The hype around the crave adaptation Heated Rivalry is entirely warranted, especially the two young actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. The books are indescribable. Below are my thoughts on each book. I try my utmost to be cryptic because you need to read the books!
You won't need to be Alan Turing to break my cryptic language.
SO. GO READ THE BOOKS
Each book focuses on two main characters in each book. But past and new characters pop up all the time.
Warning: Click to reveal spoiler
The series is based around two National Hockey League (NHL) players Shane Hollander & Ilya Rozanov
Who are rivals who initial hook-up and end with marriage. (yes, I screamed)
While, Shane & Ilya are the two main characters a number of other characters are introduced throughout the series
I don’t feel the series relied on the normal gay-trope or the typical gay character plot.
The books are definitely on the raunchy side, my working knowledge of fictional works is limited to GCSE English Inspector Calls. While my CCNA Book was a compelling read it was not the same.
A lot of online discussion has taken place about the order you should read the books.
I’d never presume to tell anyone what to do and I was fortunate enough to discover the series after 6 of the 7 books had been published, so I could decide the order.
I set on published order, Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, Tough Guy, Common Goal, Role Model, The Long Game, and the upcoming Unrivaled
The main factor in this was so I could watch (or read) as the characters developed.
Scott is the pro-athlete and a closeted gay man, who’s convinced himself he did not need to acknowledge that side of himself.
In a relative chance encounter Kip enters Scott's life.
I’ve been an “out” gay man for years, but I still remember that internal struggle with my own sexuality.
While I am as far from pro-athlete as you could be, you can feel Scott’s struggle.
The extremely complex issue of being closeted, fear of rejection and homophobia especial from people you consider family Is addressed with the reverence it deserves with a light sprinkle of humor. Elena (Kips best friend) first meets Scott, at the Equinox gala with Kip. Her single word description of the encounter is pants wetting
As the relationship develops the inevitability of a closet and the secret relationship takes its toll.
Scott & Kips first fight (You will need a truck load of tissues, I did) is an emotional one.
Both Soctt & Kip had genuine fears about the relationship, each from their side of the closet door and neither had an actual answer. Thankfully Scott makes the first move in fixing the relationship in the aftermath of the fight. In an epic moment he approaches Kip at work, This leads to Kip's colleague guessing the relationship. After the two ‘talk’ a plan is semi established.
In a monumental moment Scott comes out to Greg Huff, Carter Vaughan, and Eric Bennett three of his best friends on the team.
Their supportive reaction obviously gave Scott a glimpse of life outside the closet.
Scott just appears at Kip’s parents house, In a move that took me completely by surprise (and required another truck).
The two are reunited in an accidental encounter.
Fabian’s family once opened their home to teenage Ryan. As a hockey player. This led to Fabian having a strong dislike for hockey and the stereotypical hocker jock type…
As the two navigate their own feelings, and insecurities the seemingly doomed relationship, is over ( several trucks are needed )
However after a decision the two are back on track.
Each time I get the same feeling, from the dinner "scene" I’m literally seaming do it! I’m being cryptic because once you know you can’t unknow.
Who are rivals who initial hook-up and end with marriage. (yes, I screamed)
While, Shane & Ilya are the two main characters a number of other characters are introduced throughout the series
I don’t feel the series relied on the normal gay-trope or the typical gay character plot.
The books are definitely on the raunchy side, my working knowledge of fictional works is limited to GCSE English Inspector Calls. While my CCNA Book was a compelling read it was not the same.
A lot of online discussion has taken place about the order you should read the books.
I’d never presume to tell anyone what to do and I was fortunate enough to discover the series after 6 of the 7 books had been published, so I could decide the order.
I set on published order, Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, Tough Guy, Common Goal, Role Model, The Long Game, and the upcoming Unrivaled
The main factor in this was so I could watch (or read) as the characters developed.
Game Changer
We are introduced to Kip Grady & Scott Hunter.Scott is the pro-athlete and a closeted gay man, who’s convinced himself he did not need to acknowledge that side of himself.
In a relative chance encounter Kip enters Scott's life.
I’ve been an “out” gay man for years, but I still remember that internal struggle with my own sexuality.
While I am as far from pro-athlete as you could be, you can feel Scott’s struggle.
The extremely complex issue of being closeted, fear of rejection and homophobia especial from people you consider family Is addressed with the reverence it deserves with a light sprinkle of humor. Elena (Kips best friend) first meets Scott, at the Equinox gala with Kip. Her single word description of the encounter is pants wetting
As the relationship develops the inevitability of a closet and the secret relationship takes its toll.
Scott & Kips first fight (You will need a truck load of tissues, I did) is an emotional one.
Both Soctt & Kip had genuine fears about the relationship, each from their side of the closet door and neither had an actual answer. Thankfully Scott makes the first move in fixing the relationship in the aftermath of the fight. In an epic moment he approaches Kip at work, This leads to Kip's colleague guessing the relationship. After the two ‘talk’ a plan is semi established.
In a monumental moment Scott comes out to Greg Huff, Carter Vaughan, and Eric Bennett three of his best friends on the team.
Their supportive reaction obviously gave Scott a glimpse of life outside the closet.
Scott just appears at Kip’s parents house, In a move that took me completely by surprise (and required another truck).
Heated Rivalry
Soon!Tough Guy - Engagement Party.
The book "starts" with Kip Grady & Scott Hunter from Game Changer (first book) hosting Their engagement party.Tough Guy
If you held a gun to my head and told me to describe this book and indescribable won’t be an acceptable answer then Meritocracy or "Don't judge a book by its cover" We are introduced to Fabian Salah & Ryan Price.The two are reunited in an accidental encounter.
Fabian’s family once opened their home to teenage Ryan. As a hockey player. This led to Fabian having a strong dislike for hockey and the stereotypical hocker jock type…
As the two navigate their own feelings, and insecurities the seemingly doomed relationship, is over ( several trucks are needed )
However after a decision the two are back on track.
Common Goal
x I'm re-reading this now for the review for the fifth time.Each time I get the same feeling, from the dinner "scene" I’m literally seaming do it! I’m being cryptic because once you know you can’t unknow.