HEATED RIVARLY

“Ilya couldn’t resist a bad idea. And Shane Hollander was a bad fucking idea. The worst idea.”

Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are rising stars of the hockey world, their rivalry magnified by relentless media attention and fans. To everyone else, they’re enemies. They’re supposed to hate each other—but no one knows what truly lies beneath that rivalry. What begins as raw passion and desire slowly turns into something far more beautiful and complicated, until they become inseparable. The question is: is loving each other behind closed doors enough, or are they ready to fight for more—to be together openly?

This book was so freaking cute 😍😍 I’m completely in love with Shane and Ilya—and with their relationship. I wouldn’t change a single thing. The tension and yearning between them were irresistible; I couldn’t look away. They complement each other perfectly, becoming each other’s person and each other’s safe place 🥺🥺

This is one of the best slow-burn romances I’ve ever read. And yes, I know—it doesn’t technically count as a slow burn since they’ve been in a physical relationship for years. But the slow burn in here is an emotional one, and it’s done masterfully 🤷🤷 Their chemistry is undeniable both on and off the ice, but the emotional development of their relationship takes its time. And by time, I mean eight years of longing. Eight. Years 🤯🤯

Over those eight years, we witness every shift in their dynamic. The more time they spend together, the deeper their need for one another becomes. Even with limited moments, they carve out a permanent space in each other’s hearts. Even when their feelings terrified them, they still chose each other 💕💕 Their desire was stronger than their fear, stronger than the idea that they’re “not supposed to want this.” The secret glances, the barely-there touches, the way their emotions overflow only when they’re together—it was everything 💯💯

“He wanted to tell Shane that the closest he felt to home was when he was with him.”

Ilya is so precious. My love for this man would compete with Shane’s, that’s for sure. He deserves the entire world, and thank God Shane is more than willing to give it to him. The way his family treated him made me furious and completely heartbroken 😭😭 A loving family is one of the greatest gifts a person can have in life, and Ilya was robbed of that—his family truly sucked 👎👎 He was struggling with English, far from his home country, and painfully alone. He deserved so much better. I truly hope he gets all the love he deserves from Yuna and David (Shane’s parents). I’m so glad he finally has Shane by his side ❤️❤️

“Mine.” Ilya’s breath tickled Shane’s skin when he spoke the single word. “Yours,” Shane said dreamily. “All of this. For two weeks. Is mine.” Forever, Shane wanted to say. Forever if you ask.

Shane is just as precious. I saw so much of myself in him 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ —his anxiety, his overthinking, his perfectionism. Every hesitation and fear he had made complete sense. Questioning your sexuality while living under constant pressure, making risky decisions without knowing the outcome—it’s terrifying. Yet despite all of that, Shane still fought for Ilya 🥰🥰 He became an extra shoulder to carry Ilya’s burdens, loving him with so much care and devotion. Their love was breathtaking and painfully beautiful, and it reminded me just how much I miss reading a love like theirs 🔥🔥

The side characters were fantastic as well. I especially loved Hayden—he was hilarious. Rose and Svetlana were wonderful too, and I adored how supportive they were of Shane and Ilya 👌👌 Heated Rivalry was an incredible read. And yes, I know I’m supposed to read the rest of the series before moving on, but I simply can’t wait—I’m going straight to The Long Game and I’ll come back for the others later. Highly recommended. See you soon 👋👋