Heated Rivalry

Bookseller recommendation

“If enemies-to-lovers is your trope, then I beg you to pick this book up! So often, especially in contemporary romances, this trope is pushed into a narrative where it just doesn’t pan out. But in this book? Buckle up for YEARS of contempt, unwanted attraction, and fevered hookups. There is a lot of emotional work going into this book (and even more in the follow-up). So be aware that there is internalized homophobia for one of the main characters and homophobic slurs on some pages. Be kind to yourself when you read. I hope y’all love Ilya and Shane as much as I do! ”

— Nicole C. • Read It Again Books

Bookseller recommendation

“OMG I have no words ”

— Tara • FMC Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I went into this expecting some hot gay erotica about rival hockey players and came out of it an absolute wreck. This relationship had more emotional complexities than half the romances I’ve read in the last 2 years, and I did not expect to be this down BADDDDD for a Russian hockey player named Ilya but here I am. Here I AM. Rachel Reid effortlessly created such complex characters and such a beautiful and profound love story that hits you out of nowhere. You fall in love with Shane and Ilya the same way they fell in love with each other: suddenly and without even realizing it, and now you don’t know your life before it. ”

— Paola • Steamy Lit

Bookseller recommendation

“Two rivals with bulging muscles and erect hockey sticks fight the rising feelings that they know they shouldn't have for each other. Spicy, sweaty, angry, and lovely. ”

— Josh L. • The Underground Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“This gay hockey romance had me giggling & kicking my feet while I stayed up late to finish it. An easy and addictive read that got me hooked on the whole series, but this one is my favorite! These boys were so fun and sweet and angsty. I got deeply attached to them both, and it was such a pleasure to watch their romance develop over years of secret, 'casual' trysts that turn into so much more. Read if you like enemies to lovers, banter, and spice. And DEFINITELY watch the TV show if you get the chance! (& read the 2nd book in Shane and Ilya's love story, The Long Game!) ”

— Isabelle • Scorpio Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A fantastic love story about two rival hockey players. Spicy af with heartfelt moments as these two men grapple with being queer in an extremely homophobic sport. The TV show did an absolutely phenomenal job adapting the book to the show. ”

— Sammie • Anderson's Bookshop