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Game Changers #1-3
Game Changers Collection
All three of Rachel Reid’s scorching M/M hockey romances, now in one volume!
Game Changer
Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. 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 imagined being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, nevermind touched everywhere. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors. With playoff season approaching, the spotlight on Scott is suddenly brighter than ever. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?
Heated Rivalry
Hockey is Shane Hollander’s life. He’s got a spotless reputation, and 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. He’s the self-proclaimed king of the ice, and 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. 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…
Tough Guy
Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.
Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.
Male/Male Sports Romance Stories
Game Changer
Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. 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 imagined being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, nevermind touched everywhere. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors. With playoff season approaching, the spotlight on Scott is suddenly brighter than ever. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?
Heated Rivalry
Hockey is Shane Hollander’s life. He’s got a spotless reputation, and 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. He’s the self-proclaimed king of the ice, and 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. 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…
Tough Guy
Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.
Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.
Male/Male Sports Romance Stories
922 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2020
3318 people are currently reading
3803 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Reid
20 books12k followersRachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!
Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players. Her Game Changers m/m hockey romance series is available from Carina Press.
Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.
Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players. Her Game Changers m/m hockey romance series is available from Carina Press.
Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
January 2, 2026
I mean like cmon I had to read it I needed MORE (I only read heated rivalry but I'm rating this version because the other goodreads cover of heated rivalry is diabolical)
January 8, 2026
this is actually just for heated rivalry because I refuse to rate heated rivalry with that cover
February 22, 2026
I don’t want any judgement for reading this, let a gay man live…
March 25, 2026
GAME CHANGERS/GC
My thoughts
Honestly, truly. I never would have seen myself reading a rom com type MM romance if not for this author/series. I have to hand Rachael Reid for creating characters that have interesting inner thoughts and the cuteness was rewarding instead of eye rolling. I feel like I am open minded and normally tend to take recommendations with approval. I was recommended Game Changers after reading another MM romance series. I judged, lol. The book cover immediately turned me off, the more cartoon looking one, but I added it anyway and kept thinking, ‘well I liked that other series...’. The very popular Heated Rivalry tv show has an episode dedicated to Kip and Scott [Skip if you will]. I read their book out of order because I wanted to read Heated Rivalry first.
The couple and the dynamic
Kip is trying to pursue higher learning but in the mean time he works as a barista at Straw + Berry, a smoothie shop, with his coworker and friend Maria. Kip is single and openly gay when he meets Scott Hunter, a closested hockey player. Scott is described as having blond hair [but I always picture the actor from the show, lol] and built like a Greek god. I liked their first interaction where there is instant attraction but of course Scott can’t be too in the open in public about liking a man. If anyone saw them chatting it would seem very friendly but not flirty I don't think. There is a fair amount of world building and secondary characters are likable and adds a layer of delightful humor. In all fairness it should be a tragically sad affair. Kip has to go back in the closet to be with Scott. He can’t claim ‘his man’ and has to lie to his friends and family to protect Scott. Scott wants to come out but feels he has too many people counting on him to ‘ruin it’ by coming out. Not to make too many comparisons to the show but I did watch the show before reading the book and there were many times I thought I knew what was coming but was pleasantly surprised. I learned a new term while reading this book: vers/versatile.
Difficulties they overcome
As the relationship continues the love grows but so does the impatience on Kip’s part. He loves Scott but dislikes being a dirty little secret. Kip doesn’t see why Scott can’t at least take him on a date in public, they can be two friends hanging out, they don’t have to hold hands. Kip knows how to be discreet. Scott refuses any attempts at advancing his eventual plan to come out. Kip tries to be understanding but eventually he and Scott separate. Their thoughts do not stray far from wanting to be with each other during the days/weeks apart. The love and longing culminate in Scott bringing Kip down to the ice after a big win. Scott claims Kip right there in front of his teammates and the world watching. Such mixed emotions thinking that some people have had to struggle with the choice to love someone and be their authentic self. Overall I’d give their story a 3.75.
Romance/Smut factor
Tag specific sex, character descriptions, preferences, kinks, tropes
tropes : secret boyfriend, specific sex versatile, specific sex copious precome
HEATED RIVALRY/HR
My thoughts
Ok, so absolutely was not ready for Heated Rivalry. I have never had the desire to watch romance movies and I was already planning to read the book based on a recommendation, before I knew the show existed. I watched the show, all 6 episodes, a couple times before reading the book. It made my brain happy to watch the show and see love stories from different gay couples and the adversities they faced. I’ve watched interviews with Conner Storrie, Hudson Williams, the intimacy coordinator, and Jacob Tierney. This talented bunch made a fan of someone that has actively avoided watching romance movies for their 45 years of existence, lol. The most entertaining podcasts I’ve listened to are Tonsil Hockey, The Pitt Crew and Nina King. The best reactors I’ve watched on Patreon are: Petty Pumpkins, A story worth telling, David vs Film and Bradam..I am still waiting for ZZavid’s reaction.
My book experience
I listened to the audio book and the narrator does an OK job with the accents [I did not care for his awful accent for Kip in book 1 Game changers] Then, I picked up the kindle boxed sets for the entire series and reread HR. What a difference! Shane and Ilya are top players, respectively. The book starts with them at the very beginning of their hockey careers. We are introduced to the characters through a series of hidden observations. I am a fan of extended foreplay and teasing and there is plenty sprinkled throughout HR. Ilya is described as being cocky, Russian and a preference for men and women, oh and we cannot forget the bear tattoo [for Russia!]. Shane is not described as being autistic but it has been confirmed by the author and there are definitely signs he is on the spectrum. Most notably the penchant for being literal and following instructions [I swear the coveting in the looks Ilya gives Shane lives rent-free in my head!]. Because I’ve seen the show numerous times I have the order of events blended with the book but let me pick out a couple favorites from the book. The dialog is so quotable!
The whole point of their hookups was to provide release, but Shane only felt more tangled up each time
I was smiling through a lot of the book from the dialog alone. I think Ilya was “in love” with Shane first because Shane was struggling to come to terms with being gay and it was easier to think of their relationship as fun and pleasure vs in love and desire. The comparisons between Ilya’s family and Shane’s was another thing for Ilya to covet. Feelings, love, and sex were so compartmentalized. I am surprised they did not claim their love sooner. One thing I did not pay close attention to was the fact that this lasted 8 or 9 years and about halfway through, feelings started changing. I wouldn’t say it was love but it was more than just sex. I’ve already read the book 2 times and watched the show endlessly. Plus listening to podcasts and interviews. This was the most surprising obsession and I don’t see it coming to an end anytime soon. 4.5 of 5 stars with plans to reread and update this review!
Romance/Smut factor
There are SO many sexy little scenes to adore in this book but I think the one that pops up in my head the most is the tuna melt scene because the intensity is so raw! The physical expression of their attraction is so next level they call out their first names, lol. Amazing!
TOUGH GUY/TG
My thoughts
Slow burn on point. Absolutely left my mouth agape. This encapsulates a person with anxiety so accurately. The desire to want to ‘be normal’ to want things and to not have to overanalyze every detail. I felt that! This is the third book in the Game Changers series and the differences between each story keeps me turning the page [88% done] Ok, so I completed the book and I think the order I read the books is the order I liked the couples: Ilya and Shane, Kip and Scott, Fabian and Ryan. Each book has a theme and it plays well to those subgenres. I feel like Fabian and Ryan’s story was the most formulaic and what I am used to in a romance.
The characters
Ryan Price plays hockey for the Guardians. He has been traded a lot and had a notable meltdown/panic attack and walked off in the middle of a game. He is an enforcer, the muscle on the team. Keeping the other players from getting hit and making the shots. While at the store to pick up his meds he spots Fabian. Fabian sees Ryan and is shocked that the nice guy he lived with as a teen is walking into his store. Well, the store he works at, at the makeup counter. Fabian and Ryan reconnect and Ryan shows up at Fabian’s performance and is immediately smitten. Ryan is not closeted but he doesn’t announce his sexuality to everyone, plus he lives in a gay community. Ryan’s frustrations with how the meds he takes suppresses his sexual desires is almost amusing. No, side effects are not funny but [lol] he talks to his cock. Like giving someone a pep talk, wanting to climax. Fabian Salah is a musician. He performs at nightclubs and feels he is his most authentic self. The relationship with Ryan has its starts and stops. The biggest hurdle is Ryan’s low confidence in himself which leads to him blowing up at Fabian at the first disagreement they have. My most favorite thing about Fabian is he wants to embrace all of Ryan but the hockey thing still leaves him with memories of being bullied. My most favorite thing about Ryan is his desire to please. While he doesn’t internally know what he wants, when given instruction, he thrives and is quick to decide. Overall, I’d give their story a 3.5. I like the author’s writing style and characters but this was fairly average as far as romance goes.
Romance/Smut factor
My favorite sexy scene was Fabian telling Ryan about his masturbation fantasy and Ryan, with his injured back, is like: No,no don’t stop, lol. Even though climaxing will cause him pain.
So far....
This is the beginning of a wonderful hunt. I have already sought out other hockey romances (Sharp Edges anyone?). I believe I will read more sports rivals romance as that seems to be the hottest for me. I personally give thanks and gratitude to the author for giving us these boys and their pursuits of love.
My thoughts
Honestly, truly. I never would have seen myself reading a rom com type MM romance if not for this author/series. I have to hand Rachael Reid for creating characters that have interesting inner thoughts and the cuteness was rewarding instead of eye rolling. I feel like I am open minded and normally tend to take recommendations with approval. I was recommended Game Changers after reading another MM romance series. I judged, lol. The book cover immediately turned me off, the more cartoon looking one, but I added it anyway and kept thinking, ‘well I liked that other series...’. The very popular Heated Rivalry tv show has an episode dedicated to Kip and Scott [Skip if you will]. I read their book out of order because I wanted to read Heated Rivalry first.
The couple and the dynamic
Kip is trying to pursue higher learning but in the mean time he works as a barista at Straw + Berry, a smoothie shop, with his coworker and friend Maria. Kip is single and openly gay when he meets Scott Hunter, a closested hockey player. Scott is described as having blond hair [but I always picture the actor from the show, lol] and built like a Greek god. I liked their first interaction where there is instant attraction but of course Scott can’t be too in the open in public about liking a man. If anyone saw them chatting it would seem very friendly but not flirty I don't think. There is a fair amount of world building and secondary characters are likable and adds a layer of delightful humor. In all fairness it should be a tragically sad affair. Kip has to go back in the closet to be with Scott. He can’t claim ‘his man’ and has to lie to his friends and family to protect Scott. Scott wants to come out but feels he has too many people counting on him to ‘ruin it’ by coming out. Not to make too many comparisons to the show but I did watch the show before reading the book and there were many times I thought I knew what was coming but was pleasantly surprised. I learned a new term while reading this book: vers/versatile.
Difficulties they overcome
As the relationship continues the love grows but so does the impatience on Kip’s part. He loves Scott but dislikes being a dirty little secret. Kip doesn’t see why Scott can’t at least take him on a date in public, they can be two friends hanging out, they don’t have to hold hands. Kip knows how to be discreet. Scott refuses any attempts at advancing his eventual plan to come out. Kip tries to be understanding but eventually he and Scott separate. Their thoughts do not stray far from wanting to be with each other during the days/weeks apart. The love and longing culminate in Scott bringing Kip down to the ice after a big win. Scott claims Kip right there in front of his teammates and the world watching. Such mixed emotions thinking that some people have had to struggle with the choice to love someone and be their authentic self. Overall I’d give their story a 3.75.
Romance/Smut factor
Tag specific sex, character descriptions, preferences, kinks, tropes
tropes : secret boyfriend, specific sex versatile, specific sex copious precome
HEATED RIVALRY/HR
My thoughts
Ok, so absolutely was not ready for Heated Rivalry. I have never had the desire to watch romance movies and I was already planning to read the book based on a recommendation, before I knew the show existed. I watched the show, all 6 episodes, a couple times before reading the book. It made my brain happy to watch the show and see love stories from different gay couples and the adversities they faced. I’ve watched interviews with Conner Storrie, Hudson Williams, the intimacy coordinator, and Jacob Tierney. This talented bunch made a fan of someone that has actively avoided watching romance movies for their 45 years of existence, lol. The most entertaining podcasts I’ve listened to are Tonsil Hockey, The Pitt Crew and Nina King. The best reactors I’ve watched on Patreon are: Petty Pumpkins, A story worth telling, David vs Film and Bradam..I am still waiting for ZZavid’s reaction.
My book experience
I listened to the audio book and the narrator does an OK job with the accents [I did not care for his awful accent for Kip in book 1 Game changers] Then, I picked up the kindle boxed sets for the entire series and reread HR. What a difference! Shane and Ilya are top players, respectively. The book starts with them at the very beginning of their hockey careers. We are introduced to the characters through a series of hidden observations. I am a fan of extended foreplay and teasing and there is plenty sprinkled throughout HR. Ilya is described as being cocky, Russian and a preference for men and women, oh and we cannot forget the bear tattoo [for Russia!]. Shane is not described as being autistic but it has been confirmed by the author and there are definitely signs he is on the spectrum. Most notably the penchant for being literal and following instructions [I swear the coveting in the looks Ilya gives Shane lives rent-free in my head!]. Because I’ve seen the show numerous times I have the order of events blended with the book but let me pick out a couple favorites from the book. The dialog is so quotable!
The whole point of their hookups was to provide release, but Shane only felt more tangled up each time
I was smiling through a lot of the book from the dialog alone. I think Ilya was “in love” with Shane first because Shane was struggling to come to terms with being gay and it was easier to think of their relationship as fun and pleasure vs in love and desire. The comparisons between Ilya’s family and Shane’s was another thing for Ilya to covet. Feelings, love, and sex were so compartmentalized. I am surprised they did not claim their love sooner. One thing I did not pay close attention to was the fact that this lasted 8 or 9 years and about halfway through, feelings started changing. I wouldn’t say it was love but it was more than just sex. I’ve already read the book 2 times and watched the show endlessly. Plus listening to podcasts and interviews. This was the most surprising obsession and I don’t see it coming to an end anytime soon. 4.5 of 5 stars with plans to reread and update this review!
Romance/Smut factor
There are SO many sexy little scenes to adore in this book but I think the one that pops up in my head the most is the tuna melt scene because the intensity is so raw! The physical expression of their attraction is so next level they call out their first names, lol. Amazing!
TOUGH GUY/TG
My thoughts
Slow burn on point. Absolutely left my mouth agape. This encapsulates a person with anxiety so accurately. The desire to want to ‘be normal’ to want things and to not have to overanalyze every detail. I felt that! This is the third book in the Game Changers series and the differences between each story keeps me turning the page [88% done] Ok, so I completed the book and I think the order I read the books is the order I liked the couples: Ilya and Shane, Kip and Scott, Fabian and Ryan. Each book has a theme and it plays well to those subgenres. I feel like Fabian and Ryan’s story was the most formulaic and what I am used to in a romance.
The characters
Ryan Price plays hockey for the Guardians. He has been traded a lot and had a notable meltdown/panic attack and walked off in the middle of a game. He is an enforcer, the muscle on the team. Keeping the other players from getting hit and making the shots. While at the store to pick up his meds he spots Fabian. Fabian sees Ryan and is shocked that the nice guy he lived with as a teen is walking into his store. Well, the store he works at, at the makeup counter. Fabian and Ryan reconnect and Ryan shows up at Fabian’s performance and is immediately smitten. Ryan is not closeted but he doesn’t announce his sexuality to everyone, plus he lives in a gay community. Ryan’s frustrations with how the meds he takes suppresses his sexual desires is almost amusing. No, side effects are not funny but [lol] he talks to his cock. Like giving someone a pep talk, wanting to climax. Fabian Salah is a musician. He performs at nightclubs and feels he is his most authentic self. The relationship with Ryan has its starts and stops. The biggest hurdle is Ryan’s low confidence in himself which leads to him blowing up at Fabian at the first disagreement they have. My most favorite thing about Fabian is he wants to embrace all of Ryan but the hockey thing still leaves him with memories of being bullied. My most favorite thing about Ryan is his desire to please. While he doesn’t internally know what he wants, when given instruction, he thrives and is quick to decide. Overall, I’d give their story a 3.5. I like the author’s writing style and characters but this was fairly average as far as romance goes.
Romance/Smut factor
My favorite sexy scene was Fabian telling Ryan about his masturbation fantasy and Ryan, with his injured back, is like: No,no don’t stop, lol. Even though climaxing will cause him pain.
So far....
This is the beginning of a wonderful hunt. I have already sought out other hockey romances (Sharp Edges anyone?). I believe I will read more sports rivals romance as that seems to be the hottest for me. I personally give thanks and gratitude to the author for giving us these boys and their pursuits of love.
January 2, 2026
obsessed
January 5, 2026
Ja hab eigentlich auch den anderen Teil gelesen aber das Cover war echt zu doll hahah
Ähm ja zu dem Buch, das waren echt viel echt explizite Szenen. Ich würde empfehlen das Buch nicht in der Bahn oder an sonstigen öffentlichen Orten zu lesen. Aber ansonsten süßes Ende
Ähm ja zu dem Buch, das waren echt viel echt explizite Szenen. Ich würde empfehlen das Buch nicht in der Bahn oder an sonstigen öffentlichen Orten zu lesen. Aber ansonsten süßes Ende
January 4, 2026
Scott Hunter you are the gay of all time.
January 4, 2026
Bought this during a sale, never touched it, and then felt the cultural pull to read it before I watched the show.
To start out with them hooking up immediately in the first chapter was tbh a little jarring for me, a typically slow-burn type reader, but I got that eventually in this book too. No notes I’m sad it’s over
To start out with them hooking up immediately in the first chapter was tbh a little jarring for me, a typically slow-burn type reader, but I got that eventually in this book too. No notes I’m sad it’s over
December 11, 2025
3 Reviews For 3 Different Books
Oh my god yes, that was so cute!
I finally decided to start this series—no idea why it took me so long—because the Heated Rivalry show is coming out, and honestly? I’m mad I waited this long! This was so good! It started a little slow for me, but the second half… the angst, the need, the smoothies! It was adorable, and Kip was especially cute. The audiobook was fantastic too—I loved the NY accent!
A Dirty-Talking Russian Ruined My Life (In the Best Way)
God tier level — I’m dead. Seriously, this book? I can’t even begin to describe the chokehold Ilya and Shane have had on my brain since I picked it up. I tore through this so I’d be ready before the show and I absolutely cannot wait. I read it in one sitting; my Kindle is basically on fire.
It was hot, it was perfect, the yearning was unhinged. I need a dirty-talking Russian who is down bad. Why does every book not have a dirty-talking Russian who is down bad??
Read it.
Read it.
Read it.
A Great MMC Buried in a Not-So-Great Match
Eh, well. I really liked Ryan — his struggle is something I don’t think I’ve ever read from this perspective in a romance, and it ended up being the most (only?) compelling part of the book. He’s a mess and anxious and so deeply unhappy, and every star I’m giving is for him and him alone.
Because I did not like Fabian. At all. He’s full-on obnoxious — an embodiment of the worst anti-sports fans I’ve ever met. I’m different and independent and I don’t like fighting… but I’m going to date a literal enforcer and cry when he fights, please! He was both annoying and exhausting. If this were any other book in any other series, I would’ve DNF’d it entirely, and I probably will skip on future rereads.
Such a letdown — 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for my man Ryan.
Oh my god yes, that was so cute!
I finally decided to start this series—no idea why it took me so long—because the Heated Rivalry show is coming out, and honestly? I’m mad I waited this long! This was so good! It started a little slow for me, but the second half… the angst, the need, the smoothies! It was adorable, and Kip was especially cute. The audiobook was fantastic too—I loved the NY accent!
A Dirty-Talking Russian Ruined My Life (In the Best Way)
God tier level — I’m dead. Seriously, this book? I can’t even begin to describe the chokehold Ilya and Shane have had on my brain since I picked it up. I tore through this so I’d be ready before the show and I absolutely cannot wait. I read it in one sitting; my Kindle is basically on fire.
It was hot, it was perfect, the yearning was unhinged. I need a dirty-talking Russian who is down bad. Why does every book not have a dirty-talking Russian who is down bad??
Read it.
Read it.
Read it.
A Great MMC Buried in a Not-So-Great Match
Eh, well. I really liked Ryan — his struggle is something I don’t think I’ve ever read from this perspective in a romance, and it ended up being the most (only?) compelling part of the book. He’s a mess and anxious and so deeply unhappy, and every star I’m giving is for him and him alone.
Because I did not like Fabian. At all. He’s full-on obnoxious — an embodiment of the worst anti-sports fans I’ve ever met. I’m different and independent and I don’t like fighting… but I’m going to date a literal enforcer and cry when he fights, please! He was both annoying and exhausting. If this were any other book in any other series, I would’ve DNF’d it entirely, and I probably will skip on future rereads.
Such a letdown — 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for my man Ryan.
January 5, 2023
I am loving this series so far. All the characters are great. These books bring out the emotions and they are HOT.
March 10, 2026
After watching Heated Rivalry, I wanted to know more about the Skip storyline… this book absolutely did not disappoint! It was definitely an intense read, but the way their love story all played out consisted of many tears and “ahhh” moments from my end. Growing up as a gay athlete like Scott, I was able to relate to his experiences of hateful words being thrown around in the locker room and on the playing field and how situations like that pushed him further into the closet. And then to see that he had teammates who had love for him unconditionally, was truly heartwarming and wish that everyone could have that same situation. Stories like these help the community and I feel are steps closer to a better tomorrow in combatting against homophobia. Definitely cannot wait to read Heated Rivalry!
January 10, 2026
Okay I vow to use goodreads properly this year. Read both Shane and Ilya books over the break but I’m going to log them here because their actual covers are too inappropriate and I have a reputation to uphold
I lowkey hate all modern romance literature. ESPECIALLY HOCKEY ROMANCE… but the TV show has put me under a spell so I read them. First one is alright. Second one is comically bad like why is there a plane crash LOL. Actually laughed out loud at that part because it’s so ridiculous. It would’ve been so much funnier if they got stuck in the wilderness and it became Yellowjackets. I would’ve liked that more
Overall the show is miles ahead but whatever the books were passable. Helped me kill some time over Christmas so
I lowkey hate all modern romance literature. ESPECIALLY HOCKEY ROMANCE… but the TV show has put me under a spell so I read them. First one is alright. Second one is comically bad like why is there a plane crash LOL. Actually laughed out loud at that part because it’s so ridiculous. It would’ve been so much funnier if they got stuck in the wilderness and it became Yellowjackets. I would’ve liked that more
Overall the show is miles ahead but whatever the books were passable. Helped me kill some time over Christmas so
December 9, 2025
Perfect combo
Saw the first episode of the series, it was so good that decided to read the books and I am so glad I did.
Learning about each story definitely gives you the perfect panorama of the whole situation and loving the interaction between each couple!
I can't wait to read them all, Starting today itself.
•With the episodes alone I had in my mind the idea that Hollander was onsided crush for long but so glad that the book gave me so much about Ilya, my little sunshine, you are crazy about your Shane and I will protect you hahaha loving everything for real.
Big thanks to the Author Rachel for gifting us with such heartwarming characters and stories
Saw the first episode of the series, it was so good that decided to read the books and I am so glad I did.
Learning about each story definitely gives you the perfect panorama of the whole situation and loving the interaction between each couple!
I can't wait to read them all, Starting today itself.
•With the episodes alone I had in my mind the idea that Hollander was onsided crush for long but so glad that the book gave me so much about Ilya, my little sunshine, you are crazy about your Shane and I will protect you hahaha loving everything for real.
Big thanks to the Author Rachel for gifting us with such heartwarming characters and stories
December 31, 2025
3 books in one review:
Really, it’s all about Heated Rivalry and the Shane/Ilya cameos in the other 2 books. But book 1 was cute, solid 4 stars. Book 3 wasn’t as great, but again, here for the cameos.
Really, it’s all about Heated Rivalry and the Shane/Ilya cameos in the other 2 books. But book 1 was cute, solid 4 stars. Book 3 wasn’t as great, but again, here for the cameos.
January 14, 2026
Eeeek I loved every second of this audio book. Listening was a must after binging the show and I sincerely love Shane and Ilya even more now.
The cabin scenes?!? I was internally screaming and kicking my feet like a school girl.
The cabin scenes?!? I was internally screaming and kicking my feet like a school girl.
March 26, 2026
Gonna pretend this is Heated Rivalry. Read it again since I’m now reading the series in order. It was slower this time since I have the whole show memorized, but as soon as they got to The Cottage™️ I flew through it. She literally laced those chapters with somethin.
Read
December 24, 2025only read heated rivalry but thank you cami for ruining my life <3
December 26, 2025
I read this because I watched the adaptation. I was happy to see that the series sticks to close to source material!
January 5, 2026
Game Changer : 4 ⭐
Heated Rivalry : 5 ⭐
Tough Guy : 3.5 ⭐
Heated Rivalry : 5 ⭐
Tough Guy : 3.5 ⭐
January 7, 2026
2026: 3.5 Overall
3.5, 3.5, 3.75 respectively
3.5, 3.5, 3.75 respectively
January 15, 2026
yes obviously i read and loved the gay hockey books 🙄
January 28, 2026
1/22-1/28: Game Changers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love Scott & Kip
February 8, 2026
Stop I teared up in the last 30ish pages. I need to rewatch their episode.
March 19, 2026
Book 1 - sure
BOok 2 - obviously
BOok 3 - FABIANNN
BOok 2 - obviously
BOok 3 - FABIANNN
April 5, 2026
Heerlijk om te lezen als je ziek bent. En Shane en Ilya zijn inmiddels legendarisch!
July 30, 2024
I adored this whole series. I devoured the first book and loved it so much that I read the entire series in less than a week. (ADHD hyper focus mode)
First of all, if you’re not into super spicy intimacy, these books are not for you… move on.
The mental health representation in each of these books was spot on, not to mention repping social anxieties surrounding sexuality and societal expectations — these issues were so well portrayed. Each book was so well written I breezed through all six of them this week. Absolutely adored these stories and I’m going to miss the characters terribly — may have to reread. Absolutely loved.
#slayed
#extraspicy🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥
#LGBTQ+
#hockeyromance
#MMromance
#TheGameChangersSeries
First of all, if you’re not into super spicy intimacy, these books are not for you… move on.
The mental health representation in each of these books was spot on, not to mention repping social anxieties surrounding sexuality and societal expectations — these issues were so well portrayed. Each book was so well written I breezed through all six of them this week. Absolutely adored these stories and I’m going to miss the characters terribly — may have to reread. Absolutely loved.
#slayed
#extraspicy🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥
#LGBTQ+
#hockeyromance
#MMromance
#TheGameChangersSeries
January 10, 2026
Honnêtement quand même boring, je l’ai lu pour lire le tome 2 avec Ilya et Shane 💞
January 31, 2026
SOS I can’t stop Heated Rivalry has a chokehold on me
February 14, 2026
New genre for me. Decent book that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination
April 6, 2026
Rating the 3 together... It's gotta be 5 Stars.
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