This book specifically is focused on two gay men (MM)
Other genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance
"I'd rather struggle to do what I love than devote myself to something I hate"
They have nothing in common. Ryan Price is a big, strong hockey goon whose role on the Toronto Guardians is to fight. Fabian Salah is a loud and proud gay man living in Toronto's dynamic LGBTQ Village. He is an aspiring musician who hates hockey and everything to do with it.
Until Ryan Price walks back into his life. It's a shock to say the least, but when the burly, gingered defenseman pops up one day at the pharmacy Fabian is working at, they both can't help but think of the chemistry they once shared.
Ryan used to billet with Fabian's family when he was growing up. While Fabian assumed Ryan would be like all the other hockey players that lived with his family, he was different. The two almost kissed one night after one of Fabian's performances for school. But both pulled away.
Now, they are in close proximity for the first time since, and things are heating up. Everything that should keep them apart means nothing as anxious Ryan battles the ultimate question about who he is and what his future in hockey looks like.
The Review
I wonder if I was too excited for this book. If I loved Game Changer and Heated Rivalry so much that I expected this book to be as good as those. And it simply wasn't. To be fair, if someone asked me, I would tell them to skip this one and go to the next one. Not that it is terrible, it's just disappointing in comparison.
Ryan and Fabian do make a cute couple, and it is nice to see them grow into each other. It is a bit more like Scott and Kip's story. They are finding each other again. Struggling to find where they fit in each other's lives without making serious life changes. I think in the end everything works out okay, but the getting there leaves something to be desired.
SPOILER ALERT
I hate Fabien. I haven't hated a character this much in a long time. He is so hypocritical. He is selfish, he is judgmental, he is biased. And he is self-obsessed. Ryan can't see himself fitting in with Fabian's friends, but he tries (in fact, he changes his whole life to fit into Fabian's life), but Fabian can't even imagine anything to do with hockey.
They are from two different worlds, that is true. But Ryan is trying to be a part of Fabian's world, where Fabian doesn't seem to try at all. He watches one hockey game where Ryan gets hurt, mostly because of Fabian, and then he freaks out. He even knows it is selfish of him to want Ryan to give up hockey, and yet he throws a tantrum until Ryan does.
Of course, it is just a story. But I can't help thinking that if it were real life, Fabian would be a manipulative boyfriend. Ryan would probably feel like he had to quit hockey and follow him around like a lost puppy (which he kind of does). It seems like Ryan didn't really choose to quit hockey, but was given an ultimatum, and hockey didn't win. And that doesn't sit right with me. Ryan's decision should have been his alone, and I think in real life this would have led to resentment between the two.
I listened to this book through my local library (via Libby).
The audiobook of Tough Guy was narrated by Tor Thom. He narrated the first three books of the Game Changer series. As I said previously, I didn't have a problem with his narration. I enjoyed it even in the first one, until the TV show came out. But I understand some did not like him.
Tor Thom was replaced by Cooper North for the next books. Some fans are hoping Cooper will rerecord the first three books.
Rating and Recommendation
I loved Ryan, I felt for him, and I could see myself in him. Fabian killed this book for me. While I came around to him, I love that he could help Ryan deal with his mental health. It just took too much away. I felt like both Ryan and Fabian weren't as well developed as Ilya and Shane were or even Kip and Scott. Something just felt missing in this story.
For me, the highlight was that Ilya made an appearance. Which really shouldn't be the case.
After listening to this Heated Rivalry, I bought it (and the whole series) from Indigo online. I also pre-ordered the next book in the series.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of sports romance novels, of hockey, or just a fan of MM stories, you will love the Game Changer Series. Keep in mind, there are a lot of sexual scenes that are very detailed. If you offend easily or are under the age of majority, a different series may be better suited for you.
You can find Tough Guy in its respective mediums below:
You can find Heated Rivalry (2025, directed by Jacob Tierney),Season 1, on Crave (CAN) or HBO Max (USA).
* Book cover image retrieved from GoodReads. All rights belong to the author and/or publisher. * All the "stickers" in this blog were provided by Bookish (presented by NetGalley). * Links in this blog may be generated through the Amazon Associates Program. By using this link, I may make a small profit (at no cost to you) from your purchase.
This book specifically is focused on one gay man and one bisexual man (MM)
Other genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance
Canada's Shane Hollander and Russia's Ilya Rozanov!
Jane and Lilly, finally! Heated Rivalry is book number 2 in Rachel Reid's Game Changer Series. Gaining popularity, thanks to the Crave adaptation, the Game Changer Series has become an international phenomenon!
Shane Hollander is the poster child for the league. He is an amazing player, and he is squeaky clean. Everything the league would want to showcase and more. The Captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, Shane, is at the top of his game - an amazing young talent, ready to make it big.
Enter, Ilya Rozanov. He is the exact opposite of Shane. The Captain of the Boston Bears is the self-proclaimed king of the ice. His cockiness is backed by his talent. Since their junior years, the two have been rivals.
Who is the best? The only person who can beat Ilya Rozanov is Shane Hollander, and it seems the opposite may also be true. But rivals aren't the only thing that Shane and Ilya have been since the rookie season. The two captains have a secret.
Drawn to each other by fate and freckles, Shane and Ilya struggle to find a balance between their emotional bond and the reality of being gay (or bi) hockey players. How long can they keep their hookups a secret?
The Review
I can't say anything bad about Heated Rivalry (partially because I think people with pitchforks would show up at my door), mostly because it's such a feel-good book. Two young kids, finding love and the joy of a first love, exploring each other, getting to know each other. It's all a little wonky for Shane and Ilya, but I think that adds to their relationship. Sometimes relationships are tough like that. Not getting much time together, working too hard, too late, too much, it puts strain on a relationship. But the boys understand it because they are alike in that regard, even though personality-wise they are so different.
For Shane, hockey was always something he was good at. I spiked his competitiveness, and he thrived. For Ilya, hockey was an escape, away from his dad, away from his brother, away from Russia. The tension behind that alone is hard to imagine, but then add in being gay and bisexual, and it's sad to think how much harder that made things for both of them. It's unfortunate that even in 2026, this type of narrative is still prominent.
I think Rachel Reid does a great job of really capturing the hardships that Shane and Ilya go through both together and apart. It is a much different type of story than Kip and Scott, though we see Scott struggle a lot with the idea that his hockey career may be over if he comes out.
SPOILER ALERT
Unlike Scott and Kip, Ilya and Shane don't really get the "pretty-bow" happy ending. They come up with a plan. They do have some closure. They do have each other. But they still have to hide. Even with the press conference announcing the Irina Foundation and the hockey camps, they still don't get to be themselves. Or together. They still don't get the happily-ever-after they deserve. It's unfinished in that way, which is no doubt why they get two more books covering their story. (We also get glimpses of Ilya and Shane throughout the next few books as we wait for The Long Game.
I listened to this book through my local library (via Libby).
As with Game Changer, Heated Rivalry was also narrated by Tor Thom. Again, I didn't have a problem with the narration. Obviously, it wasn't the perfect accent for Ilya, but it wasn't that bad. I enjoyed that he actually attempted to make different voices for each character. While not perfect, it came across as different people from different backgrounds. And I think that's the best a voice actor/narrator can do.
Because of the pushback, there are talks of the audiobooks recorded by Tor Thom being rerecorded. The most popular choice would be to have the actors (Hudson Williams and Connor Storie) read the book. While others would be happy just to have Cooper North (the person who took over narrating the series), rerecord them.
Rating and Recommendation
I love Ilya and Shane, I love Heated Rivalry. But I loved Game Changer more. To me, Scott and Kip's story had more "bones", more of a story. Ilya and Shane's story was more about sex. Which, don't get me wrong, I enjoy that part too. But, personally, I like a little more meat. Now that is just a personal preference. That doesn't take anything away from Heated Rivalry or the series as a whole. I have read all the other storylines, and I think that Shane and Ilya eventually become the best couple. I think it just takes some time because their story is unfinished. With that being said, I can't wait to start The Long Game and Unrivaled next year.
After listening to Game Changer (the first book), I bought it (and the whole series) from Indigo online. I also pre-ordered the next book in the series (Unrivaled).
Conclusion
If you enjoyed the TV show, or if you like Scott and Kip's story, or if you just enjoy two hot hockey players getting together on and off the ice. You will love Heated Rivalry. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry. It will make you hate the world and yet love how beautiful it can be. Ilya and Shane's story is hot and heavy, whereas Scott and Kip's was more romance-based. Both are great dynamics and wonderful in their own way. It just depends on what you're in the mood for. So keep that in mind if you are coming to Heated Rivalry after Game Changer.
If you are a fan of sports romance novels, of hockey, or just a fan of MM stories, you will love the Game Changer Series. Keep in mind, there are a lot of sexual scenes that are very detailed. If you offend easily or are under the age of majority, a different series may be better suited for you.
Homophobia in Hockey
Heated Rivalry and Rachel Reid's description and depiction of the trials and tribulations that Shane and Ilya have to go through are very eye-opening. I think we (straight people) don't necessarily think about certain implications of being "different" or how that may affect a person. If you don't have a problem with gay people, I think it's easy to overlook certain things. My initial reaction to both Heated Rivalry and Game Changer was, "So what? Come out... who cares?" But the reality is a lot of people do. A lot of people don't want to hear about their idols being anything less than the "epitome of masculinity". (Note, I am using quotes because I don't think anyone is less masculine or feminine for being gay.) Which is unfortunate. I think the best thing we could ask for and want for our idols is to be happy, a good person, a good player, and a good teammate.
"If you can play, you can play." That was the slogan for "You Can Play" a campaign started by Patrick Burke (an NHL scout and son of Brian Burke), Brian Kitts and Glen Witman, in March of 2012.
The inspiration for the campaign, now turned organisation, was Brendan Burke, Patrick's brother. Brendan was the closest relation to someone in the NHL coming out as gay. He played hockey for Miami University and found the strength to come out to his teammates as gay. He was one of the first players in the hockey world to do so. Brendan Burke passed away at the age of 21 from a tragic car accident. But his legacy still lives on in his brother's and father's dedication to eliminating homophobia in sports.
For more information about You Can Play, its founding, and its partnership with the National Hockey League, visit their website youcanplay.org.
You can find Heated Rivalry in its respective mediums below:
You can find Heated Rivalry (2025, directed by Jacob Tierney),Season 1, on Crave (CAN) or HBO Max (USA). You can watch the trailer below via Crave's YouTube Channel.
* Book cover image retrieved from GoodReads. All rights belong to the author and/or publisher. * All the "stickers" in this blog were provided by Bookish (presented by NetGalley). * Links in this blog may be generated through the Amazon Associates Program. By using this link, I may make a small profit (at no cost to you) from your purchase.
This book specifically is focused on two gay men (MM)
Other genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance
Before there was Heated Rivalry, there was Game Changer!
In case you have been living under a rock the last few months, let me introduce you to the Game Changer Series by Rachel Reid. Gaining popularity, thanks to the Crave adaptation, the Game Changer Series has become an international phenomenon! But before Ilya and Shane, there was Kip and Scott.
Kip Grady is casually going about his life, working as a barista at Straw and Berry, while living at home to help pay his way through grad school. Little did he know his life was about to change.
Scott Hunter is the captain of the New York Admirals. And like any professional hockey player, Scott is going through a slump. Frustrated with how the season is going, Scott is ready to try anything to get back to his winning ways. One day, while out running, he stopped in a little smoothie shop.
Blue Moon over Brooklyn, extra banana. That is Kip Grady's professional recommendation. And wouldn't you know it, Scott Hunter is a blueberry and banana fan. That night, Scott scored a hat-trick (3 goals), and the tradition began. Professional athletes are strange like that, keeping routines alive so as not to break the lucky streak. And with that in mind, Scott starts to frequently visit Kip at work to get his special smoothies.
Known as one of New York's most eligible bachelors, pro hockey star Scott Hunter has a secret. Something that might derail his career entirely. He couldn't actually be seen with another man, could he? He had people who depended on him, but how much longer can he keep his love life a secret?
The Review
I must admit, I only started reading this series because of the Crave/HBO Max series Heated Rivalry. But I fell in love. I loved the slow burn that "Skip" (Scott + KIP) provided; there was a lot more romance and "meat" to the story. I enjoyed getting to know Kip, meeting his friends, and his family. It is such a sharp contrast to Scott, who is alone in life; he lost his parents young, and he doesn't really seem to have time for friends, though he does have teammates that he considers friends. He lives in a large penthouse and doesn't worry about money. The only thing Scott cares about is the New York Admirals, carrying his teammates to "the cup" and keeping his squeaky clean image. Kip, on the other hand, has long since come to terms with who he is, and everyone in his life supports him.
I think that's what I love about their story. Kip sees Scott as a pro-hockey player; he has money, he's handsome, has all kinds of things going for him. While Scott looks at Kip and sees everything he wants to be, free. Their relationship is hard to navigate, and it's heartbreaking to see how torn Scott becomes between his professional life and his personal life.
SPOILER ALERT
Ultimately, Scott and Kip get their happily ever after in a very public way. And as a hockey girl, it made me screetch in delight. Every "tomboy" hockey girl has dreamed about the sexy hockey player making the grand gesture on the ice for them. For me, it was a certain Ottawa Senator, down on one knee with a dozen red roses and a wedding ring. Just me? Okay. . . Anyway, it is a wonderful ending to their story and a great start to the Game Changer series.
I listened to this book through my local library (via Libby).
The audiobook of Game Changer was narrated by Tor Thom. The first time I listened to the book, I didn't have a problem with the narration. In fact, I loved that Tor Thom did all kinds of different voices for each character. This really brought the characters to life in my opinion. Now that the TV series has come out, a lot of people seem to dislike Tor Thom's interpretation of Kip Grady. I must admit I understand. In the audiobook, Kip sounds very tough, like a hard New Yorker (with an accent), and a little barbaric in ways. That is definitely not what was portrayed in the TV series. While I do recognise that Kip Grady should probably have a New York accent, now that I know more about Kip, the accent used by Tor Thom definitely didn't suit the character.
Tor Thom narrated Heated Rivalry (Book 2), as well as Tough Guy (Book 3), before being replaced. Many fans are now calling for the books to be rerecorded either by Cooper North (the person who took over narrating the series) or by the actors from the TV series.
I don't care one way or another for a rerecord, but it is hard to deny that hearing Francois Arnaud (Scott Hunter) and Robbie G.K. (Kip Grady) reading their story would be amazing.
Rating and Recommendation
I originally gave this book four stars, but that's because I had heard such great things about Heated Rivalry (Ilya and Shane's story). Now that I have listened to the whole series, I have changed my mind. Game Changer, for me, is a five-star book. I love the back and forth, the slow burn, the yearning for each other. I love that they have a love story, one that can make anyone (even a 30-something-year-old straight woman) want to fall in love like that.
This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I like Scott and Kip's story the best out of the original series. (By original series, I mean all the books before The Long Game. I consider this a sequel to Heated Rivalry, and naturally, now that I have fallen in love with Ilya and Shane, I can't be unbiased when reading any story involving them.)
After listening to this book, I bought it (and the whole series) from Indigo online. I also pre-ordered the next book in the series.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of sports romance novels, of hockey, or just a fan of MM stories, you will love the Game Changer Series. Keep in mind, there are a lot of sexual scenes that are very detailed. If you offend easily or are under the age of majority, a different series may be better suited for you.
You can find Game Changer in its respective mediums below:
You can find Heated Rivalry (2025, directed by Jacob Tierney),Season 1, on Crave (CAN) or HBO Max (USA).
* Book cover image retrieved from GoodReads. All rights belong to the author and/or publisher. * All the "stickers" in this blog were provided by Bookish (presented by NetGalley). * Links in this blog may be generated through the Amazon Associates Program. By using this link, I may make a small profit (at no cost to you) from your purchase.
