Rachel Reid: Heated Rivalry (Game Changers 2.)

I think I owe you a proper recommendation for this book. You've probably already heard about it, but if not: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid is the second book in the Game Changers series, and it was recently adapted into a TV show by the Canadian platform Crave. 

The ice is cold, but the air is heated. Montreal's Shane Hollander and Boston's Russian Ilya Rozanov are arch-rivals on the ice. They are total opposites, can't stand each other, and they're always trying to outdo one another. But in secret, they have an affair, one that can never become public. Never. As the years go by, they start to realize that it's way more than just a situationship with no stakes. Emotions and feelings grow, and the question arises: what would happen if they finally stepped into the light together?

First, let's be clear: I know it's the second book. But I had to buy this one and read it right after the adaptation. It was way more addictive than I expected. And still, totally worth it.

I cannot ignore the fact that the book is filled with spicy scenes. I mean, it's widely known that the show is hot, and the book is no different. But honestly, it was still a surprise how spicy it was. And it began in medias res (aka without lead-up), right on the first or second page, as I remember. Take this as a warning: if you're planning to read this, make sure you prepare yourself for these scenes. There's a lot.

And I really loved that the inner thoughts of Shane and Ilya were written in the book. Usually I don't really like this kind of third-person narration, because it can seem too sterile, but not this time. The characters' fears, concerns, feelings were perfectly written. And I think this makes a perfect balance with the intense scenes.

And I'd like to write some thoughts about the characters. Both Shane and Ilya are interesting characters, who are opposites and similar at the same time. Shane is more calm, cold-headed, composed (a lot of c-words :D), but also a bit too shy, emotional, and uncertain. On the other hand, Ilya is more intense, open, and...let's be honest, that kind of person some people just can't like. But this is just the surface. On the inside, he's vulnerable, uncertain, and emotionally tense as well, which means he just needs the right person to be his true self with. And these two morons make a perfect couple together, and they complement each other in a way.

What I really liked was that the TV show hasn't changed much in the story. Now that I know the original story, I can say that Crave and Jacob Tierney made a really great screen adaptation of Rachel Reid's novel. Both the appearance of the characters and the storyline are mostly true to the book. By that I mean, for example the hospital, or the locker room scene, which both play an important role. 

But the best thing in the whole novel was the ending. As some of you probably know, the book continues after Shane and Ilya are leaving the cottage. We got a little sneak peek into their relationship, their future, and their difficulties. I may not even need to say that it was heartwarming to read these parts. I consider these as my favourite scenes in the book.

So, let's conclude a little: Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry is a pure hockey romance, with a slow burn enemies to lovers M/M story. Has a lot of spicy scenes, so this is the reason why I'd recommend it to those who might know what to expect. And it doesn't matter if you've already seen the adaptation, because the novel can work as an extension to the TV show (I know, I know, it's not the proper method, but pls. don't kill me).

For me Heated Rivalry will always be one of my favourites, so I highly recommend that you read and/or watch Shane and Ilya's story. But be careful, it can be seriously addictive.