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A review by bycandlelight
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
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