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A review by bookishval
The Long Game by Rachel Reid
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