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kmacgahan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
stemtherapy's review against another edition
3.0
After reading Heated Rivalry again (loved it!), I decided to dive into this one ...
Meh! I really didn't get all the angst about age and Eric being too "old". I didn't buy it. I am pretty much the same age as Eric and I am not moping around thinking about throwing in the towel because my life is basically over. If anything, this was a huge downer for me and frustrating because there really wasn't much else going on that really held my interest ...
Also, I am always looking for ace representation ... which is still very rare and much needed. Except this really did not "ring true" ... attraction was too inconsistent (even for a demi) ... being ace like a light switch ... you really don't suddenly stare longingly at people's mouths shortly after you met them. Also, being ace doesn't always need to equate to robot personality and a extended abstenance before being "awakened" to the pleasures of sex, magically and miraculous for shits and giggles. It was inconsistencies like this that bugged me.
I kept hoping this one would get better, but it really didn't ...
Meh! I really didn't get all the angst about age and Eric being too "old". I didn't buy it. I am pretty much the same age as Eric and I am not moping around thinking about throwing in the towel because my life is basically over. If anything, this was a huge downer for me and frustrating because there really wasn't much else going on that really held my interest ...
Also, I am always looking for ace representation ... which is still very rare and much needed. Except this really did not "ring true" ... attraction was too inconsistent (even for a demi) ... being ace like a light switch ... you really don't suddenly stare longingly at people's mouths shortly after you met them. Also, being ace doesn't always need to equate to robot personality and a extended abstenance before being "awakened" to the pleasures of sex, magically and miraculous for shits and giggles. It was inconsistencies like this that bugged me.
I kept hoping this one would get better, but it really didn't ...
julienne_a's review against another edition
3.5
I liked this book.
Well, it’s Rachel Reid, so obviously I would. The miscommunication was there, but I eat that up every single time.
I can see why this might be one of the least favorites in the series for some people though. Honestly, it’s probably my least favorite too, but I still had a good time with it.
Poor Kyle. My heart hurt for him, and I really don’t think any of it was his fault. I’m just glad he found his perfect match.
Also, my heart hurt for Eric every time Kyle brushed off their relationship. Like saying it’s not a real date, not a relationship, no strings attached—right after they had an intimate moment. Or trying to set Eric up with someone else. But I get it. I feel like that was just Kyle trying to protect himself. And Eric kinda did the same thing, keeping Kyle at a distance because of the age gap while still holding onto him.
Now why it didn’t hit quite as much as the other books you may ask.
The pacing felt a bit off for me. I think I just wasn’t used to this kind of romance—it’s quieter, slower, and more subtle, whereas I usually go for the burning, intense kind of love. That being said, I do love a flirtatious, charming character paired with an uptight, put-together one, and this book delivered on that in a really cute way.
Also I wish we got more about Kyle’s parents. And honestly, I feel like we barely got to see Kyle and Eric as a couple. Even by the end, I didn’t feel like they had enough moments together for the “I love you” to fully hit. The way they got together also didn’t strike me as well. But that’s on me, because I keep comparing every couple to Ilya and Shane—which is totally unfair, since I still haven’t found another duo with their level of intensity, chemistry and so much more that I can’t even describe.
Now. I freaking LOVE Ilya. Every time Ilya and Shane get mentioned or appear, I feel like a proud mom. I love them so much, and I still haven’t found another character who comes close to Ilya and Shane.
Anyway, this was a fun read and a great palate cleanser!
Well, it’s Rachel Reid, so obviously I would. The miscommunication was there, but I eat that up every single time.
I can see why this might be one of the least favorites in the series for some people though. Honestly, it’s probably my least favorite too, but I still had a good time with it.
Poor Kyle. My heart hurt for him, and I really don’t think any of it was his fault. I’m just glad he found his perfect match.
Also, my heart hurt for Eric every time Kyle brushed off their relationship. Like saying it’s not a real date, not a relationship, no strings attached—right after they had an intimate moment. Or trying to set Eric up with someone else. But I get it. I feel like that was just Kyle trying to protect himself. And Eric kinda did the same thing, keeping Kyle at a distance because of the age gap while still holding onto him.
Now why it didn’t hit quite as much as the other books you may ask.
The pacing felt a bit off for me. I think I just wasn’t used to this kind of romance—it’s quieter, slower, and more subtle, whereas I usually go for the burning, intense kind of love. That being said, I do love a flirtatious, charming character paired with an uptight, put-together one, and this book delivered on that in a really cute way.
Also I wish we got more about Kyle’s parents. And honestly, I feel like we barely got to see Kyle and Eric as a couple. Even by the end, I didn’t feel like they had enough moments together for the “I love you” to fully hit. The way they got together also didn’t strike me as well. But that’s on me, because I keep comparing every couple to Ilya and Shane—which is totally unfair, since I still haven’t found another duo with their level of intensity, chemistry and so much more that I can’t even describe.
Now. I freaking LOVE Ilya. Every time Ilya and Shane get mentioned or appear, I feel like a proud mom. I love them so much, and I still haven’t found another character who comes close to Ilya and Shane.
Anyway, this was a fun read and a great palate cleanser!
craigjh4's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mim963's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
frozenarrow73's review against another edition
The author put more effort into writing kinky sex than a compelling love story. I was half way through and I didn't want the characters to end up together really. It's kind of like a gay fifty shades. I got bored.
lex_y's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
gardenotter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ladydewinter's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved this latest installment in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series. This one features Eric, a 41 year old goalie who is coming to terms with his bisexuality, and Kyle, a 25 year old student/bartender in love with his best friend Kip (from book one of the series). I love bisexual rep in books and I loved Eric to bits. He is wonderful, and he and Kyle have great chemistry together.
The main conflict is their age difference, and I actually wouldn’t have minded the way it was drawn out if it had resolved without the ~ drama at the end- this was a case where less would have been more and it would have felt much more authentic and less rushed and forced. That’s the only reason this isn’t a five star book - it’s another great book in a great series.
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
The main conflict is their age difference, and I actually wouldn’t have minded the way it was drawn out if it had resolved without the ~ drama at the end- this was a case where less would have been more and it would have felt much more authentic and less rushed and forced. That’s the only reason this isn’t a five star book - it’s another great book in a great series.
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.