I finished Heated Rivalry and then continued without break with The Long Game.

The content of the second book on Ilya and Shane is a bit different to the first. There's more focus on the issues and struggles queer people face in the sports, namely the hockey, world. In my opinion (and experience) the story line is extremely on point and depicts the real world pretty well!

I also really liked the focus on the mental health of Ilya. I have loved ones in my family that are battling depression and I feel that Rachel Reid captured that illness very accurately with all its ups and downs (it's also mentioned that depression can look different for everyone).

The tension and romance and love between Shane and Ilya is written just as beautifully as in Heated Rivalry. The spicy scenes are super hot and a must read! I was a bit more frustrated with their communication than in Heated Rivalry but their issues are well explained and make sense as a reader. So they're not "dnf material issues" but really "rooting for them issues".

I deduct half a star for quality because I feel like some parts are a bit rushed. I wrote the same thing in my review for Heated Rivalry, so I think that's just the writing style of Rachel Reid.

Heated Rivalry was recommended by a friend. She was SO EXCITED when she told me about the adaptation and the books. You know, when people tell you "oh I really enjoyed xy, really recommend it!" and the book just gets added to your never ending TBR? Her excitement was so intense that I actually got curious and started to read Heated Rivalry after it being on my TBR for only 3 days.

And after 2 more days it was in my "finished" shelf. I INHALED Heated Rivalry. The tension between Shane and Ilya is captured beautifully. The sex scenes are just breathtaking. And what I personally find is the best thing is that slow change from rivals with benefits to romantically involved lovers. I am so hyped for the adaptation now!

I'd deduct half a star for quality because I feel like some parts, especially the beginning of the book, are a bit rushed.

I am currently recommending Heated Rivalry to all my friends. And the pagebound community, with this review ;)