nick and charlie must be protected at all costs!!! I don’t think I could possibly love them more

Heated Rivalry is smart, sexy, emotionally grounded, and shockingly tender. Shane and Ilya are precious, feral little idiots who should be protected at all costs, and I adored every second of being in their universe.

What elevates this book is the character development. Watching Shane and Ilya grow, individually and together feels organic and earned. Their evolution isn’t rushed or performative; it unfolds through small, intentional moments that quietly reshape how they see themselves, each other, and the world around them. Every choice they make feels deliberate, layered with history, fear, longing, and affection.

The relationship itself feels remarkably real. It’s messy, funny, vulnerable, and human. The push and pull, the miscommunication, the tenderness hidden under bravado, it all rings true. This isn’t just a rivals-to-lovers romance; it’s a story about trust built slowly, about intimacy that grows in stolen moments and shared understanding.

I also loved how intentional the book is about its themes, identity, queerness in professional sports, and emotional safety. Nothing feels incidental. Even the humor and banter serve the deeper emotional arc, making the payoff hit you in the feels.

The hype is absolutely valid. Full stop.

Sensational, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Heated Rivalry is the kind of romance that will linger with me, and Shane and Ilya will live in my head rent-free forever