Ilya and Shane. We fell in love with them in Heated Rivalry as they were rivals to lovers, but now they are everything to each other and have been together off and on for ten years. They are still both playing professional hockey. Shane's team is riding high on three Stanley Cup wins. Ilya's new team can't seem to get it together, but at least by transferring to Ottawa he is closer to Shane. They have been committed for three years and are very much in love. 

Shane is responsible, regimented, private, anxious, and concerned about his image and keeping their relationship secret. Ilya is more sarcastic, fun-loving, cocky, and he loves to push Shane's buttons. But he is also settling into some fatigue and near hopelessness regarding having to hide their relationship and being on a losing team, to the point he is feeling more depressed and apathetic. 

Fear of discovery and damage to their careers, outside influences, separations, and distance stress and challenge them. But if they keep playing it could be another decade in this same limbo...unless they make a change. 

I adore Ilya and felt so bad for him. His vulnerability and emotional struggles are just flayed wide open. He just wants to shout their love from the rooftops and does not care what anyone thinks. Sometimes I wanted to shake Shane at times because he cared so much about public perception and his winning team. But it is obvious that he also feels deeply and is devoted, but just sometimes gets caught up in the anxiety or fear of it all.

There is no doubt in my mind these guys are made for each other. Their chemistry is amazing, their connection solid, and they are not shy about expressing their feelings. But they also struggle and have to figure out how to navigate all of the obstacles. It has surprises, emotional situations, humor and fun banter, LOTS of sexy times, and raw vulnerability and intimacy. I was totally rooting for them to find a way to make it all come together in all aspects of their lives. 

This book started out a bit slow giving us a window to their current lives and situation, but the second half really took off and brought all the feels and changing dynamics. There are some fun cameos from others in the series and some events cross over in a different point of view. I also enjoyed seeing the friendships and family bonds. I am so glad this author decided to give them another book to give us their full story. It is quite a journey for these two but well worth taking with this amazing couple.