Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, #2) (original 2019; edição 2019)

This is the platonic form of an enemies-to-lovers hockey romance novel. ( )

This book starts off a bit choppy, hot but choppy. Shane's vulnerability and Ilya's mystery and charm suck you right in though.

It's told in a series of hook-ups, underscored by intense chemistry. Slowly, the pair of them reveals more about themselves, while the other is pulling him in, all the while fighting how this can't be a thing. So, because this is told in a series of hook-ups when Shane & Ilya are in the same city, it may not be for those of you that prefer a slow burn. To me, this felt like Hate to Want You in the secrets, the rivalry, and the fact that through 8 years, the couple meets up only a few times a year (and without the childhood history). Except imagine you see all the annual interactions of Nicholas - Livvy... And you have the middle part of this book. And I'm not going to sugar coat this, it hurts.

We watch them slowly fall in love with each other, shedding animosity, and basically both know they are more, yet NHL among other external factors threaten their relationship. I found this so excruciating. And here I'm offer my second warning: they are not exclusive for a good 2/3 of the book.

If you can get past those things, or enjoy them, they end is well worth it. We're suddenly seeing Ilya's wonderful direct wit,
Ilya was wearing a Boston Bears shirt.
"That's not going to help."
"Oh, do they not know I play for Boston?"
and I could swear this author lifted a conversation or two from my own home:

"Why the fuck are you making eight burgers?"
"That's what the recipe was for!"
"You can't do math? Cut it in half"
"Leave me alone."

These delighted me in their authentic feel.

So for a good last portion of this I was smiling, chuckling, and rewarded for my heart feeling squeezed for the first 3/4 of this book.

Shane laughed. "You wanna kiss me on television?"
"Yes. After I win the Stanley cup."
Shane spread his arms out. "Oh, so in this scenario, you've just defeated me?"
"Yes. Sorry."

And because I usually mention this in a novel with a hero whose first language is Russian... It's hard to go all in with this one, I understand...but it was sorta turned on and off in odd ways, which I found distracting. ( )

Rachel Reid melts the ice with HEATED RIVALRY, the second book in the Game Changer series. Captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, Shane Hollander, and Boston Bears captain, Ilya Rozanov, are rivals. They both share a secret that could alter their lives. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

I really liked Shane’s and Ilya’s characters. Their rivalry kept reminding me of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. The media has always played them against each other since the World Junior Hockey Championships and Draft. Shane is a humble, serious, and a good role model. He has an awesome family. Ilya is pretty much Shane’s opposite. He is arrogant and obnoxious. Ilya does not have a great family life. Both characters are lovable in their own ways. Their competition makes them better players.

I enjoyed the plot. There were interesting twists. The story was believable and heartwarming. This is the first book that I have read by Rachel Reid. I enjoyed her writing style. HEATED RIVALRY was skillfully-written and executed. I want to go back and read book one, GAME CHANGER. I could follow this book with no problem having not read the first book. However, Scott Hunter from book one is referenced in this novel, and I want to read his story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ( )