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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
angelaocmon's review
emotional
tense
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, and Drug use
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
kharlan3's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Sexual content, and Homophobia
Moderate: Mental illness, Eating disorder, Drug use, Bullying, and Biphobia
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual violence, Suicide, Dementia, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Sexual assault, Racism, and Grief
there is atankytoon's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was excited to read this sequel to one of my favorite books, but I struggled through the first half of the story, because there wasn't much plot except for an abundance of sex scenes.
Ilya being funny was what kept me going and I wasn't really impressed with Shane.
I almost wanted to drop this book but I wanted to see Shane and Ilya's resolution so I trudged on. The second half progressed better. I liked that there were more things going on than just bumping uglies.
Overall a good, but not great, followup to the first book.
Ilya being funny was what kept me going and I wasn't really impressed with Shane.
I almost wanted to drop this book but I wanted to see Shane and Ilya's resolution so I trudged on. The second half progressed better. I liked that there were more things going on than just bumping uglies.
Overall a good, but not great, followup to the first book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
reading_rainbows's review
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Vomit, Homophobia, Biphobia, Alcohol, Outing, and Injury/Injury detail
littlewishling's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
ILYA!!! He’s back and he’s better than ever!
But seriously, I hope I can write banter as well as Reid one day. It’s literally perfect.
But seriously, I hope I can write banter as well as Reid one day. It’s literally perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Outing
ashhearddwrites's review
adventurous
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Mental illness
aromarrie's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
don’t have a lot to say at this very moment but this book is special; that’s all for now
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Outing, and Grief
Minor: Suicide
sultrytartreviews's review
challenging
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
It was so great to get a part 2 for Ilya and Shane--I love them so much, they're one of my all time favorite couples!! This book was so much more than I thought it would be. I liked that we focused more on Ilya's internal struggles this time around. I think we got some very important insight to depression on this book. Not all mental health presents in the same way and it's good to hear different representations of it. Needless to say, we also get all the good lovey dovey moments between our couple that were less in book 1. Way to hit it out of the park, Rachel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Suicide
CW: talk of mental health and depression, strict dieting (not harmful, but discussed a lot), talk of suicide (Ilya's mom, this isn't a spoiler), relating to LGBTQIA+ sensitivity->