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10 Romance Books Like Heated Rivalry: Your Ultimate Guide to Spicy Sports Fiction
- Joao Nsita
- 11 hours ago
- 15 min read
If you have stumbled into the deeply addictive, intensely passionate world of sports romance, chances are you have encountered the masterpiece that is Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. This monumental book completely shifted the landscape of modern contemporary romance, single-handedly popularizing the M/M hockey romance subgenre and sending the BookTok romance community into an absolute frenzy. The story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov—two hyper-competitive, incredibly talented rival hockey players who navigate a decade-long secret relationship—is the gold standard for the enemies-to-lovers trope. It perfectly balances scorching steamy romance, deep emotional slow-burn angst, and the high-stakes sports drama of professional athletics.
When you finish a book with that level of LGBTQ+ representation, explosive chemistry, and complex character development, the resulting "book hangover" is real. You find yourself desperately searching for that same rush: the intoxicating thrill of forbidden love, the hilarious banter born from locker room culture, the palpable tension of two people who are desperate to win but even more desperate for each other. You want closeted athlete romances that treat the characters with respect, sports romances that actually feature thrilling on-ice action, and love stories that make your heart ache in the best possible way.
Whether you are looking for another spicy hockey romance, a college hockey standalone packed with witty banter, or a beautiful coming-of-age romance that features deep team bonds, this comprehensive guide has you covered. We have scoured the depths of reader recommendations, internet aesthetics, and bestseller lists to bring you the ultimate, definitive ranking of the top 10 romance books like Heated Rivalry.
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Before we drop the puck and dive into our countdown, take a moment to explore these highly recommended articles from our archives. If you love deep-dive romance analysis and relationship advice, you will absolutely obsess over these:
10. If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting
Kicking off our list at number ten is a romance that thrives on intense, undeniable tension and the kind of sharp, biting banter that fans of Shane and Ilya will instantly recognize and adore. If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting leans heavily into the deeply popular stepsiblings-to-lovers trope, setting the stage for a messy, complicated, and entirely addictive dynamic.
The Plot and The Passion The story revolves around a rugged, hyper-focused NHL star and his feisty, unyielding new roommate, who also happens to be his step-sibling. When circumstances force them to cohabitate, the proximity acts as a pressure cooker for their long-standing animosity. The witty enemies vibes in this novel are off the charts. They bicker, they push each other's buttons, and they fight the undeniable magnetic pull between them with everything they have.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It Just like in Heated Rivalry, the line between burning hatred and burning desire is razor-thin. Helena Hunting excels at writing athletes who are arrogant on the ice but deeply vulnerable behind closed doors. The sports drama is a fantastic backdrop to the emotional warfare playing out in their shared apartment. It features that exact brand of forbidden love that makes your stomach flip, wrapped up in a steamy romance package that does not hold back on the spice. If you love a bad-boy hockey player who is brought to his knees by a woman who refuses to put up with his attitude, this is your next binge-read.
Listen to the latest episodes of That Love Podcast for incredible stories about romance and self-discovery! https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes
9. Poetry on Ice by Jesse H. Reign
At number nine, we are diving right back into the M/M romance sphere with a book that perfectly captures the agonizing, beautiful chaos of two men who are meant to be rivals but are fundamentally drawn to one another. Poetry on Ice by Jesse H. Reign is a phenomenal addition to the queer hockey romance canon.
The Plot and The Passion This novel features a classic personality clash: a brooding, silently intense hockey player forced into proximity with a seemingly bratty, highly vocal rival. When they are forced to cohabitate (a trope we absolutely love for accelerating romantic tension), the walls they have built to protect their careers and their hearts begin to crumble. The title itself suggests the hidden depths of these characters—the idea that beneath the violence and brutality of professional hockey lies a beautiful, rhythmic poetry that they only find when they are together.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It The dynamic here mirrors the Ilya and Shane connection beautifully. You have the public-facing rivalry, the intense competition to be the best on the ice, and the secret relationship that blossoms in the shadows of the locker room culture. Jesse H. Reign writes LGBTQ+ relationships with profound emotional depth, exploring the unique anxieties that come with being a closeted athlete in a hyper-masculine environment. The slow-burn angst eventually explodes into a steamy forbidden love that will leave you breathless.
8. The Risk (Briar U #2) by Elle Kennedy
Moving to the college hockey scene, our number eight pick is from a legend in the sports romance genre. The Risk, the second book in the wildly popular Briar U series by Elle Kennedy, is an absolute masterclass in the bad-boy hockey player archetype crossing lines he swore he would never cross.
The Plot and The Passion Brenna Jensen is the daughter of the head coach of the Briar University hockey team. She is tough, independent, and fiercely loyal to her father's team. Jake Connelly is the arrogant, infuriatingly attractive captain of the rival Harvard team. By all accounts, they should despise each other. But when Brenna needs a fake boyfriend to secure a highly coveted internship, Jake agrees—with the condition that they go on a real date for every fake one.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It While this is an M/F romance, the core elements that made Heated Rivalry so addictive are present in spades. The intense competition between rival schools creates an incredible backdrop of high-stakes sports drama. The forbidden love aspect—sleeping with the enemy's captain—escalates the family drama and the desire to a fever pitch. Elle Kennedy writes college hockey with such authenticity that you can practically smell the ice. The banter is razor-sharp, the steamy romance is top-tier, and the transition from rivals to lovers is incredibly satisfying.
Deepen Your Understanding of Fictional Tropes
The Power of the Enemies-to-Lovers Dynamic Why do we love it when characters who hate each other fall in love? If you are fascinated by the psychological pull of the enemies-to-lovers trope found in hockey romance books, you need to read our deep dive into relationship dynamics. Discover how conflict breeds chemistry and why the hardest-won love stories are often the most enduring. Read the full article on relationship dynamics here
7. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Securing the number seven spot is a book that took the internet entirely by storm. If you have spent any amount of time looking for a BookTok romance, you have undoubtedly seen the illustrated blue cover of Icebreaker by Hannah Grace. It is a phenomenal, spicy hockey romance that beautifully contrasts two very different types of ice sports.
The Plot and The Passion Anastasia Allen is a fiercely competitive, highly organized figure skater who has her entire life mapped out. Nate Hawkins is the massive, cocky, easy-going captain of the college hockey team. When a facilities issue forces the figure skaters and the hockey players to share the same ice rink, an instant turf war erupts. Anastasia cannot stand Nate's laid-back attitude, and Nate is endlessly amused by her fiery temper. However, when Anastasia's skating partner is injured, Nate surprisingly steps up to help her train.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It Icebreaker delivers the grump and sunshine trope, but brilliantly flips the genders—Anastasia is the rigid grump, and Nate is a massive golden retriever in a hockey jersey. Fans of Heated Rivalry will appreciate the detailed focus on athletic dedication and the intense team bonds that define the college hockey experience. The novel perfectly captures the transition from a feud over ice time into a melting, swoon-worthy romance. The communication between the main characters is incredibly refreshing, and the LGBTQ+ representation within the supporting cast adds a wonderful layer of inclusivity to the sports drama.
6. Pucked (Pucked #1) by Helena Hunting
At number six, we have a book that proves sports romance can be just as hilarious as it is scorching hot. Pucked, the first book in Helena Hunting's beloved series, is a riotous romantic comedy that leans into the absurdities of locker room culture while delivering a genuinely heartfelt love story.
The Plot and The Passion Violet Hall is a sassy, outspoken woman who has sworn off hockey players after watching her stepbrother navigate the NHL lifestyle. Enter Alex Waters, the incredibly arrogant, absurdly handsome team captain who is used to getting exactly what he wants. When Violet accidentally runs into Alex, sparks fly, and a battle of wills ensues. Violet is determined to keep him at arm's length, but Alex is equally determined to break down her defenses.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It If your favorite parts of Heated Rivalry were the laugh-out-loud moments of Ilya's dry humor and the realistic depictions of the grueling NHL schedule, Pucked is your perfect match. Helena Hunting writes sports drama with a brilliantly comedic edge. The banter between Violet and Alex is rapid-fire, leading to hilarious, scorching passion. It gives you a front-row seat to the chaotic lifestyle of professional athletes, exploring how a high-profile sports career complicates a blossoming romance.
Need a break from reading? Tune into That Love Podcast for hilarious dating disaster stories and relationship advice! https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes
5. Play Along (Windy City #4) by Liz Tomforde
Breaking into the top half of our list is a phenomenal entry from one of the most talented current voices in sports romance. While Liz Tomforde's Windy City series typically focuses on baseball and basketball, the emotional resonance, athletic intensity, and spectacular romantic tension make Play Along an absolute must-read for any hockey romance fan.
The Plot and The Passion Play Along focuses on Isaiah and Kennedy. It utilizes the highly addictive fake relationship trope, throwing a feisty, fiercely independent heroine into the orbit of a disciplined, stoic pro sports captain. What begins as a hate-fueled arrangement of convenience—designed to fix public image issues and navigate the intense media scrutiny of professional sports—quickly devolves into a beautiful, complicated mess of genuine feelings.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It Liz Tomforde writes professional athletes with incredible depth, entirely avoiding one-dimensional stereotypes. The sports rivalry aspect is deeply present, not just on the field, but in the battle of wills between the two protagonists. Fans of the secret hookups in Heated Rivalry will be captivated by the tension of Isaiah and Kennedy trying to maintain the illusion of their fake relationship while secretly falling head over heels in love behind closed doors. It is a slow-burn angst masterpiece that transitions flawlessly into a pure, devoted romance. For further reading on why the fake dating trope is so universally beloved, you can check out this fantastic literary analysis by Book Riot.
Navigating Complex Emotions in Fiction
When Miscommunication Drives the Plot One of the most thrilling aspects of a slow-burn romance is watching characters struggle to articulate their feelings. If you love the tension of unsaid words and secret relationships, you will love our breakdown of how fictional characters reflect our real-world communication struggles. Read our guide on healthy communication here
4. Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) by Rachel Reid
At number four, we are returning to the absolute source of our obsession. If you loved Heated Rivalry (which is book two in the Game Changers series), you absolutely must continue reading Rachel Reid’s brilliant interconnected universe. Tough Guy is the third book in the series, and it offers a tender, deeply emotional contrast to the explosive rivalry of Shane and Ilya.
The Plot and The Passion Ryan Price is a massive, intimidating NHL enforcer. His job is to protect his teammates and fight on the ice. However, internally, Ryan suffers from severe social anxiety and panic attacks; he hates the violence his role demands. Enter Fabian, a flamboyant, chatty, and fiercely confident musician. When they meet, the contrast is stark, but the connection is instantaneous.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It While Tough Guy trades the bitter enemies-to-lovers trope for a more gentle, immediate connection, it retains all the magnificent M/M romance and locker room culture that Reid is famous for. The novel provides incredible LGBTQ+ representation and deals with mental health in professional sports with profound grace. The tender, protective dynamic between Ryan and Fabian is swoon-worthy. Plus, because it is in the same universe, you get delightful cameo appearances from other Game Changers characters, making the world feel rich, lived-in, and wonderfully interconnected.
3. Him (Him #1) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Taking the bronze medal on our list is a foundational text in the M/M sports romance genre. Written by two absolute titans of the romance industry, Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy, Him is widely considered mandatory reading for anyone who considers themselves a fan of queer hockey romance.
The Plot and The Passion Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley were best friends at an elite summer hockey camp until a confusing, highly charged, and unresolved physical encounter fractured their friendship on their last night at camp. Four years later, they are playing for rival college hockey teams and are unexpectedly reunited as coaches at that very same summer camp. The forced proximity forces them to confront the ghosts of their past, leading to a profound bisexual awakening for Jamie and an explosive reignition of their suppressed desires.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It If you loved the timeline in Heated Rivalry—watching Shane and Ilya grow from teenagers into adults while harboring a secret obsession—you will be entirely captivated by Him. The novel is packed with slow-burn angst, deep emotional yearning, and the complex reality of a closeted athlete romance. The transition from childhood best friends, to estranged rivals, to secretive lovers, and finally to devoted teammates is handled flawlessly. The chemistry between Jamie and Wesley is electric, and the steamy forbidden love scenes are written with incredible emotional depth.
The Magic of the Perfect Book Boyfriend
What Makes a Character Unforgettable? Whether it is Ilya Rozanov's arrogant charm or Jamie Canning's golden-retriever loyalty, the perfect fictional partner stays with you long after the final page. Dive into our editorial on crafting the ultimate romantic hero and why we fall so hard for fictional athletes. Read the editorial here
2. The Chase (Briar U #1) by Elle Kennedy
Securing the runner-up position is the book that launched the Briar U spin-off series into the stratosphere. The Chase by Elle Kennedy perfectly encapsulates the chaotic, highly dramatic, and intensely romantic world of elite college hockey.
The Plot and The Passion Colin Fitzgerald (Fitzy) is a brooding, heavily tattooed, video-game-loving hockey player who likes his life quiet and orderly. Summer Di Laurentis is a loud, chaotic, fashion-obsessed hurricane of a woman who also happens to be the younger sister of Fitzy's teammate (and former team captain). When Summer unexpectedly needs a place to live, she moves in with Fitzy and his teammates. Fitzy tries desperately to ignore his attraction to her, leading to a deliciously frustrating slow-burn dynamic filled with undeniable, simmering tension.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It The forced proximity of living in the same college house creates a phenomenal powder keg of romantic angst. The Chase utilizes the teammate's sister trope perfectly, injecting a layer of forbidden heat and intense sports drama into the narrative—if Fitzy crosses the line, he risks destroying his team bonds and his career. The banter is elite, the character growth is profound (especially Summer's journey dealing with learning disabilities), and the steamy romance payoff is worth every second of the slow-burn buildup. It is a masterclass in the college hockey romance genre. For more insights into how Elle Kennedy builds her incredible interconnected universes, you can view her bibliography and author profile on Goodreads.
Stream That Love Podcast before we reveal our number one pick! Get lost in incredible audio dramas and romance right here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes
1. Role Model (Game Changers #5) by Rachel Reid
Taking the absolute number one spot on our list is a masterpiece that proves Rachel Reid is the undisputed queen of the M/M hockey romance genre. Role Model, the fifth book in the Game Changers series, is a breathtaking, deeply emotional, and profoundly healing novel that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the brilliance of Heated Rivalry.
The Plot and The Passion Troy Barrett is a grumpy, deeply closeted, and intensely miserable NHL superstar whose career has hit a wall following a massive scandal. Traded to a new team in Ottawa, he is desperate to keep his head down and just play hockey. Enter Harris Drover, the team's wildly optimistic, bubbly, and unapologetically openly gay social media manager. Harris is sunshine personified, and Troy is an absolute thundercloud. Despite his best efforts to remain isolated, Troy finds himself inexplicably drawn to Harris's warmth, leading to a quiet, secretive, and beautiful romantic awakening.
Why Heated Rivalry Fans Will Love It While Shane and Ilya are defined by their fierce competition, Troy and Harris are defined by their healing. Role Model is the ultimate grump and sunshine romance. Fans of the Game Changers universe will be thrilled to know that Ilya Rozanov (now playing for Ottawa) plays a massive supporting role in this book, acting as an unlikely, hilarious mentor to Troy as he navigates coming out and finding love.
The novel masterfully tackles the toxic aspects of locker room culture, contrasting it beautifully with the supportive, healthy environment of the Ottawa team. It is a phenomenal exploration of a closeted athlete romance, detailing the agonizing fear of public exposure and the ultimate, triumphant liberation of living your truth. The undeniable chemistry, the stellar LGBTQ+ representation, and the deeply satisfying emotional arc make Role Model the absolute best book to read if you are chasing the high of Heated Rivalry. It is an unmissable, five-star sports romance.
Conclusion: Lacing Up for Your Next Great Read
The explosive popularity of sports romance, and specifically the queer hockey romance subgenre, is a testament to the power of a perfectly executed trope. Books like Heated Rivalry showed us that the intense, adrenaline-fueled world of professional sports is the perfect backdrop for exploring deep emotional vulnerabilities, hidden identities, and the transformative power of unconditional love.
Whether you are drawn to the scorching enemies-to-lovers tension of If You Hate Me, the beautiful bisexual awakening of Him, or the heartwarming grump and sunshine dynamic of Role Model, the 10 books on this list guarantee a reading experience that will leave you absolutely breathless. They capture the essence of what makes romance so compelling: two people fighting against the odds, their own insecurities, and occasionally, each other, to secure their happily ever after.
So, grab a cozy blanket, prepare your Amazon cart, and get ready to fall in love with a brand new roster of fictional athletes. The ice is fresh, the tension is high, and your next favorite romance novel is waiting for you.
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10 FAQs About Sports Romance and the Heated Rivalry Universe
1. Do I need to read the Game Changers series in order? While each book in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series functions as a standalone focusing on a different couple, reading them in order (or at least reading Heated Rivalry before The Long Game and Role Model) highly enhances the experience, as previous couples make significant cameo appearances.
2. What is the sequel to Heated Rivalry? The direct sequel to Heated Rivalry, continuing the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, is titled The Long Game. It explores their relationship as they attempt to navigate their love publicly.
3. What does "M/M romance" mean? M/M stands for "Male/Male." It is a subgenre of romance fiction that focuses entirely on a romantic, sexual, and emotional relationship between two male protagonists.
4. Why is hockey romance so popular on BookTok? Hockey romance blends the appeal of massive, physically intimidating athletes with the "he falls harder" trope. The contrast between the violent, hyper-masculine nature of the sport and the tender, devoted way the athletes treat their romantic partners is incredibly appealing to romance readers.
5. Are the books by Elle Kennedy connected? Yes! Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series and Briar U series exist in the same fictional college universe. Characters from one series frequently pop up in the other, making it a fantastic binge-reading experience.
6. What is the "grump and sunshine" trope? This popular romance trope features one character who is pessimistic, brooding, and serious (the grump) falling in love with a character who is relentlessly optimistic, bubbly, and cheerful (the sunshine). Role Model and Icebreaker utilize this brilliantly.
7. Are these books considered "spicy"? Yes. The vast majority of the books on this list, especially those by Rachel Reid, Helena Hunting, and Elle Kennedy, feature explicit, open-door sexual content and are intended for mature adult audiences.
8. What is the difference between YA and New Adult romance? Young Adult (YA) typically features high school-aged protagonists and "closed-door" or fade-to-black romance. New Adult (NA), which encompasses many college sports romances like The Chase and Icebreaker, features college-aged protagonists (18-25) and frequently includes explicit, open-door scenes.
9. Can you recommend a sports romance that isn't about hockey? Absolutely! Liz Tomforde's Windy City series features basketball and baseball. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata is a phenomenal football romance, and Kulti (also by Zapata) focuses on soccer.
10. Where is the best place to find trigger warnings for romance books? Before reading, it is always recommended to check the author's official website or utilize crowdsourced review platforms like StoryGraph or Goodreads, which have dedicated sections for content and trigger warnings submitted by readers.
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