Scan barcode
A review by reclusivebookslug
The Long Game by Rachel Reid
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Even though I'm not gay and have no interest in hockey, I love this series. I hope Rachel Reid continues writing because she's one of my favorite romance authors. (I've read the whole of this series before I started using this app, and I refuse to start marking books I've read in the past because it would never end and drive me insane, so until I reread the others it will appear as though I have only read this one.)
Although I love the other books in this series (Ryan and Fabian's story especially), this has quickly become my new favorite. The closure on Shane and Ilya's story, discussion of mental health, the inclusion of women's hockey, acknowledging the need for trans inclusivity in sports, and the hope of more substantial change in hockey culture and industry (at least in this fictional NHL), are all great additions.
One point that I prefer other couples in this series to this one is the connection I feel to each of the main characters. I just don't relate or connect to Shane very much. I don't think this is simply due to me being personally very different from him, for the same is true of Ilya, who I love. I can't quite put my finger on why this disconnect exists for me, but it's worth mentioning as something that slightly dampened the enjoyability of reading. I always prefer when I am equally invested in each love interest, as opposed to being predominantly interested in just one.
Although I love the other books in this series (Ryan and Fabian's story especially), this has quickly become my new favorite. The closure on Shane and Ilya's story, discussion of mental health, the inclusion of women's hockey, acknowledging the need for trans inclusivity in sports, and the hope of more substantial change in hockey culture and industry (at least in this fictional NHL), are all great additions.
One point that I prefer other couples in this series to this one is the connection I feel to each of the main characters. I just don't relate or connect to Shane very much. I don't think this is simply due to me being personally very different from him, for the same is true of Ilya, who I love. I can't quite put my finger on why this disconnect exists for me, but it's worth mentioning as something that slightly dampened the enjoyability of reading. I always prefer when I am equally invested in each love interest, as opposed to being predominantly interested in just one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
As discussed in Heated Rivalry (Game Changers #2), Ilya's mother committed suicide when he was young, which is mentioned again here. Now Ilya is struggling with his own mental health, exacerbated by worries of becoming like his mother.