Heated Rivalry is so good. Can't read another hockey MM romance after that since I just end up comparing them lmao
Loved HR but TLG is such a good continuation not because of the plot (which I think leaves a lot to be desired) but because we have so much of Ilya’s POV literally became my favourite romance character ever. 10/10 would reread (I have reread both twice already)
AND you’re right no other (fictional) hockey romance has ever come close for me not even RR’s other books bc Shane and Ilya are literally THE blueprint.
TLG kinda makes me sad so I avoid rereading it. Don't get me wrong, I love it and I love the ending so much since they won't be living away from each other anymore while still being active but I get sad reading the parts where Ilya struggled so much in his team (even though his teammates are so cool), specially the part where he says he already chose Shane, I can'tttttttttt
Awooo yeahhh it’s like. Crazy to me that Shane says you’re making me choose and hasn’t even realized that Ilya already made the choice to be with him sacrificing glory and career growth until Ilya had to spell it out for him. TLG really is very sad I guess that’s why I kind of like it makes me cry knowing someone would go that distance for their beloved. Ilyas struggle are special to me because especially in MM romance writers shrug away from writing a character who is so honestly struggling but trying to get better, and it depicts that path as a non linear process that goes back and forth in terms of progress everyday. Also just thinking about the plane scene and ilya’s messages to Shane make the tear up. Very good book must say.
Hockey romances are so prevalent in straight and MM romances and now they’re infiltrating BL manhwa?? Aw hell (btw if you wanna read a hockey MM romance book read Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry and The Long Game Ilya and Shane literally changed my life bc of their rivals(enemy-ish) to lovers relationship.)