The breakout success of the TV series ‘Heated Rivalry’ has sparked a major trend. Readers are now flocking to purchase similar romance novels. This surge is most evident in sports-themed, particularly hockey, LGBTQ+ fiction.According to Rolling Stone, the original ‘Heated Rivalry’ book by Rachel Reid rocketed to second on Amazon’s bestsellers list. This happened just behind a new John Grisham novel. The show’s finale has clearly driven fans to seek out more stories.
Publishers and Authors See Immediate Sales Impact
The demand extends far beyond the original source material. Entire book series centered on hockey romances are seeing renewed interest. Authors like Anne Martin and Chelsea Curto are benefiting from this newfound audience.Martin’s “Heatwave Hockey” series explores forbidden relationships on and off the ice. Similarly, Curto’s “D.C. Stars” books use hockey terms as playful double entendres. These titles are now climbing digital and paperback charts.

A Wider Genre Enjoys a Cultural Moment
This trend is not limited to hockey alone. The phenomenon highlights a growing appetite for diverse romance subgenres. Stories featuring gay relationships in high-stakes sports settings are resonating deeply.Former NHL star Sean Avery even authored his own romance novel, “Summer Skate.” He told Rolling Stone it offers an authentic behind-the-scenes look. The cultural moment is opening doors for more narratives in mainstream publishing.
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The boom in hockey romance novels proves the genre has powerful mainstream appeal. This literary trend shows no signs of slowing down as audiences crave more inclusive, passionate stories.
Thought you’d like to know
What is ‘Heated Rivalry’ about?
It is a romance series about two professional hockey players. Their fierce on-ice rivalry secretly evolves into a complex romantic relationship. The story explores their hidden connection over several years.
Where can I listen to the ‘Heated Rivalry’ audiobook?
The audiobook is available on platforms like Spotify and Audible. Spotify reported a 1500% increase in listens after the TV show debuted. Premium subscribers can often access it for free.
Are there similar books about other sports?
Yes, the trend includes romance novels about other sports. For example, Rebecca Caffery’s ‘Pole Position’ is a popular gay romance set in the world of Formula 1 racing. It combines high-speed competition with a compelling enemies-to-lovers plot.
Did a real hockey player write a romance novel?
Yes, former NHL enforcer Sean Avery wrote ‘Summer Skate’. He describes it as an authentic look at hockey’s off-season life. The novel was released in September of this year.
Why are these books becoming so popular now?
The successful HBO Max adaptation introduced the story to a massive new audience. It showcased a compelling gay sports romance to mainstream viewers. This directly drove fans to seek out the original books and similar titles.
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