This rivals-to-lovers romance novel was OK, but having set up the two protagonists as rivals from the first moment they met, and irresistible to each other, I would have liked to see more about their lives not just related to the secret relationship—friends, teammates, and teams didn't feature that much. ( )

I'm still learning things weekly about the romance genre - I read the expression MM romance a few weeks ago and put a few books from a 'best of' MM list in my library Wishlist. This was one of them. Along with the Nothing Special series by AE Via.

OMG, I thought this was close to perfect as a novel. The forbidden love theme created suspense and excitement. I don't think I've seen that theme used to such good effect before.

There were so many brilliantly hilarious moments, and so many touching heart wrenching moments - how satisfying a combo is that!

I've just seen that the Audible blurb agrees with me! “Sexy, hot, funny and sweet, Heated Rivalry is a game changer in sexy sports romance.”

The narrator, Tor Thom - Audible, you nailed it! I just love the tone he gives to Illya compared with Shane - it added so much to the story! Once again, brilliant.

How is it possible I haven't heard of him before and not even listened to one of his books unfortunately - I just watched an interview with him on YouTube. ( )

For not being a sports fan, I've read quite a few sports romances, some better than others.

This one is as perfect as I'm likely to ever read.

The dynamic between these two, plus all the complications keeping them apart, could have been stressful, but instead it's a near-perfect tension all the way through the entire story. I am extremely impressed.

This novel earns its high star rating fair and square. Don't hesitate to read it. ( )

I've read this book so many times it's shameful. A completely self-indulgent read, but at this point it's just so comforting for what ever reason. Objectively this is far from the best romance I've ever read, but I just feel so attached to the characters. I just can't help it, leave me alone. ( )

This was just too good

This isn't even a good enimies to lovers story, it's a freaking amazing enimies and also lovers romance. They don't just dislike each other for one chapter and then fall deeply in love. These two really don't like each other for a good chunk of the book which makes the sex so much hotter.

I love this authors writing style. This is my first book by her but I'm very impressed. She is particularly good at writing dialogue, especially funny dialogue.

I was dreading, but secretly looking forward to a little more heartbreak before their HEA, which was alluded to often but didn't happen. Which is fine.

The characters felt very real. And yes i think I'm in love with Ilya
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