If you’re anything like me, your first thought when you heard Netflix was trying to buy Warner Bros. was probably, “What’s going to happen to my beloved ‘Heated Rivalry’?”
“Heated Rivalry” is a series airing on HBO in the US and Crave in Canada that’s inspired by Rachel Reid’s romance novel of the same name. It’s become an instant hit, beloved by fans for its steamy romance about hockey phenoms Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Shane and Ilya were cast as rivals from the moment they met at junior championships. Shane is the Canadian good guy beloved by the entire NHL, while Ilya is the Russian bad boy unafraid to make enemies. In the rink, they’re bitter rivals, but off the ice, Shane and Ilya have been drawn to each other like magnets since they were teens. Their undeniable chemistry leads to a secret affair that has the potential to derail both of their hockey careers.
Season one of the show is set to have six episodes, with new episodes releasing on Fridays. I can’t make the wait for new episodes any shorter, but reading other queer sports romance books might make the time pass a little faster.
Read on to check out other books fans of “Heated Rivalry” will love.
“Game Changer” by Rachel Reid
I must confess, dear reader, that I skipped the first installment of Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series so I could read “Heated Rivalry” to catch up with the TV show.
However, when I finished the book and was desperate for more of Shane and Ilya’s world, I went back to read “Game Changer.” The book is the focus of episode three of “Heated Rivalry,” so it’s definitely worth reading if you like the show.
In the novel, Scott Hunter, the captain of the New York Admirals, has been off his game. Then, he wanders into a smoothie shop and lays eyes on Kip Grady, the cute guy behind the counter, and everything changes.
Kip’s life has been at a standstill. He doesn’t think there’s any chance the sexy hockey player would give him the time of day, but then Scott invites him back to his penthouse, bringing excitement to his mundane life.
Kip and Scott are immediately smitten with each other, falling faster than either of them anticipated. At first, their hidden love affair feels exciting, but the thrill of being Scott’s secret starts to wear on Kip. He wants all of Scott, but will Scott be willing to risk potential ramifications to his career if he makes their relationship public?
“Calling the Shots” by Kelly Farmer
In “Calling the Shots” by Kelly Farmer, two hockey coaches will have to see if they’re willing to put themselves out there for a chance at love.
When Regan Lane is hired as the head coach for the Boston Ice, she makes a show of announcing her team will be the professional women’s hockey champions. Regan is known for her confidence and big mouth, so her proclamation is par for the course.
No one is less surprised by Regan’s statement than Tierney McGovern, the head coach of Boston’s rival, the New York Lady Libertys. Tierney knows Regan is all talk from personal experience, as Regan left her stranded after a weeklong love affair.
Both are determined to lead their team to victories and crush the other. However, as they meet each other across the ice, they may find they have unfinished business.
“The Kennedy Rule” by K.C. Carmichael
Connor Kennedy is a hockey legend. He followed in his NHL superstar father’s footsteps, and throughout his own career, he became the first draft pick, Rookie of the Year, MVP several times over, and captain of his team.
And Gavin Marshal can’t stand him.
Even though Gavin’s had his own success on the rink, he hates feeling like he’s living in Connor’s shadow. He’s dreading having to work with Connor on the Olympic hockey team, and he thinks things can’t get any worse when he finds out he has to room with Connor throughout the games.
However, to both their surprise, the hours they spend alone in their room help both Connor and Gavin see each other in a different light. Before they know it, they’re on the verge of giving in to an attraction that could change everything in “The Kennedy Rule” by K.C. Carmichael.
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy teamed up to write “Him.”
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley were best friends until an alcohol-induced bet took things to a new level when they were 18. Ryan cut Jamie off without a word, immediately regretting putting his straight best friend in a situation he wouldn’t have wanted sober. Jamie, though, misses Ryan, and he doesn’t understand why one weird night had to end their friendship.
They go four years without seeing each other, reuniting to play against each other at the hockey college championships in their senior year. Ryan had big plans to apologize, but when they finally reunite, all he can think of is that his crush on Jamie is worse than ever.
When the pair find themselves back at camp to coach alongside each other, Ryan isn’t sure how he’s going to make it six weeks without revealing his attraction. He might find, though, that he isn’t the only one with long-buried feelings.
“Cleat Cute” by Meryl Wilsner
Phoebe Matthews, 22, has looked up to Grace Henderson for years. At only 26, Grace has been playing for the US Women’s National Team since she was 16, and she’s already solidified her status as a legend.
When Grace is injured, her team brings in Phoebe to fill her spot while she recovers. Grace is prepared to loathe her newfound rival, but instead she finds herself drawn to the goofy rookie.
Grace is thrilled when Phoebe accepts her advances, thinking a friends-with-benefits arrangement will be perfect for them both. Phoebe, though, has different ideas about their relationship, developing feelings for Grace quickly.
As the pair find a way to work together on the field, they’ll have to decide if they want to put their teamwork skills to work as a couple as well in Meryl Wilsner’s “Cleat Cute.”
“See You at the Finish Line” by Zac Hammett
Lucas is the last person George wants to go to for help, but he doesn’t have a choice in “See You at the Finish Line” by Zac Hammett.
The Cambridge rowing teammates have loathed each other since almost the moment they met, but when George, an American who got an athletic scholarship, finds himself flailing academically, he’s willing to put aside their differences if hardworking Lucas helps him pull his grades up.
Lucas begrudgingly agrees, but only on the condition that George teaches him how to flirt so he can finally make a move on Amir, whom he has been crushing on for ages.
However, George and Lucas find themselves growing closer over late-night study sessions and flirting lessons, leaving them wondering if the tension between them could become something more.
It’s a good time to read the novel, as Noho Film and Television will be adapting “See You at the Finish Line” into a TV series.
“Like Real People Do” by E.L. Massey
“Like Real People Do” by E.L. Massey is a sweet and funny friends-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of professional hockey.
To the world, Alexander Price is a classic brash athlete, accompanying his hockey skills and status as the youngest NHL captain in history with a confidence that borders on cockiness. Behind closed doors, Alex is an anxious, closeted gay teen who hopes people won’t see through the persona he’s created for himself.
Elijah Rodriguez might not be living his career dreams, as the 18-year-old’s hope of becoming an Olympic figure skater ended after a debilitating injury, but he’s not living in secret. He’s been out for four years, and as a vlogger, he uses his platform to disavow bigoted celebrities.
Alex and Elijah seem like the last pair that would be pals, but after a tense meet-cute, they become fast friends. For Alex, though, keeping his true self a secret will be harder than ever as he falls in love with his best friend.
“Love and Sportsball” by Meka James
Khadijah Upton can’t wait for her first day as an athletic trainer with the Atlanta Cannons. However, imagine her shock when she arrives at work and sees Shae Harris, the sexy stranger who helped her celebrate her new job with a one-night stand.
Khadijah isn’t interested in mixing business and pleasure, especially because Shae is known to be a player. Shae gets harder and harder to resist, though, especially when she shows sides of herself to Khadijah that she usually keeps private.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but Khadijah will have to decide if taking a real chance with Shae is worth the risk to her job and her heart in “Love and Sportsball” by Meka James.
“The Jock” by Tal Bauer
In Tal Bauer’s “The Jock,” Wes Van de Hoek has the world at his fingertips. After earning a scholarship to play tight end at the top state school in Texas, Wes has become one of the best college football players in the country, and as captain, his team looks to him for leadership and guidance.
A future in the NFL is Wes’ to lose, but there’s just one problem: Justin.
Over the summer, Wes crossed paths with football non-fan Justin, and despite their differences, their connection was instantaneous. Even though their love affair is secret, the proof of how Justin improves Wes’ life is everywhere, including on the field. He’s at the top of his game, and he knows it’s because of Justin.
Still, keeping their relationship a secret becomes increasingly difficult as Wes’ career takes off, especially when Wes realizes he would trade it all for a chance to truly be with Justin.
“Everything for You” by Chloe Liese
The last thing soccer legend Gavin Hayes wants to deal with at the end of his career is a young hotshot. To make matters worse, said hotshot, Oliver Bergman, is Gavin’s nightmare: enthusiastic, beloved by the team, and annoyingly handsome.
Gavin is prepared to keep yucking Oliver’s yum until he retires, but their coach has other plans when he makes them co-captains and demands they get along or risk losing their positions.
The teammates will have to play nice for the sake of their team, but as they spend more time together, Gavin and Oliver may realize the tension between them has nothing to do with soccer in “Everything for You” by Chloe Liese.
“The End Zone” by Riley Hart
In the sequel to Riley Hart’s “The End Game,” Jeremy and Darren didn’t expect to find a spark at their best friend’s wedding.
Jeremy is fresh from a divorce, and he finds himself opening up about his experience with Darren, a straight quarterback for the Atlanta Lightning, at the nuptials. They strike up an unlikely friendship, going from chatting at the wedding to texting at all hours of the night.
When Jeremy visits Darren in Atlanta, their friendship becomes more. Darren has no problem coming to terms with his bisexuality, but the longtime bachelor is shocked to find himself dreaming of a life with Jeremy. Between long distance and other roadblocks in their way, will they be able to make their relationship work?
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