Book Review: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Title: Heated Rivalry

Author: Rachel Reid

Series/Standalone: Game Changers Series (Book #2)

Genre: Sport Romance, LGBT, Adult Fiction

Pages: 372

Publisher: Carina Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander's game- definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn't just crazy talented, he's got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he's captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won't let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane's not. The self-proclaimed king of ice, he's as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him- except Shane. They've made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookup, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option. "

My Rating:  4/5

I'll be honest, I watched the show and then decided to start reading the books. The first book wasn't all I hoped it would be, and so I didn't understand the hype for the books, but THIS! This book lived up to the hype of the show. The show runners did a great job of following the book (in my opinion). I love a hate-to-love, rivals style romance. Mix that with the deeper elements and the smut, and it was a super fun, spicy read. 

Sidny

Book Review: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Title: Game Changer

Author: Rachel Reid

Series/Standalone: Game Changers Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Sports, Romance, LGBT

Pages: 400

Publisher: Carina Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. In this case, it's not just a lucky smoothie he's craving- it's the man who made it. 

Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So when a smoothie made by a juice bar barista, Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he's desperate to recreate the magic... and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip knew there was more to Scott's frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott's penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens, it's red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott's terms and always behind his closed apartment doors. 

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can't afford to do anything that might derail his career... like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott- but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?"

My Rating: 3.5/5

I have already watched the Heated Rivalry show before reading this, so I knew a lot of the plot points that were going to be covered in the books. I did enjoy the internal dialogue, though, about how Kip felt during the relationship and how Scott felt about coming out of the closet. I liked the steamy scenes, but I found that there were moments where they were a bit repetitive. This could also just be because I am a cis woman.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny