Reviews

The Long Game, by Rachel Reid

romanthiccreader's review

5.0

 

Spoiler

(Reread: 1/17/2023) I can't believe that I've read this book 3 times since it was released last year. I mean, I can, it's incredible. The thing that stuck out to me the most on this reread was how Shane treated JJ. This dude who he calls one of his best friends, is looking out for Shane. He tries to be a good friend to Shane and be there for him in what he assumes is this unrequited crush. And Shane let's him keep believing that. When he TOTALLY could have leaned on him for the thing that was actually bothering him, which was that his boyfriend had just been through a very dangerous and traumatic event. But I'm unsurprised that being mad at Shane is what sticks out. As much as I love Ilya, I'm still so mad at his stupid boyfriend. 

I would also like to add that the narrator's Russian accent sounds a bit like Gru. You wouldn't think that would work, but it absolutely works for me. <3

quilacole's review against another edition

5.0

Didn't want it to end

Ilya and Shane are in my top five most romantic couples of all time. I wish to some day have a love like theirs (a girl can dream). I don't know what else to say other than I loved this story and did not want it to end. It was so well written and flowed so easily. I wish every book I read could flow like this.

mary_jay_90's review against another edition

5.0

I couldn't put it down, and now I'm a jumbling mess wondering how to move on with my life knowing that Ilya Rozanov isn't in it. I loved everything, I enjoyed the entire series.

onlyyminee's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

steph15's review against another edition

5.0

I need to gather my thoughts for a full review. But Holy crap on a cracker this book was so worth the wait. I love Ilya (and Shane too since they’re a package deal) even more than I already did.

bgrrrl's review against another edition

5.0

Oh my goodness! I ❤️ Ilya and Shane! The first half of their story in Heated Rivalry was really good. I liked it a lot. THIS BOOK THOUGH! All the feels. So many tears and then so much joy. I just love them.

I totally skipped books 3-5 in the series because I was simply too impatient to read this one. You get some spoilers about characters in books 3-5, but I didn’t feel lost. If you don’t mind the spoilers I think it’s fine to read out of order.

whatdoreadss's review against another edition

No rating 

abcdefg1278's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-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

5.0

frantic_vampire's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

Is it to early in the year to claim a favorite book? Because this book ripped my heart out, stomped on it a little bit, dusted it off and then put it back together. I actually cried! And it takes a lot for a book to make me cry, so you know The Long Game was good!

I loved that we got to dive back into Shane and Ilya’s story! We got so much more character development and growth. I loved that we got to see more of Ilya’s mental health journey and that he was able to finally make friends that he felt comfortable sharing his biggest secrets with. I also loved that we got to see Shane being more confident and comfortable with their relationship. I think the thing I hated was that they were outed and then had to deal with all the shitty ways that people treated them. I just wanted to hug them so badly.

Honestly, this book was everything that I wanted it to be and more. I’m pretty sure this is my favorite book in the the Game Changers series. The Long Game is getting a solid five stars and is definitely in the running to be my favorite book of the year.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Homophobia, Biphobia, Mental illness, and Gaslighting

sarahmiller98's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective

4.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Outing and Mental illness