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! Iโm actually mad that itโs set the bar so high for any future sports romances I want to read. ๐ It has the most level 5 spice but also the sweetest story and absolutely adorable characters with top tier banter. Itโs so well written, engrossing and emotional.
Final note: I love Ilya with my whole heart, heโs hilarious and precious and I just need to know that this fictional character is happy forever ๐ฅน
Final note: I love Ilya with my whole heart, heโs hilarious and precious and I just need to know that this fictional character is happy forever ๐ฅน
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Cursing, Sexual content, and Dementia
Moderate: Suicide and Death of parent
Minor: Toxic relationship
insanelyfruity's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Ilya couldn't believe what he had been reduced to. He was...infatuated. It was disgusting.
fun, easy read but the amount of smut was kinda jarring. the rest of it was pretty sweet tho so it was cool lol
Spoiler
they were both so in love with each other, I am so singleSpoiler
Shane looked up at him, still laughing. His whole face was crinkled up: eyes, nose, freckles. Ilya wanted to grab embers from the fire and smash them into his own eyes because he could not bear to look at this adorable, crinkled, happy face.
Content Warnings
Minor: Dementia and Suicide
plsnotanotherdamselindistress's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? No
3.25
A solid sports romance, not lifechanging but the characters really grew on me.
Dual POV...yay
Flashbacks/time jumps...nay(but were necessary)
Spice quantity 4/5 (for a romance story that ratio was a little bit off for me, but that was not a great deal breaker)
- outing to parents involuntary, but they were not homophobic
Dual POV...yay
Flashbacks/time jumps...nay(but were necessary)
Spice quantity 4/5 (for a romance story that ratio was a little bit off for me, but that was not a great deal breaker)
- outing to parents involuntary, but they were not homophobic
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Minor: Dementia, Biphobia, Death of parent, Suicide, and Sexism
bookishval'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is hands down the best sports romance I've read. Let's elaborate.
So, I had high expectations about this book but at the same time I was a bit skeptical. I've read so many praise to this book, and how it is the standard for sports enemies to lovers romances. But then I realized there's was a second book, and I don't like when romance books have sequels, so after reading the synopsis of the second book and spoiling myself, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the first one as much as I thought. But boy was I wrong.
I don't even know where to begin. This book had me hooked from the very first page. This is what I call a well executed enemies to lovers, it is all I've ever asked for and more. Shane and Ilya can't be more different. Their appearances, personalities and public image, every single thing is the opposite. They were declared rivals since the moment the media set eyes on them. And they've been attracted to each other even before.
I was so intrigued to know how their situationship developed. And the way the book is written, giving us glimpses of their encounters over the years, is incredibly well done.
I loved every single part of this book. EVERY SINGLE ONE. From their undeniable attraction to each other, to their conflicted feelings, to the start of something more, Shane and Ilya had me on a grip every single page. The spicy scenes were great, Shane and Ilya had amazing banter in and out of the rink, and they way the story was told, chef kiss!!
I said before I was wary of this book, because I hate it when authors make several books about the same couple, but I finished this book in less than 2 days and I'm craving to read more about them! I think I'll never get sick of reading about these two.
Ilya Rozanov specifically, was such a surprise!! I did not expect to fall in love with this man, really. At first I wanted him to express his feelings more, because Shane couldn't stop feeling guilty about their interactions, and a little bit insecure, but then Ilya fell in love and oh boy, that man gives his 100%. I can't begin to explain how I feel abot Ilya, about both of them, actually. They love each other so passionately and I was rooting for them in every step of the way.
Did I mention how much I loved the way Rachel developed the story? Well let me tell you again, that woman is a genius! I don't wanna give any spoilers, but I swear to god, I've never read such a well planned sports romance. Everything made sense. Both Shane and Ilya had their struggles admiting their feelings, in their own ways, and reading how they came to terms with the reality of their passionate, earth moving and burning love was such a pleasure.
They are soulmates who spent 10 years loving each other without realizing it. And even when they admited their feelings, that first spark of banter didn't go away, because Shane and Ilya love to hate and challenge each other.
I don't know what else to say, how to put into words how I feel for this two hockey players that in less than two days rocked my world and made me asked myself If I really was reading good sports romances before. Heated Rivalry is the standard, the blueprint on how sports romance should be written. And I cannot wait to read them again. This is where the real struggle begins, but I'm willing to read it if it means a happy ending for this two men who just want to love each other freely.ย
So, I had high expectations about this book but at the same time I was a bit skeptical. I've read so many praise to this book, and how it is the standard for sports enemies to lovers romances. But then I realized there's was a second book, and I don't like when romance books have sequels, so after reading the synopsis of the second book and spoiling myself, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the first one as much as I thought. But boy was I wrong.
I don't even know where to begin. This book had me hooked from the very first page. This is what I call a well executed enemies to lovers, it is all I've ever asked for and more. Shane and Ilya can't be more different. Their appearances, personalities and public image, every single thing is the opposite. They were declared rivals since the moment the media set eyes on them. And they've been attracted to each other even before.
I was so intrigued to know how their situationship developed. And the way the book is written, giving us glimpses of their encounters over the years, is incredibly well done.
I loved every single part of this book. EVERY SINGLE ONE. From their undeniable attraction to each other, to their conflicted feelings, to the start of something more, Shane and Ilya had me on a grip every single page. The spicy scenes were great, Shane and Ilya had amazing banter in and out of the rink, and they way the story was told, chef kiss!!
I said before I was wary of this book, because I hate it when authors make several books about the same couple, but I finished this book in less than 2 days and I'm craving to read more about them! I think I'll never get sick of reading about these two.
Ilya Rozanov specifically, was such a surprise!! I did not expect to fall in love with this man, really. At first I wanted him to express his feelings more, because Shane couldn't stop feeling guilty about their interactions, and a little bit insecure, but then Ilya fell in love and oh boy, that man gives his 100%. I can't begin to explain how I feel abot Ilya, about both of them, actually. They love each other so passionately and I was rooting for them in every step of the way.
Did I mention how much I loved the way Rachel developed the story? Well let me tell you again, that woman is a genius! I don't wanna give any spoilers, but I swear to god, I've never read such a well planned sports romance. Everything made sense. Both Shane and Ilya had their struggles admiting their feelings, in their own ways, and reading how they came to terms with the reality of their passionate, earth moving and burning love was such a pleasure.
They are soulmates who spent 10 years loving each other without realizing it. And even when they admited their feelings, that first spark of banter didn't go away, because Shane and Ilya love to hate and challenge each other.
I don't know what else to say, how to put into words how I feel for this two hockey players that in less than two days rocked my world and made me asked myself If I really was reading good sports romances before. Heated Rivalry is the standard, the blueprint on how sports romance should be written. And I cannot wait to read them again. This is where the real struggle begins, but I'm willing to read it if it means a happy ending for this two men who just want to love each other freely.ย
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Dementia
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Death of parent
Minor: Suicide and Dementia
fraise's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Dementia, Homophobia, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Suicide
tragicgloom's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol, Suicide, and Dementia
kharlan3's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Minor: Homophobia, Alcohol, Cursing, Dementia, Outing, Suicide, and Terminal illness
vicktorea'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
3.75
hot, steamy but also v sweet & emotional ๐ฅบโค๏ธ
also, the author is a fellow haligonian ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
also, the author is a fellow haligonian ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Dementia and Death of parent
cluckieduck's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, this certainly lived up to the hype (possibly surpassed) for me! I found Game Changer just OK but had heard so many good reviews about Book 2 and the absolute hotness that is Ilya & Shane...I am in love.
After reading the two books, I find her writing definitely tilts smut > story, but Shane & Ilya hooked me in right from the prologue. The fact that this book spans YEARS is absolutely captivating (unlike the 1/2 season of instalove we got with Scott & Kip - not that their story wasn't cute!), and getting to see Shane & Ilya's growing "rivaly" from their first foray in Juniors through their current NHL career was a really smart narrative. It really sells the uneasy infatuation they have with each other and we get to peel back the onion alongside both of them as they grow more and more in love with one another.
While it is a standalone, I liked how it tied into Game Changer with the little tidbits that popped up, like the playoffs, awards night, and Book 1 spoiler. It's not a typical romantic HEA ending, but I'm so excited that Shane & Ilya's relationship gets a second entry with The Long Game.ย
After reading the two books, I find her writing definitely tilts smut > story, but Shane & Ilya hooked me in right from the prologue. The fact that this book spans YEARS is absolutely captivating (unlike the 1/2 season of instalove we got with Scott & Kip - not that their story wasn't cute!), and getting to see Shane & Ilya's growing "rivaly" from their first foray in Juniors through their current NHL career was a really smart narrative. It really sells the uneasy infatuation they have with each other and we get to peel back the onion alongside both of them as they grow more and more in love with one another.
While it is a standalone, I liked how it tied into Game Changer with the little tidbits that popped up, like the playoffs, awards night, and Book 1 spoiler
Spoiler
the impact of Scott coming out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Bullying, Grief, Mental illness, Homophobia, and Dementia