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snapbea's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book began very slow and it was often difficult to get beyond the cheesiness, but It improved once actual conflict was introduced.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Homophobia
evaorange's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-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
4.75
I would read 7 more books about these two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Homophobia, Mental illness, Suicide, and Sexual content
silver_lining_in_a_book's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
tense
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
4.25
Kiss me, Ilya wanted to say. Kiss me and hold me in front of all these people. Pull me onstage and do it. I don’t care anymore. Please. I’m dying. “Nothing,” Ilya said, and stepped away. “Nothing.”
This book cover, unfortunately, is not at all representative of how difficult some parts of this book were to read, particularly in the first half of the book. I was expecting to just have a tonne of fun as I did with the first part of Ilya and Shane's love story, but instead, I was greeted with depictions of untreated depression, undiagnosed (and not discussed) orthorexia, and Ilya's heartbreaking and under-appreciated sacrifices for Shane's sake. Many of the discussions in this book were so important, but I found them to be so mentally draining at times.
However, after slightly struggling through the first part of the book, I finally found myself sinking into the story and I couldn't stop reading it. Shane's behaviour in this sequel slightly disappointed me - he didn't quite feel like the same person at times and I thought he was really taking Ilya for granted - but he did get better throughout this novel. Ilya, on the other hand, has to be one of my favourite characters. I absolutely loved him because of how relatable he was to me. His emotions and actions felt very realistic and true to his character; I appreciated the depiction of his mental health struggles and how well he understood his own emotions, and my heart absolutely went out to him.
Overall, I think this was a really great book and it must be one of the best follow-ups to an enemies-to-lovers romance that I have ever read. It didn't feel like Reid was forcing any unnecessary conflict into the book, but there were still lots of high stakes and emotions throughout!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
cluckieduck's review
emotional
funny
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
4.0
Oh man, I am having a hard time reviewing this one because it is so obviously fan-service - filled with soooo much Rozander smut, but also touching on some really heavy issues surrounding depression, trauma, and stress which would have been better handled (I think) if there was more focus on the plot > porn. So, on the one hand I loved it - inject as much Ilya ❤ Shane content into my veins as possible, please. On the other hand, the writing felt a bit rushed with all the forced conflict to progress the story, which I felt was a disservice.
I loved how the story overlapped with some of the timeline in Role Model, especially surrounding a particular incident.
This go-round is very Ilya-centric and he does a lot of the heavy lifting plot-wise. A lot of the reviews shit on Shane, and yeah, he was a bit oblivious, but stress manifests differently in every one. Shane very obviously exhibited signs of disordered eating, but it was only brought up in a joking manner with an eye-roll at his expense. He also, IMO, showed signs of dissociation. Neither of these were really dealt/written about beyond the surface. Perhaps if he was given as much depth as Ilya was, maybe he could have been a bit more sympathetic of a character.
Before Ilya sought out his therapy, Shane directly asked him if he was ok, and that he would be there for him whether Ilya wanted to talk to him or not. Being in a relationship is hard enough (not even counting the fact that it's a secret one), but being in a relationship with a depressed partner presents it's own challenges. Especially when said partner keeps trying to push you away because they don't think they're good enough and deserving of happiness.
On a lighter note, there were so many cute moments in this one - I mean...Uncle Ilya & painting nails!?! Major swoon. And their talks about a future with children?? I just can't. I feel greedy in saying this, but I think they need another book (at least a novella) without any angst where they can just be settled, grounded, and happy in their relationship.
I have an idea about who the next book will be about (perhaps a certain Centaur rookie), so I look forward to seeing more of our past couples pop up in the future!
I loved how the story overlapped with some of the timeline in Role Model, especially surrounding a particular incident.
This go-round is very Ilya-centric and he does a lot of the heavy lifting plot-wise. A lot of the reviews shit on Shane, and yeah, he was a bit oblivious, but stress manifests differently in every one. Shane very obviously exhibited signs of disordered eating, but it was only brought up in a joking manner with an eye-roll at his expense. He also, IMO, showed signs of dissociation. Neither of these were really dealt/written about beyond the surface. Perhaps if he was given as much depth as Ilya was, maybe he could have been a bit more sympathetic of a character.
Before Ilya sought out his therapy, Shane directly asked him if he was ok, and that he would be there for him whether Ilya wanted to talk to him or not. Being in a relationship is hard enough (not even counting the fact that it's a secret one), but being in a relationship with a depressed partner presents it's own challenges. Especially when said partner keeps trying to push you away because they don't think they're good enough and deserving of happiness.
On a lighter note, there were so many cute moments in this one - I mean...Uncle Ilya & painting nails!?! Major swoon. And their talks about a future with children?? I just can't. I feel greedy in saying this, but I think they need another book (at least a novella) without any angst where they can just be settled, grounded, and happy in their relationship.
I have an idea about who the next book will be about (perhaps a certain Centaur rookie), so I look forward to seeing more of our past couples pop up in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Outing, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Homophobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent and Suicide
bookishval's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
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
4.5
This is all a sequel has to be. Omg I can't believe I won't me able to read Shane and Ilya again, I was so invested in this story for only 3 days (how long it took me to read both books) and I cannot say goodbye yet. So let's talk about the book.
Following the events of Heated Rivalry, Shane and Ilya navigate thorugh the challenges of being in a relationship but still hiding from the world. I must say I was worried about this sequel, as I don't particulary like them. You see, whenever a couple has a second book, it always revolves around cheating, miscommunication or jealousy, and I was afraid it would ruin Heated Rivalry for me. But not at all.
I expected angst, and at some point I got it. This is no longer about Ilya and Shane's obvious sexual tension and unsaid feelings (although the spicy scenes were top notch as always, praise for that), but instead, this book focuses on Ilya's mental illness and how hiding their relationship affects each of them. I loved how in the first book, the protagonist role sort of fell to Shane, since everything was so new to him. He was exploring his sexuality, but dealing with the guilt of feeling attraction towards Ilya, his rival. And at the same time, being wary of his developing romantic feelings since Ilya was unconcerned.
But in The Long Game, the focus is on Ilya. We dive deeper into his childhood trauma and how all those feelings he bottled up over the years are affecting his relationship with Shane. It was such an emotional journey. First, his denial, not wanting to open the pandora box, afraid all these little moments he barely got with Shane would be gone if he stopped to think about himself. Then, when he faced the reality alone, seeking out help was necessary. And the angst was on. Ilya felt such raw emotions, and I was so proud of him for finally letting himself confront all these complicated feelings.
I loved how all of their bumps were written. Realistic, unfiltered feelings from both of them. But Shane and Ilya's love is so strong, nothing can get in their way. They had to faced doubts, distance, hell, it was Shane and Ilya against the word and I was living for it! Every single time Shane or Ilya reminded each other their feelings my heart flutter. They're so perfect for each other and I loved reading how their relationship only got stronger every step of the way.
Like I said before, I'm not ready to say goodbye to them. I'm more than willing to read anything if it's about them. I'll never get tired of them. I would love to read about their lives finally as teammates, as husbands and eventually as parents. I need a very domestic and cozy book only consisting of their everyday life, I would pay anything to have it. I don't know how I'll every read another sports romance again.
Honestly, Shane and Ilya ruined me for future books, but I'm not complaining.
Following the events of Heated Rivalry, Shane and Ilya navigate thorugh the challenges of being in a relationship but still hiding from the world. I must say I was worried about this sequel, as I don't particulary like them. You see, whenever a couple has a second book, it always revolves around cheating, miscommunication or jealousy, and I was afraid it would ruin Heated Rivalry for me. But not at all.
I expected angst, and at some point I got it. This is no longer about Ilya and Shane's obvious sexual tension and unsaid feelings (although the spicy scenes were top notch as always, praise for that), but instead, this book focuses on Ilya's mental illness and how hiding their relationship affects each of them. I loved how in the first book, the protagonist role sort of fell to Shane, since everything was so new to him. He was exploring his sexuality, but dealing with the guilt of feeling attraction towards Ilya, his rival. And at the same time, being wary of his developing romantic feelings since Ilya was unconcerned.
But in The Long Game, the focus is on Ilya. We dive deeper into his childhood trauma and how all those feelings he bottled up over the years are affecting his relationship with Shane. It was such an emotional journey. First, his denial, not wanting to open the pandora box, afraid all these little moments he barely got with Shane would be gone if he stopped to think about himself. Then, when he faced the reality alone, seeking out help was necessary. And the angst was on. Ilya felt such raw emotions, and I was so proud of him for finally letting himself confront all these complicated feelings.
I loved how all of their bumps were written. Realistic, unfiltered feelings from both of them. But Shane and Ilya's love is so strong, nothing can get in their way. They had to faced doubts, distance, hell, it was Shane and Ilya against the word and I was living for it! Every single time Shane or Ilya reminded each other their feelings my heart flutter. They're so perfect for each other and I loved reading how their relationship only got stronger every step of the way.
Like I said before, I'm not ready to say goodbye to them. I'm more than willing to read anything if it's about them. I'll never get tired of them. I would love to read about their lives finally as teammates, as husbands and eventually as parents. I need a very domestic and cozy book only consisting of their everyday life, I would pay anything to have it. I don't know how I'll every read another sports romance again.
Honestly, Shane and Ilya ruined me for future books, but I'm not complaining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Mental illness, and Homophobia
Moderate: Outing
frantic_vampire's review
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Homophobia, Biphobia, Mental illness, and Gaslighting
sarahmiller98's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Outing and Mental illness
fraise's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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, Mental illness, Outing, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol, and Suicide
hln's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness and Outing
lithoerary_atria's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
god these idiots are gonna make me cry so hard istg.
------------------------------------
god these idiots DID make me cry so hard istg.
ok get ready for this rambly review:
i was so so looking forward to a follow-up on ilya & shane's story because heated rivalry always felt a little incomplete to me and this DID NOT disappont.
ik this book is going to annoy some people who go into this expecting a cute romance but i genuinely like that all the grievances & misunderstandings between shane & ilya came out in this one. imo it's very realistic & i like that they had to work & talk through their issues to get together. and how it wasn't an overnight thing but a constant effort put into work by both of them.
i'm not a fan of the miscommunication trope but this is done VERY well here because the circumstances to create those misunderstandings seemed realistic. also ik many people are gonna get angry at shane (hell, i was too at times) but the book portrays both shane & ilya as so painfully human that it works & you can't help but root for them. i loved how these two characters have matured while still being in love and being absolute sappy idiots with each other.
He had to go to practice. He still felt tired. He always felt tired these days.
also, gonna get a big personal here. i've read plenty of books where the characters have depression and realistically, i KNOWW that depression is very different for different people. but i've NEVER EVER related this much about my experiences as much as i did with ilya — from feeling the bone-deep exhaustion to the frustration of having a downward spiral after having a few good moments — and it made me cry so fucking hard to see a character i care about go through something like this 'cause it's fucking awful.
Are you saying you think about, like—”
“No. Not really. I don’t know. I feel like I could think about it. Okay?”
He was frustrated about the loss, but it was more than that. He wanted to fucking disappear. He didn’t want his teammates to look at him, he didn’t want to talk to anyone. He was exhausted and he couldn’t remember what it felt like to not be exhausted.
He was worried the good vibes would end as soon as he was alone.
istg my notes are just filled with 'i relate to this so much it hurts' and just keysmashes from mushy feelings over how in love shane & ilya are.
this might actually be my favourite book of the series simply because of how particular issues were handled. and if the ending is too sappy or unrealistic, well, fuck it, who cares? queer people deserve to have an escape too and i'm so glad this book exists for that.
------------------------------------
god these idiots DID make me cry so hard istg.
ok get ready for this rambly review:
i was so so looking forward to a follow-up on ilya & shane's story because heated rivalry always felt a little incomplete to me and this DID NOT disappont.
ik this book is going to annoy some people who go into this expecting a cute romance but i genuinely like that all the grievances & misunderstandings between shane & ilya came out in this one. imo it's very realistic & i like that they had to work & talk through their issues to get together. and how it wasn't an overnight thing but a constant effort put into work by both of them.
i'm not a fan of the miscommunication trope but this is done VERY well here because the circumstances to create those misunderstandings seemed realistic. also ik many people are gonna get angry at shane (hell, i was too at times) but the book portrays both shane & ilya as so painfully human that it works & you can't help but root for them. i loved how these two characters have matured while still being in love and being absolute sappy idiots with each other.
He had to go to practice. He still felt tired. He always felt tired these days.
also, gonna get a big personal here. i've read plenty of books where the characters have depression and realistically, i KNOWW that depression is very different for different people. but i've NEVER EVER related this much about my experiences as much as i did with ilya — from feeling the bone-deep exhaustion to the frustration of having a downward spiral after having a few good moments — and it made me cry so fucking hard to see a character i care about go through something like this 'cause it's fucking awful.
Are you saying you think about, like—”
“No. Not really. I don’t know. I feel like I could think about it. Okay?”
He was frustrated about the loss, but it was more than that. He wanted to fucking disappear. He didn’t want his teammates to look at him, he didn’t want to talk to anyone. He was exhausted and he couldn’t remember what it felt like to not be exhausted.
He was worried the good vibes would end as soon as he was alone.
istg my notes are just filled with 'i relate to this so much it hurts' and just keysmashes from mushy feelings over how in love shane & ilya are.
this might actually be my favourite book of the series simply because of how particular issues were handled. and if the ending is too sappy or unrealistic, well, fuck it, who cares? queer people deserve to have an escape too and i'm so glad this book exists for that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness