Scan barcode
hbib's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
5.0
exquisite_tragedy's review
3.0
This is the 6th book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changer series, but you’ll need to (at least) read Heated Rivalry (book 2) before going into this one. I’d suggest reading this series in chronical order for optimal enjoyment of Ilya and Shane’s HEA.
FINALLY, the HEA Ilya and Shane deserve!!!! Despite them being an established couple at the start of this book, I was happy to discover that not only was it just as angsty as Heated Rivalry but it was even more emotionally charged. Rachel Reid handled a lot of heavy topics fairly well (ie., mental health). Ilya is definitely my favorite character of the series, he's such a cinnamon roll and he steals every scene he’s in. I found Shane a lot more frustrating and thick headed here than he was in Heated Rivalry, however I thought it actually made sense here given the progression of their relationship. It also ended up adding some additional angst to the story. I had a lot of reservations going into this because I don't always love reading about established couples, but I ended up liking this one even more than Heated Rivalry and the HEA was so worth it.
Tropes/Themes:
-MM romance (bisexual and gay heroes)
-rivals to lovers (established couple by start of this book)
-forbidden/taboo (professional hockey rivals)
-angst angst and more angst
FINALLY, the HEA Ilya and Shane deserve!!!! Despite them being an established couple at the start of this book, I was happy to discover that not only was it just as angsty as Heated Rivalry but it was even more emotionally charged. Rachel Reid handled a lot of heavy topics fairly well (ie., mental health). Ilya is definitely my favorite character of the series, he's such a cinnamon roll and he steals every scene he’s in. I found Shane a lot more frustrating and thick headed here than he was in Heated Rivalry, however I thought it actually made sense here given the progression of their relationship. It also ended up adding some additional angst to the story. I had a lot of reservations going into this because I don't always love reading about established couples, but I ended up liking this one even more than Heated Rivalry and the HEA was so worth it.
Tropes/Themes:
-MM romance (bisexual and gay heroes)
-rivals to lovers (established couple by start of this book)
-forbidden/taboo (professional hockey rivals)
-angst angst and more angst
phoenixspring03's review against another edition
5.0
Remains my favourite book.
You experience every emotion possible in this story. Ilya mental health is explored beautifully. All the feels. 10/10
I adore these two
You experience every emotion possible in this story. Ilya mental health is explored beautifully. All the feels. 10/10
I adore these two
stephennc2's review
5.0
Not at all 5 star books are created equal because after giving Heated Rivalry, the first book about Shane and Ilya 5 stars, I want to give this one 6, no 10 stars. I was completely enraptured by this book. It was 496 pages and I could’ve read double that about these two MCs. The way they are so in love nearly brought me to tears more than once. I’m not a big hockey romance lover, but I wish I could read 1000 more pages of this. Such a great, emotional, spicy read full of so much heart that I thought mine might explode.
moll_ereads's review
5.0
6/11/23: hand on heart now I 100% believe this is the BEST romance book that I have ever read!!! And i highly doubt i'll ever read one better. Put it on my gravestone!!!
Edit 15/6/22: this book is just beyond incredible, its completely satisfying and makes me so happy
Edit 15/6/22: this book is just beyond incredible, its completely satisfying and makes me so happy
kerithesmutslut's review
5.0
Ugh this book made me cry. I wanted to knock some sense into Shane and I was so glad when he finally took a stand and made it clear who he chose. Loved this book.