Why Heated Rivalry is Still the Number One MM Romance on My Shelf

If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram recently you’ve probably heard two names whispered with the kind of reverence usually reserved for soulmates: Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

I’m talking, of course, about Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Game Changers series or you’re currently swooning over the new TV adaptation, there is something about these two that just… gets under your skin. Today, I wanted to dive into why this story has captured so many hearts and why, if you haven’t read it yet, you need to move it to the very top of your TBR.

The Ultimate Rivals-to-Lovers

We all love a good trope, right? But Heated Rivalry takes "enemies-to-lovers" and gives it a high-stakes, ice-cold (yet scorching hot) makeover.

Shane and Ilya aren’t just rivals; they are the two best hockey players in the world, drafted in the same year and constantly compared by the media. Shane is the "Golden Boy"—the polite, disciplined Canadian captain with the spotless reputation. Ilya is the "Bad Boy"—the cocky, button-pushing Russian who seems to live for making Shane lose his cool.

But behind the scenes? Their rivalry hides a decade-long secret. What starts as a series of clandestine hookups evolves into one of the most tender, messy, and deeply felt love stories I’ve ever read.

Why It Works (And Why We Can’t Stop Rereading)

The "Slow Burn" is Actually a "Slow Build" What I love most about Rachel Reid’s writing is that she lets Shane and Ilya grow up. The book spans nearly ten years! We see them as competitive teenagers, then as lonely young men, and finally as adults realizing that their "rival" is actually the only person who truly knows them. It’s not just about the chemistry (though, phew, the chemistry is 5-star steam); it’s about the emotional safety they find in each other.

Ilya Rozanov: The King of My Heart Can we talk about Ilya? On the surface, he’s a jerk. But as the layers peel back, you see a man who is incredibly lonely, fiercely protective, and navigating the complexities of his bisexuality and his Russian heritage. Watching him go from "I don't do feelings" to being completely, hopelessly devoted to Shane? It’s pure romance gold.

The Reality of the "Closet" As an author, I always want my characters to have their Happy Ever After, but I appreciate when that HEA is hard-earned. Heated Rivalry doesn't shy away from the homophobia in professional sports. The stakes feel real because they are real. It makes every stolen moment and every secret text feel that much more precious.

The Heated Rivalry TV Show

If you haven’t heard, the series has been adapted into a smash-hit TV show! Seeing Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie (Ilya) bring these characters to life has been such a gift. It’s rare that an adaptation captures the "vibe" of a book so perfectly, but the yearning in their eyes? Spot on.

Heated Rivalry isn't just a hockey book. It’s a story about being seen for who you really are when the rest of the world only sees a persona. It’s about the bravery it takes to choose love over your career, and the beauty of finding your "home" in the person you least expected.

Have you read Heated Rivalry yet? Or are you watching the show? Let’s chat in the comments—are you Team Shane or Team Ilya? (Trick question, we’re all Team Both!)

Love,

Eve x

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