Forgive me Scott for what I'm about to say but I just gained a new favorite. 🙏 I fear Ryan might have ruined me for any other MMCs for the rest of the series. He was perfection. Big and prickly presenting but actually a huge softie Teddy Bear 🧸 The way his anxiety and fears were written was like Rachel Reid took a peak in my brain and just copy / pasted it down. Felt like someone actually got it.

Fabian as his own person was great. Amazing talent, bomb ass confidence, surrounded by good friends. Fabian as a partner? Somewhat lacking. Why date a hockey player that has to be more aggressive than most if you're against the whole sport and his job? Some of the reasons felt valid but it just wasn't delivered the best. Their relationship did feel the most believable though. No insta-love and no damn near decade long Situationship.

Wanted to read this before watching the show just so I could feel like I had the real story in my head first and I can't wait to watch it! Will continue on the book series to catch all the little Ilya pop ups.

I liked Shane and Ilya but it just makes me sad to think of all those wasted years between them. Yes, I know they wouldn't have been ready to jump in head first when they were little 18 year old babies but still. All the feels were had.