3/24 re-read: Absolute perfection. That's how you do a sequel. Shane and Ilya are such perfect characters that it's a joy to get to read an entire second book about them. Their issues were so real and I appreciate the mental health rep, especially given Ilya's family history. I love how it's set up to explain that Shane is so oblivious to the negative sides of hockey and the NHL so that when he starts to see them, everything just crumbles. I enjoy seeing all the other characters from previous books, especially seeing Troy's story from Ilya's perspective. There are so many sweet, heartbreaking, hilarious, and sexy moments in this book. I think this is my fourth re-read and I'm nowhere near stopping. 4/5 spice levels.

Notes: rivals to lovers, hidden relationship, mental health issues, game changers characters, relationship struggles, homophobia

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I am always nervous about sequels, but this was absolutely wonderful! I loved revisiting Shane and Ilya’s story. I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t put it down. 3.5/5 spice levels.