Heated Rivalry

I devoured the book in a day and I binged the first two episodes as soon as they came out a few hours ago. I didn't expect it to be so steamy (although I'm not complaining because it adds to the story buildup and character development that's in the book), but it exceeded my expectations with how well the actors were cast. With only two episodes and early in the story we already understood who these main characters are and why they are drawn to each other. The first two episodes were so good I'm encouraged to read the book again just to get more of the yearning that makes mm romance so appealing. It's going to be a long week until episode 3.

For the longest time, never had I seen a show wherein the two leads are oozing with god-tier chemistry. WE NEED 5 MORE SEASONS, 2 MOVIES, AND A HOLIDAY SPECIAL MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!! I'm serious when I said that Ilya and Shane has consumed every thought in my daily life. I AM OBSESSED AND I HOPE THERE'S MORE TO COME!!!

My gosh, where do I begin? Only two episodes have been released so far but this is one of the most faithful adaptions I've ever watched. It gives such a unique feel to the story while always staying true to its source material. Rachel Reid wrote an absolutely brilliant book and everyone apart of this project turned it into something visually stunning. Hudson and Connor are nothing short of incredible. They bring Shane and Ilya to life in a way that's almost indescribable but I would spend hours trying. I'm completely blown away from the first two episodes that I don't even need to watch the rest to know what kind of show is being brought to the table. God knows I will be watching and rewatching but nonetheless it's an incredible piece of media. You can tell everyone who's worked on this on screen and behind the scenes wanted to tell a story about love but also wanted to spread the love that goes beyond what we see on the screen. Perfect adaptions are few and far between these days but this one struck gold and I'm willing to bet on that.

10/10 - no notes. The acting, the story, the yearning, the desire, the guilt, the roller coaster of emotions; it's everything people go through growing up in their 20s and seeing it showcased in such a beautiful way is pure perfection. There aren't many shows out there that can draw such an emotional response out of its viewers so this is special.

This show is beyond my expectations!

I really love the book, and at first I kept my expectations in check because "usually" in my opinion, book adaptations tend to end up worse than the source material. But this one completely surpassed my expectations. Most of the scenes I pictured in my head when I first read the book actually came to life in the series and somehow they're even more satisfying than what I imagined.

Jacob Tierney. What a director. He stayed so true to the book, and even improved several scenes to the point where they're far better than the original material. A masterclass in storytelling and direction. Give him all the flowers!

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. Wow. Truly breathtaking performances. The chemistry is absolutely wild. I kept grinning awkwardly to myself whenever the two of them shared the screen. And the sex scenes? WTF? It's like they were translated straight from the book. Super hot and exactly how they should be, because sex is a core part of their journey.

Connor absolutely nailed Ilya Rozanov: his accent, his cocky attitude, his entire presence is perfect. And Hudson embodies Shane Hollander so beautifully: anxious, shy, innocent, the microexpression masterclass, totally the "beautiful, neurotic flower" we know from the book. The ensemble cast is also incredible. So believable and perfectly integrated into the story.

I'm gonna appreciate Hudson and Connor because they might be the co-stars with the best on- and off- camera chemistry in series history. Watching them doing interviews and making contents are joy, completely different energies that match flawlessly when they come together.

I'll forever treasure watching this show week by week. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Thank you for accompanying my daily life since November 28. This show has genuinely become part of my daily life. Shane & Ilya Forever. Hudson & Connor Forever!

All in all, I can confidently say this is one of the best book to series adaptations I've ever seen. Amazing! And can't wait for Season 2!!! THANK YOU.