A review by bookishval
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Dementia