This is the follow-up to Shane and Ilya’s story in Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, and it felt like the perfect book to complete their journey and deliver their well-earned HEA. I loved that the couple was already together throughout the story - it made for a refreshing romance where the focus was on deepening their bond rather than simply getting them together.

Compared to Heated Rivalry, this book placed less emphasis on hockey and more on the ups and downs of their relationship, which I really appreciated. Shane and Ilya’s dynamic remained incredibly compelling, and the intimate scenes were once again both steamy and meaningful. Ilya’s sacrifices for their love - particularly in relation to his mental health - stood out to me and added emotional depth to the story.

One of my biggest issues with Heated Rivalry was the audiobook narration, but The Long Game was a marked improvement with a different narrator!

Overall, The Long Game was an emotionally satisfying conclusion to Shane and Ilya’s love story. I loved seeing their relationship fully explored beyond the initial chase. If you loved Heated Rivalry or just want a romance that digs deep into an established couple’s journey, this book is a must-read.