Loving Literatures

Okay, so I may have derailed from my original plan of reading the Game Changers book series in order.

I loved Heated Rivalry and Ilya and Shane’s story so much I had to continue onto the sixth book of the Game Changers series.

The Long Game is just indescribable. I have so many thoughts and emotions, I’m genuinely struggling to write them out. It’s comforting, depressing, full of heartache but also warmth and comfort, it makes you feel giddy, all over the place. It’s a lot, and I love all of it.

In this book, readers really get an insight to how Shane and Ilya start their official relationship, delving into subjects of secret relationship, adjusting to an established relationship and how to interact with others, taking the leap and sharing with those most special to them about their secrets, managing time for each other during the chaotic hockey season (driving back and forth frequently), and ultimately choosing their love over the hockey they have known since they were rookies.

I felt all the emotions while reading this book. I felt so sorry for Ilya and Shane, in their relationship struggles and secrecy, but also their own battles that they were each fighting. Ilya becoming more aware of his childhood trauma, reflecting, and confronting his depression, seeking help. And for Shane, wanting to be perfect for the hockey world, high stakes and too much pressure externally, but struggling to manage all of that as he was overwhelmed with love for Ilya. There were parts of the book that were emotionally tough, especially Ilya’s mental health reflections, but his relationship with Shane in this book was so domestic, so normal. It didn’t feel out of touch, though both are professional hockey players, their relationship felt real. I think that’s also why I loved this book so much, their struggles were understandable. Reid really connected her readers to this story. Truly amazing.

Despite this being one of the longer books in the series, I didn’t want it to end! Give me Season 2 and Book 7 soon, please!