Early Book Review: Heated Rivalry (Game Changers) by Rachel Reid

Heated Rivalry is the second book in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid. It is currently scheduled for release on March 25 2919. While returning readers to this series will recognize some of the major players, each book also stands up well on its own merit.

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 the 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 hookups, 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.

Heated Rivalry is not the boy meets boy that one expects. This book spans years as Shane and Ilya have a hidden relationship, and find their way toward more than secret meetings that are completely separate from the rest of their lives.  So much of this book is about Shane figuring himself out and what he wants, and Ilya doing the same as most of their time is spent apart, and on very different paths. I liked seeing them come together, and come to terms with what they need for themselves and from each other. This is not a straight forward or traditionally told love story. I found it to be more real in its emotional complexity and the real life obstacles that haunt our couple. I very much enjoyed seeing Ilya find a happy place, and look forward to reading more from Reid.

Heated Rivalry is different, but wonderful. I love Reid's work because books like this are about the characters being themselves and understanding themselves just as much as it is about finding their happy ending.

Early Book Review: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Game Changer by Rachel Reid is currently scheduled for release on October 22 2018. Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by 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?

Game Changer is not just a romance, it is also about being comfortable in your own skin and in how the world sees you. Kip is not exactly living his dream. He has great friends and family, but is not using the degree he is still paying off and feels adrift. When he connects with Scott, who is certainly living his dream, neither is prepared for the relationship that develops. The only problem is that Scott is still firmly in the closet, and being famous that means staying under the radar. I thought the emotional and personal issues that the pair need to face are very well written and had me alternating between cheering the pair on and getting frustrated with them. It was so real and relatable- the worries and fears that they face in a relationship and in the bigger picture. I also loved that the romance and related issues were the focus of the book, each of the characters had separate conflicts and questions to deal with that had nothing directly to do with the relationship. The problems were all things that can and do happen, and I felt like all of the characters are people I could meet, and would love to join for a drink or a meal. 

Game Changer is an emotionally engaging story, and I enjoyed the read. It is about more than just two people falling in love, that that is still the heart of the tale.

Early Book Review: Check Please!: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

Check Please!: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu is the first graphic novel in a two volume series for new and young adults, and older readers of course. It is currently scheduled for release on September 18 2018. 

Bitty may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented pie maker, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking. And then, there is there is Jack—our very attractive but moody captain. This volume is a collection of the first half of the webcomic series of the same name. It is a coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during what could be the best four years of your life.

Check Please!: #Hockey is a graphic novel that tackles the fears of fitting in, especially when you are different, or do not conform to gender expectations. Bitty is not just gay, he also bakes like a dream, has a video blog, was a figure skater, and faints at the thought of getting checked on the ice rink. I worried that the character was going to be too stereotypical, but I was glad to get the story from his perspective, and was easily lost in his story. I felt like his journey toward being comfortable with himself, and sharing that with his team when he was ready. There were places I wanted more information, or a peek at someone else's mindset. However, the story was well done and captured my attention while leaving me wanting more. I thought the artwork was a great match to the story. I thought it did a good job of covering some of the good and bad of college life without getting too caught up in any one aspect. 

Check Please!: #Hockey is a fun and heart warming story, with a nice variety of characters and challenges that are tackled with light-hearted, hopeful, and realistic. My only complaint is that While left hopeful, I was left with a bit of a cliffhanger, wondering how things will work out. I will be checking out the next volume.