Review: Heated Rivalry

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Opens in 2016 with Shane and Ilya firmly in some type of (secret) relationship where their (real) feelings are still being decided/debated/denied.  I liked that it then goes back in time to when they first meet (Dec 2008) as 18 year olds.  We learn about their secret hook-ups throughout the years as they figure things out.  

This takes place both before, during, and after the first book (Scott and Kip).  It takes the events of the first book with Scott coming out for Shane and Ilya to have their come to Jesus moment and realize a relationship IS possible.  And for Shane to fully accept himself instead of being ashamed/feeling like he is wrong.  

I liked that this showed a different way.  While Scott's was coming out to his team and later the whole world, Shane and Ilya are doing it differently (out to Shane's team and family, close friends only).  The ending is both (IMO) a HFN and HEA.  

I look forward to bingeing the HBO series.  

AND in another note:  here is information to register concern related to the Paramount/Skydance merger with Warner Bros Discovery:

Template Letter:

Dear FTC Commissioners and DOJ Antitrust Division Officials,

I am writing as a concerned citizen and advocate for women’s rights and media diversity to urge you to block the Ellison-Paramount-Warner merger. This merger would create a dangerous monopoly in streaming and content creation, giving Paramount unprecedented control over pricing, distribution, and programming. Consumers will face higher costs and fewer choices, while diverse storytelling risks being sidelined for profit-driven, homogenized content. Additionally, it threatens thousands of jobs, disproportionately affecting women in the industry, and undermines progressive voices on issues like gender equity and reproductive rights.

Compounding these harms is President Trump’s public interference, demanding changes to CNN ahead of the 2026 midterms — a clear abuse of power that endangers press freedom and independent journalism vital to democracy. Under antitrust laws, this deal risks substantially lessening competition and must be thoroughly investigated and blocked to protect consumers, creators, and our free press. Thank you for enforcing these critical safeguards.

 [add in name/address]

How to Submit:

FTC: Use their online antitrust complaint intake form at www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/antitrust-complaint-intake or submit comments on proposed mergers via www.ftc.gov/enforcement/submit-merger-antitrust-comment.

DOJ Antitrust Division: Email antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov or use their Citizen Complaint Center at https://www.justice.gov/atr/citizen-complaint-center.

View all my reviews