homophobia
apolen's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Suicide, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia
lauraelovesbooks's review against another edition
- 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
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!)
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide, Dementia, and Death of parent
ellenkennedy's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Minor: Homophobia, Suicide, Dementia, and Death of parent
topy_loving_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
. 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. 💖
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent