Reader, if you’re like me you need more Ilya and Shane in your life! When I picked this up I had two choices: devour the story of two well-loved characters, or slowly savor it over several nights as I caught up on what was next for these two. Well I did a little bit of both! I forced myself to slow down and savor this next chapter in the Ilya and Shane love story. I’m so glad I did because I’m still swooning as I write this! I worried a bit when I picked this up…I’ve loved their story so much through this series, would more change that? I worried unnecessarily because we only got to see more of their love and their fight to also keep hockey and each other in their lives. I found myself smiling, laughing at parts, and also unexpectedly getting choked up. If you’re familiar with the series, and I highly recommend reading them all before this one, it runs concurrently with Tyler and Harris’s story. I love the honest and open communication between Ilya and Shane and how they don’t hold back their feelings for each other. I don’t want to spoil this wonderful story with lots of plot points. Just know that if you are an Ilya and Shane fan, you will not be disappointed!

The long game was my anticipated read of the year and I’m so happy to say that it EXCEEDED my expectations. S/O to my girl Rachel Reid for successfully crushing a sequel and managing to pull every possible emotion out of me . In Heated Rivalry, Shane and Illya agreed to a secret relationship . However, Illya is struggling with the secret and is starting to feel the weight of his decision. In this book, we get to see a defenseless Ilya who is unequivocally in love with Shane and an in-depth look at the struggles he is facing to preserve his relationship. My heart went out to him so much during this story. I loved seeing the softer side of him. Shane, on the other hand, wasn’t my favorite person the majority of this book. He exhibited selfish and self-centered behavior that frustrated m. I never doubted he loved Illya, but his severe paranoia got old fast. He did manage to redeem himself but I gave him major side eye lol. This couples road to love was not an easy one but I love how they navigated their trials, relationship and career together. I definitely rooted for them and their freedom to love each other out loud. The Long Game came through for me on every level. Rachel was able to tell an amazing story with a seamless timeline. This story is emotional, so be prepared to be broken down and put back together in the most sweetest way. This book rocked me to my core! There are so many things I want to say about this masterpiece but I don’t have the space lol. Do yourself a favor and read this book, you won’t be disappointed

When I tell you that this was everything I never knew I needed from Rachel Reid and yet everything I could have ever hoped for. As long-time fan of Rachel Reid, and absolutely obsessed with Ilya and Shane, I was dying to get my hands on The Long Game which has been teased for so long - and I wasn't disappointed.
Instead of delivering non-stop steam, The Long Game delves deep into Ilya's personality and mental health. I absolutely loved the choices Reid made for this book and in which direction she pushed the couple.
There's still everything you loved about Shane and Ilya from their first installment Heated Rivalry - the funny banter, the undeniable chemistry, the jealousy and true love and their perseverance and belief in their happily ever after.
But beyond that, you also finally get to see deeper into what makes Ilya tick and, in the process, learn about his own struggle with his mental health after his mother lost that battle. This book made me cry, made me smile, laugh, growl, titter and sigh in the best of ways. It's an absolutely emotionally devastating rollercoaster that somehow rewards you at the end with exactly what you're hoping for - if maybe not in the way you think it will happen but nevertheless in an unputdownable manner.
Needless to say, this, for me at least, was the perfect conclusion to Shane and Ilya's story - unputdownable, emotional, vibrant, fierce, funny, sad, and ultimately cathartic. I can't fathom any fan of Rachel Reid not loving this happily-ever-after for our favorite characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. I am so grateful for this opportunity!

"When you watch it, this is what you will see. Me saying nothing. I wanted to say you are fucking everything to me. Everything. Okay?"

When I say this was my most anticipated read of my life it's as honest as I can be. This 2 year wait (I read Heated Rivalry a bit late) was actual torture. Seeing Ilya in Role Model helped but my god did I miss these two! Okay so let's get into it shall we?

We last saw Shane and Ilya in HR deciding to keep their relationship a secret as long as they could, hopefully until both of their careers were over. However, towards the end of Role Model you got the feeling that hiding wasn't quite enough for Ilya any longer.

Ilya had already given up so much for Shane and it seemed as if Shane had barely given anything to him, would he give it all up if the choice came down to Ilya or Hockey?

Shane was living his dream but the two hour drive and the stolen nights were getting harder and harder but it worked, right? It worked until he almost lost the one person that made it all worth it. Now Shane has a plan so they can have it all but what about plan b?

"You are the best thing in my life. I love you. Always. Maybe from the first time I saw you.”

This sequel was everything I needed it to be and so much more. We got to see this relationship that we've all loved for so long bloom and flourish. These two have fought so hard for a happily ever after and deserve it more than anyone.

We do see a lot of Ilya battling with his mental health in this story so if talk of depression is a trigger for you here is your trigger warning.

I don't think I will ever get over this story. I don't think I will move on from the ending for a while, but the ending, my god, I'm pretty sure we're being set up for more of this duo and I cannot wait.

All in all
5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.6/5🌶🌶🌶🌶
3/5😭😭😭
Will recommend until my dying moment.

Review also posted on TikTok at
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTd4WsCcU/ 😘

I absolutely loved Shane and Ilya in Heated Rivalry, and the chemistry was still there in The Long Game. While Heated Rivalry was a great start to capturing the awareness of their feelings towards one another, The Long Game was a true insight into their actual relationship. A look at their core.

This storyline was beautifully written in a way for us as readers to witness the continuation of their romance. It was the more we didn't know we needed. This felt like a whole new beginning, one I'd love to read more of.

5++++ Stars!!!

All the Stars for Ilya and Shane, and especially for Rachel Reid, who truly outdid herself with The Long Game! You need to at least read Heated Rivalry before reading it, I suggest reading Role Model, too, as some of the events in these books overlap.

I fell in love with Ilya when I read Role Model, and that love continue growing when I finally read Heated Rivalry, and now The Long Game. He's amazing, fun, sarcastic, and cocky, but there is so much more to him, and seeing him battle with depression tugged at my heartstrings. I love Shane, too, although there were moments during the first half of the book when I wanted to slap some sense into him. He totally made up for it in the second half, though. I absolutely love Shane and Ilya together, the love they share, their insane chemistry, the way they just fit together even if they're so different from each other, and the way they support and are there for each other, made this into one of my favorite books ever.

I also loved catching up with the Ottawa Centaurs, Shane's parents, the lovely Anya, and Hayden and his family. Their interactions with Shane and Ilya truly enriched their story.

I can't recommend this book enough, I laughed, I cried (a lot), I whooped, and I sighed happily when Ilya and Shane got their HEA. And now I don't know what to do with myself, The Long Game wrecked me in the best of ways, and moving on from it is going to be difficult. I really hope this isn't the last we've seen of these guys because I'm not ready to let go.

*** Copy provided by Carina Press through NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

If you've read Heated Rivalry (probably one of the hottest enemies to lovers MM story) and wondered what happened next for Shane and Ilya, your wait is over. It is both deliciously decadent and emotionally difficult reading but in the world we live in today and most assuredly, in the world of closeted professional athletes, Rachel Reid bring us a story between rivals who absolutely love each other but for many reasons must keep themselves closeted from nearly everyone in their lives. It is not sustainable as we soon learn and the friendships they have cultivated will both break them and help them heel. It was worth the wait for their HEA. We also get "where are they now" stories from some of our favorites in previous Game Changer stories.

The TL;DR version: I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH, Y’ALL. SO. MUCH. 5 STARS

The long version:

This is a direct sequel to HEATED RIVALRY. You should start there, and I’d urge you to pick up ROLE MODEL, too, since the timelines overlap in some cool ways.

Once you’re prepped and ready: THIS BOOK.

I’ve thought of it constantly since I finished it. I love these characters so, so much, and I wanted so, so much for them, and Rachel Reid delivered. She broke my heart and put it back together and filled it to the brim.

HEATED RIVALRY was about two people realizing their longstanding hookup arrangement was a lot more than that. THE LONG GAME takes us inside the mechanics of their still-secret relationship; the benefits of being in confessed, requited love, along with the strain they face due to long stretches apart, outside pressures, and unequal sacrifices.

It’d be a good setup even in a standalone, but Reid really builds off of everything we know about these guys from their first book and from the hints we’ve seen across the rest of the series. I couldn’t put it down. You always know more or less how a romance is gonna turn out, but the HOW of that HEA makes all the difference.

Reid delivers a HOW that speaks to who these characters have become, together and as individuals. My heart is so damned full I can hardly stand it.

Also of note: there’s a DOG (dogs improve books. This is science), and some small but significant love for McGriddles (THE BEST McDonald’s thing), and lots about mental health, and I want to formally confirm Ilya as one of my favourite literary characters. He speaks to my soul on so many levels and I’m sat here crying over his limitless perfection.

While The Long Game is ultimately uplifting and triumphant, for much of its length, it is actually serious and complex. For those of us following Shane and Ilya through several books, this culmination is a long time coming romantically. And yet, it's also a commentary on elite sportspeople and the way their private lives intersect with their public persona and the terrible impacts these collisions cause.

Especially, it seems on Ilya. His outwardly social and funny demeanor is at odds with his private thoughts and feelings. It's clear that each time Shane dismisses their hopefully eventual coming out, it cuts him deeply. I loved all his interactions with Galina, Shane's parents and the younger hockey boys.

Shane's control on fitness and food reflect his internal conflicts. His need for precision, for perfection and for winning indicate just how close he is to falling apart. Everything seems to be on a knife's edge and the encounter with the head of the NHL could easily have ended quite differently. There is a lot of tension with Shane's chapters and they are sad in a different way to Ilya's.

The climax is almost a relief. A release from holding our breath. Because these two boys could not have continued for much longer under such a strain.

So, of course, I loved the concluding third section of the book. I loved everything about it, of course, but the pay off here is highly satisfying. I don't know how many more there will be but I will read them all.

Thanks for publisher, Carina Press and Netgalley for advanced copy. The Long Game is out on April 26.

Shane and Llya have been in a secret relationship for ten years. They are on rival hockey teams and only a select few know about them. Lyla wants their relationship out in the open but Shane doesn't because he is not out. The book is very emotional and you can help but feel sorry for Lyla. The book is sweet, with a lot of angst, romantic, funny, and these two will have mad and happy at the same time. These two had to overcome a lot to get their happily ever after. Rachel Reid did a great job with this book.

Such a satisfying sequel - very steamy, super emotional (I cried and laughed), and finally the HEA Ilya deserves. Obviously read Heated Rivalry, but also Role Model to get the most from this (but just read the whole series, ok?). Timeline wise, it overlaps significantly with Role Model.

Shane and Ilya have been together for three years (or ten, it's complicated), but they've been hiding their off-ice relationship from the world. And it's wearing on them. Something needs to give.

This book features a committed couple who we saw come together in Heated Rivalry, so we begin with two people in a relationship who love each other, but who also have some very real challenges. The emotional depth of the book is so deep. Particularly with Ilya. who has been the through line of the entire Game Changers series. Ilya is struggling, and it's heartbreaking. As Ilya and Shane see more of their colleagues come out and live their lives openly, the burden of hiding becomes greater.

Watching the relationship develop is immensely gratifying. The MCs work through a lot in this book. Like I said. Super emotional, but also super steamy.

I can't recommend this book and this series enough. If Carina comes out with a box set of this series, I'm buying it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a sequel I'd been hoping and praying for and to get to revisit one of my favourite couples EVER had me figuratively jumping for joy when I got this book.

If you've read Heated Rivalry (and you should if you want to properly enjoy this book), you'd know it ended very realistically and for me very satisfyingly especially given the type of men Shane and Ilya were and the situations they found themselves in.

Given the time that had passed since the end of that Book, and the happenings within the NHL world in this book universe, I was more than ready for my guys to get their HEA.

It was so good to see how much Ilya had matured (even though he was still an ass sometimes 😂) and my poor baby was struggling for real.

Shane was still bogged down with being perfect at everything so it took him a while to see what was right in front of him but fortunately, he saw it eventually.

Of course, nothing was going to come easily with these two guys so they had to go through some trials and "tribulations" and managed once again to get themselves over the proverbial line to come to a satisfying resolution.(I'm side-eying Hayden so bad right now...grrrrr)

It's sad that this is the last we're seeing of these two favourites of mine. I would give anything for their story to be told forever but I guess I just have to console myself with rereads of their books whenever I miss them.

Ilya and Shane are back in this follow up to Heated Rivalry to finally get their happily ever after. Years of hiding has worn on both of the men, and after seeing others in the League come out, they decide it's finally time to acknowledge their longstanding relationship. I was nervous for this because I loved Heated Rivalry so much, but Reid did not disappoint. The portrayal of Ilya's mental health struggles were particularly moving, and while it was easy to get frustrated with Shane, I couldn't help but root for both of the men. A worthy follow up!

Ilya, Ilya, Ilya…I love you so. My heart broke, melted, and rejoiced for you so many times while reading this series finale. I followed as you bravely moved forward while staying firm in your love for Shane. Thank you, Rachel Reid, for providing this revisit of my all-time favorite couple as they’ve now matured, grown as elite hockey players, and reaffirmed their commitment to each other in front of friends, family, and fans.

I first met Ilya and Shane three years ago when they starred in Heated Rivalry, my very first ARC after being approved as a NetGalley reviewer. This revisit to my all-time favorite couple takes place concurrent with Role Model, so we see scenes from Ilya’s perspective, something I definitely appreciated, especially when we revisit the airplane scene and learn what Ilya communicated to Shane when…well, that would be a spoiler, but yet another reason to get this book!

Ilya and Shane spend time both together and apart in this book, given they play for rival Canadian teams, but see each other every chance they get, whether by video chat or in person. There are both romantic and sexually charged explicit moments in bed…and over the couch…and outdoors…and…well, no spoilers here, but I can say each time is fresh and different and the author varies the circumstances and allows their intimate moments to flow from their emotions—from their hearts—and these moments add to the story rather than detract from it.

An extra plus in my column of reasons to read this book: the author seamlessly wove in revisits from favorite characters from other books. I particularly enjoyed scenes with Scott Hunter and his husband Kip (Game Changer), Troy and his fiancé Harris (Role Model), and, of course, Ilya’s favorite canine, Chiron!

In my review of Heated Rivalry, I wrote: “From the beginning of this story, I was swept up in the rich characterizations, the excitement of pro hockey, and the secretive sexy banter and wish fulfillment.” I also noted I adored Ilya’s accent, his sense of humor, and his ego—a well-deserved ego. Ditto here, but in The Long Game I also adored seeing deeper into Ilya’s heart and soul, meeting the man behind the hockey player persona. Shane presents as sweeter, stronger, driven, but he lives with internal turmoil, finding he needs to always be in control. He worries constantly about being outed, and yet it’s Shane who immediately embraces their worst-case scenario, draws on his deep-seated love for Ilya, and faces off with the Commissioner. Ilya couldn’t be prouder of his lover. Me too. Sigh.

I tried to read this slowly to savor every moment—I really did, and I was successful for the first two-thirds, but by the time I hit 70 percent, there was no way I was putting this book down. It was riveting, amazing, outstanding, emotional, heartwarming, romantic, and more. Do not miss this book if you have read the rest of the series. You will not be disappointed. And if you have not read the rest of the Game Changers series, start now with Game Changer and don’t stop until the last page of this capstone story. Obviously, I very, very highly recommend this!

In this satisfying conclusion to Rachel Reid's epic and influential hockey romance series, former enemies turned long term though secret lovers go through the long delayed process of making it official. As Shane and Ilya become life partners in the public eye, they experience substantial growing pains in this sexy, emotional, and sweet story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have received this book by NetGalley and Carina Press (Harlequin), and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. The Pub date of the book is April 26th.

I just finished reading The Long Game, and I couldn't let any time go by without starting to write my review. I felt that I needed to do it because I was afraid of getting lost in words and not doing justice to what I truly felt reading this book.
Those who follow the author's Game Changers Series know how much awaited this book was and how wonderful it had to be. How important this book was. Shane and Ilya deserved better than Heated Rivalry, and we finally got to have the rest of the story of our beloved rivals in love.

But this sequel isn't just the romantic relationship of two hockey players - not at all. It is the sacrifice made over the years; it is the strength necessary to endure situations and moments in which we can't speak or act; the slip from stability to depression; it is the development of a relationship. It's understanding what we're willing to sacrifice and why - knowing if it's worth the sacrifice in the end or not. After everything we do for others, what we get is a piece of shit. It is the fight - and the fear - against discrimination.

It was terrific to see the evolution of the author's writing on a higher level and the difference it made to the characters' growth. The story follows the timeline necessary to understand each moment and part of the relationship and the small details that we can perceive as important. As I read the series in a row without skipping any books, it was even more exciting to realize some of the details and moments needed to understand the characters fully.

My heart broke several times while reading the book. Read the pages of what Ilya goes through behind the smiles and shows he exposes to the world, the sacrifices he made for Shane and how much it pushed him into a depressing abyss. Shane understands this after a long time and really understands what's at stake, whether it's hockey or the love of his life - the love you've both struggled to hold. I loved Shane's growth in this book and Ilya's to ask for help and try to do what's best for him - but always for Shane. What he also had to learn on the way to loving himself.

Oh, and another important thing, the author did not mask mental health situations during the book. It was very present here (and in other books), but it didn't disappear even when things between the couple started to move forward. It is an extended treatment that needs follow-up and dedication, which is very clear in the story.
Shane and Ilya got in this book - finally - what they deserved and what we all wished they had.

I could ramble more, but I think you should read the book and draw your conclusions.
I wanted to give it more than 5 stars, and for me, it's 10! Despite reading in ARC, my physical and digital copies are purchased. I would love to have the others, but I'm glad I have this one.

Thank you, Rachel Reid - you broke my heart so many times in this series, and I still love this to death. You're amazing.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 Q: what’s your ideal amount of angst in a romance using stove burner terminology? I am low to medium 😆.

​I see people recommended Rachel Reid’s romance Heated Rivalry all the time. *ticking off boxes* It’s a MM sports romance between on-going enemies who are sexxing each other up anytime their teams are in the same town.

The Long Game, Reid’s upcoming release, follows that same Heated Rivalry couple—Ilya & Shane—now that they’ve said “I love you” but while they’re still keeping their relationship a secret from pretty much anyone because of the fact that they’re widely known as (supposedly) hating each other on & off the ice.

I have two different ways of responding to this book (and the series overall). I recognize that it’s a strong romance & I can see why it’s beloved. I gave The Long Game 4.5 stars bc of reasons outlined below.

But I think this is a classic not you, me situation bc these books hit me hard on the angst-meter & that’s not my fave romance-reading sensation in general.

Though Ilya & Shane are a couple in this book they still have a lot of issues to work through, including what they think will happen if they are to reveal that they’re a couple, what each of them wants, & challenges Ilya is experiencing with his mental health.

I found some parts of this book emotionally difficult to read & TBH as much as I was happy for this couple & enjoy Reid’s writing I was also feeling a little feelings cloud about picking it back up 😅.

Setting aside my feelings cloud & returning to my review opening 😆, this duology is great. The chemistry between Ilya & Shane is off the charts, they’re convincingly built up as characters who love to compete *and* kiss, Ilya is hilarious & always pushing the envelope, I love how much they obviously care about the other despite their missteps, & the ending is satisfying.

But it hurt me to get there 😆.

4.5 ⭐️. Release date: 04/26




CWs: Homophobia & transphobia in NHL. Lack of acceptance of relationship on Shane’s team. References to sexual assault. References to mother’s suicide.


[ID: an ebook is surrounded by a green wreath with white roses interspersed throughout.]

Included as a top pick in bimonthly April New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

Two of the more memorable characters in MM romance, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, return in this latest book in Rachel Reid's Game Changer series. While the previous story featuring them, "Heated Rivalry", featured a happy ending of sorts that made sense for the characters, it left their future together in a somewhat nebulous state.

This story covers a lot of ground, basically running concurrently with the previous book in the series, "Role Model", and then going past the events in that one. I enjoyed how several events from "Role" were examined from Ilya and Shane's point of view, such as Ilya's move to Ottawa along with Troy Barrett's trade, and the flight from hell that the Centaurs endure on their way to Florida. All of these events play into this book's story, often in unexpected ways, but I always found them interesting. Reid's done a good job intertwining previous characters in the series in each current book and continues here with Troy, Scott Hunter and others, including Commissioner Crowell, who serves as quite the villain in these books.

What Shane and Ilya go through to get their happy ending is quite the ride. The book starts off somewhat slowly, reexamining where the two men are in their relationship and it's not exactly a happy place as both struggle with their closeted status, Ilya more than Shane. The story then gradually picks up steam and continues gaining momentum till the very end. What the two men deal with is infuriating at times, but believable. But their happy ever after does come and it's a good one.

It's also interesting that Reid managed to wrap up a lot of plot threads in this story while opening up some intriguing new ideas. There's plenty of story left to be had here with these two men as they deal with matters around them (let's just say that there's a particular hockey team that I wanted to be just absolutely destroyed by the end of this). They have plenty of allies now and I'm ready to see what Reid has in store next for them.

At the end of Heated rivalry, I was content with the happy for now the author had written. There was much potential in Ilya and Shane’s future and they had a plan. It would have been easy to keep it that way. But the author decided to give them a real happily ever after while tackling a couple of heavy topics. Clever.

To be honest, I still don’t know what to think of Ilya. He clearly has deep feelings for Shane and is usually the first and the loudest at expressing them. But he’s also a pain in the ass. I understand his professional persona–the pest who likes to tease everybody–but why is he like that with his partner in their personal life too? It didn’t make him likeable at all. Of course, once we learn that he has the same mental health problem as his mother, I saw him differently. Maybe it’s a wall to protect himself from pain when his feelings and emotions are so fierce. Yet, by the end of the book, I still had mixed feelings about him.

Shane is more pleasant, but sometimes a bit too wholesome. And also a bit insensitive at times? While Ilya is more of a free spirit, Shane needs a plan and sticks to it. That sure makes for a dynamic couple. But I wasn’t surprised as they were basically the same as they were at the end of the previous book.

Hockey had a place of choice. The interactions inside a team, on and off the ice, what makes one win or lose, the whole schedule for a season, some actions on the ice…all of that makes an appearance in the story, with a purpose, highlighting how Shane and Ilya manage to have a relationship. But the aspect most developped was the toxic masculinity inside the league, mostly through the Commissioner. The man was seen before, in Troy and Harris’s book, where he asked Troy to stop posting about sexual harrassment. Here, he states that having players coming out distracts from the game. It would be only a character flaw if several players didn’t appear to have the same issue. The author has written it as a league problem, not an individual problem. Without spoiling, I’ll say that she also offers hope for better times by the end of this book.

The other heavy subject was mental health. After Ilya’s revelation about his mother in the previous book, the author would have missed a major opportunity by not treating the topic here. And let’s say she did good. From Ilya’s reluctance, the stigma of seeing a therapist, the expectations and delusions of a therapy, the eventual need for medication, she touched upon every aspect and gave a positive though realistic view of therapy.

Oh and the hotness? Still here. Shane and Ilya are very creative. Incredible after more than ten years together! I sometimes felt that intimacy was their only way of communication though. They still have some meaningful conversations, don’t worry.

This book together with Heated rivalry is what a good MM romance should always be–sexy, insightful, and with a lot of heart.

Quickie

- Series: Game changers #6 (makes little sense without reading Heated rivalry first)
- Hashtags: #MM romance #hockey romance #gay #bisexual #secret relationship
- Triggers: mention of homophobia, depression
- Main couple: Shane Hollander & Ilya Rozanov
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + the topic of depression was beautifully treated
- – I still feel that Ilya’s constant teasing takes from his deeper feelings