REREAD May 1-4 2022: 5 stars, obviously.

I wanted to read the sequel immediately, to avoid wasting any time, I was so convinced of this that I hadn't reread this while waiting for the next book to come out. But, as soon as I started reading the new one, I realized that I wanted to remember every detail of the story and to have it fresh in my mind to enjoy any possible reference.

I didn't remember all the details, but some scenes I recalled almost entirely as a whole.

It was so much better this time around to arrive toward the end knowing that there will be another book and that I already have it ready to read next. The first time I read it I was anxious to finish it too soon.

I really don't know how I was able to get past that sudden ending thinking that it was the end.

Of course, I loved it like the first time. Even more maybe.
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ORIGINAL REVIEW:

This book was such a surprise for me. By now I've read plenty of m/m books about hockey players, and most of them are very similar to each other, so I'm very happy when I find some hidden gems.

I adored the story. Shane and Ilya are so freaking cute together!
It was a perfectly executed slow-burn, just how I like them. Not too fast or too slow. The progression of their relationship was perfect, in my opinion.

Also, usually I hate it when there are little to no secondary characters active in the story, but in this case, the way the story was structured, following their relationship over the years, it made sense and wasn't annoying.

Moreover, I found myself grinning or downright laughing out loud alone like an idiot at times. Their banter was hilarious all the time! I love this kind of books.

And now I'm sad the book ended, that's also how I know I really liked it.