In an age where the hockey romance seems to dominate a majority of the sports romance genre, I feel like Heated Rivalry is a shining example of what a good book in the genre reads like. The book some ways caught me off guard, like for example where I got worried that author Rachel Reid was spinning her wheels too much with the sex scenes. It feared that this story was going to go in circles, however upon a re-reading of the first party - the sex scenes are in service to the plot itself. While at first they feels thrown in there, it does build up Shane and Ilya's relationship even if at times it felt overdone with the scenes itself. Reid at least tries to keep it interesting with those intimate and spicy moments. In find that this rivalry between Ilya and Shane to be built up, as it spans over the course of many years, and through snapshots of particular seasons, you see how they grow as players. HOWEVER, this is not a book that focuses too much on the sport itself. Rather the two main characters with hockey being the source of tension and as a backdrop. But, I feel for what it was going for, it does a good job. This isn't a SPORTS romance, it's a sports ROMANCE.

It was hard to rate it between a 4.5 or a 5 - but small issues with some of the pacing left me wanting more. While this book started out a small trade paperback - there is still a lot it can be offered. It felt like a lot of the plot itself happened in the back end of the book. And while that may be good for many readers, for those who want more plot threaded through the sex scenes may be left disappointed. Small issues here and there are not enough to make it a DNF or fall below a 4. I can see why many people are attached to the main leads and why the book was popular enough to garner a television adaptation.

While it serves a lot of the same function as other steamy sports novels, Reid's writing is strong and her characterization is grounded. If other hockey romance titles left you disappointed (cough icebreaker cough), this I would recommend giving Heated Rivalry a shot! Except with the show adaption coming out - you might be waiting for the book for a while at your local library!

Let me start this review by saying - if you or someone you love is a trans masc teenager (between 14-17), this book will be a solid 5/5. For a YA supernatural semi-romance with trans and Latinx representation - it does hit the mark. Even with an ending that stuck the landing (will not give spoilers for how the book ends!). The book is good for the demographic that author Aiden Thomas is writing for. Which in an age where many YA authors try to court an audience of adults as well, feels refreshing. Unfortunately that means I, a 20-something, did not get as much enjoyment out of the book as I could have if I were 10 years younger. As I stated before, this book is a solid 5/5 if you are in the YA demographic - but my rating someone who is 20-something recommending the book to people who are within my age range.

At first I worried that this book was going to be a DNF. While it had been on my reading list for a while, I only finally picked it up because of the challenge on Pagebound. And while I did finish the book within a few days, it is far from a perfect book. I can appreciate what Aiden Thomas is trying to go for. Their focus on Latinx & trans representation in a way that feels honest, grounded, and in many ways real. With discussions of immigration, masculinity, houselessness, and other difficult topics, Thomas handles them with well. Giving all their characters an honesty that reflects well on the page. There is a balance between the mature topics, but also the antics of teenagers. This story is not torture porn - but rather one of immense hope. The prose did not feel childish nor speaking down to the audience. I feel the major characters: Yadriel, Julian & Maritza all have a level of depth to them. Along with minor characters met further along in the book like family, friends, and classmates. Thomas has that touch to their writing that makes me want to read more of it in the future!

My issues lie that I simply cannot related to the characters as much as I could have years prior. I wouldn't say that the characters of Yadriel and Julian as "immature" - they are teenagers, that's kind of their whole deal. There are hiccups in the character's plans. And while it could be seen as agitating for adult readers (it did for me). To view the lens of being a teenager helps alleviate some of that. Another issue was that there is quite a bit of exposition. Thomas tries to balance this with action. Sometimes it works - other times it doesn't. But, it doesn't get you pulled into the book as easily.

I am interested in Thomas' other works. And I feel like their representation in the book is much needed, especially in the current climate. Seeing stories that reflect youth who in many ways feel isolated, subjugated and alone in such a big world can help them push through. Even if the story involves spirits and magic. Stories like this matter, and even if it wasn't for the challenge to read it - I would have picked it up eventually.

My advice to read this is to get through the first little bit with all the exposition out of the way, plus remember that you, the adult, are not the target audience. And try to imagine what teen you would enjoy. It makes the experience much more enjoyable. You were once impulsive and "immature" too.