Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Tropes: MM Romance, enemies-to-lovers, sports (hockey), closeted vs. open, forced proximity, hurt/comfort
1. Character Growth – Reid does something rare: she takes a “playboy” character (Ilya) and a tightly-wound perfectionist (Shane) and gives both profound, believable arcs. Ilya’s vulnerability beneath his swagger is heartbreaking. Shane’s journey from fear to courage is slow, messy, and realistic.
2. Emotional Depth – This is not just a steamy romance (though it is very steamy). It’s about mental health, the cost of hiding, and what it means to choose love when your whole career is on the line. There are moments of genuine, gut-punching angst. the long game epub rachel reid full
3. Hockey Authenticity – Reid knows hockey culture. The locker room homophobia, the media pressure, the “hockey is everything” mindset – all feel painfully real. You’ll root for them to get out, even as you understand why they stay.
4. Ilya Rozanov – One of the most beloved MM romance heroes for a reason. His sarcasm, loyalty, and hidden softness are unforgettable. The way he loves Shane – fiercely, patiently, even when Shane can’t love him back openly – is devastating in the best way. Ilya’s vulnerability beneath his swagger is heartbreaking
Before we discuss how to get the EPUB, let’s discuss why this book matters.
Following the events of Heated Rivalry (Book 2), The Long Game picks up years later. Shane (the golden boy captain of the Ottawa Kings) and Ilya (the flamboyant, trash-talking Russian superstar for the Montreal Voyageurs) are no longer just secret rivals with benefits. They are secret lovers navigating a high-stakes double life. Emotional Depth – This is not just a
| Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | Is “The Long Game” available for free? | No legal free version exists. Unauthorized PDFs or “full‑download” links are pirated and violate copyright law. | | Can I read it on a Kindle? | Yes – Amazon’s Kindle format is a proprietary ePub (KFX). If you own a Kindle device, simply purchase through the Kindle Store. | | Is there an audiobook? | As of 2024, an official Audible version is scheduled for release in early 2025. | | Do libraries carry the ePub? | Many public libraries use OverDrive/Libby to lend ePub copies. Check your library’s digital catalog. | | Is the novel part of a series? | No, it is a standalone. However, Reid has hinted at a “tech‑thriller universe” where characters may cameo in future titles. |