The Long Game is the sixth book in the spicy MM hockey romance series Game Changers and is the direct sequel to Heated Rivalry. Hockey rivals Shane and Ilya have been seeing each other for ten years and have made a life with each other secret from the public with only a few people in their own lives knowing. Shane is content to keep their relationship hidden until they retire, but Ilya is ready to risk it all and declare their love.

This book was so goddamn good and is deeper and richer than Heated Rivalry. While there isn’t as much spice as that earlier book, there is more than enough and with more meaning and variety to satisfy those looking for it. Shane and Ilya are now both more mature and secure in their relationship with each other despite having to keep it secret.

While Shane is happily settled with their lot, Ilya is struggling. Who would have thought that the cocky Russian playboy Ilya would be the one who falls so hard and loves so deeply? He was just so precious throughout this book and will make you root for him in his mental health struggles. That “I already chose you” moment was just so powerful and painful. I had literally tears streaming down my face.

Meanwhile, I wasn’t as bothered by Shane’s wanting to stay in the closet. His fear and conviction is just so real and understandable. Watching them grow and love and be honest with each other in the face of all their challenges was just so raw and emotional. They had me at a chokehold throughout with tears of both joy and sadness.

From Heated Rivalry to The Long Game, Shane and Ilya have cemented themselves as peak gay couple.