We've all been there before: after picking up the perfect book series, you let it alter your brain chemistry forever, allowing it to become your personality for at least six months. But after you're done reading it, it's hard to find something that even comes close. For a lot of Heated Rivalry fans, that probably sounds all too familiar. After devouring that novel—and most likely the rest in the Game Changers series it belongs to (by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid), you're probably looking for other books like Heated Rivalry to really scratch that itch.
Heated Rivalry is the second book in the Game Changers series, which is currently comprised of six novels, two of which are about Shane and Ilya directly. Reid is working on a third book about the fictional couple (and the seventh in the series)—it's coming out in June 2027, which is later than originally expected due to the sudden fame and also Reid's Parkinson's symptoms, which she was diagnosed with in 2023, according to the Associated Press.
So, if you need more books likeHeated Rivalry (for fans who just can't get enough of similar genres and character arcs!) that you can go read right now, she shares several with Parade.
First published in 2019, the book Heated Rivalry tells the story of two rival professional hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. In the series, Hollander is a Canadian player who plays for the fictional team, Montreal Voyageurs, while Rozanov, a Russian athlete, plays for the fictional Boston Bears.
The series TV adaptation follows the same plot line, played by Hudson Williams (Hollander) and Connor Storrie (Rozanov), and the rest is history. It eventually turned into a huge cultural phenomenon, showcasing a queer sports story that hasn’t typically been seen before.
Hurley agrees with that notion, saying that the book series isn't just about a sports romance.
Related: Best-Selling Author’s Novel Ranked ‘Most Anticipated Romance’ on Goodreads
What Kind of Books Feel Like ‘Heated Rivalry’?
It might depend on who you ask, but Hurley says "appeal factors" have a lot to do with this. Some of those factors include a "high-intensity, character-driven romance, often rivals-to-lovers or forbidden," she shares.
While not needing to be exclusively revolving around an LGBTQ+ storyline, some of those factors are what fans of Heated Rivalry loved most about the books and the TV series. Hurley says these aspects matter when it comes to appeal.
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7 Books Like ‘Heated Rivalry,’ According to a Librarian
It's so true that some of us would love the chance to read Heated Rivalry for the very first time again. But if you've already read it and are craving something with similar tensions, vibes and storylines, Hurley gives some suggestions for your next big read.
1. 'Him' by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Amazon
“It has strong emotional history and chemistry, making it a good fit for readers who liked the relationship depth in Heated Rivalry," says Hurley. “But it’s less centered on secrecy.”
2. 'Gravity' by Tal Bauer
Amazon
“It matches the emotional stakes and pressures of a high-profile athletic career, though it’s more about visibility than a hidden relationship,” she shares.
3. 'The Foxhole Court' by Nora Sakavic
Amazon
The first three books in the series revolve around Neil Josten, who is the son of a murderer on the run. As part of his fake identity, he signs up with his college team's "Exy" team, a fictional sport that resembles a cross between lacrosse and hockey. Not only does he stay on the team to keep hiding who he really is, but to get closer to the goalkeeper, Andrew Minyard.
Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians
4. 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston
Amazon
While not as spicy as Heated Rivalry, Hurley assures that it contains a relationship that must be kept under wraps from their public and royal subjects.
"The secret relationship and public scrutiny create similar tension, but the tone is lighter and more rom-com-leaning," Hurley states.
5. 'Captive Prince' by C. S. Pacat
Amazon
The book is what Hurley calls a "fantasy enemies-to-lovers story with a slow-burn relationship that develops over a trilogy."
Related: The 32 Best Romantasy Books of All Time
6. 'The Favorites' by Layne Fargo
Amazon
"A toxic, obsessive relationship set against a competitive backdrop," Hurley says about this novel. "The rivalry, ambition and emotional volatility make it a great fit for readers who liked the intensity of Shane and Ilya."
7. 'You Should See Me in a Crown' by Leah Johnson
Amazon
The book follows a high school student named Liz who is running for prom queen, and hopes to win a college scholarship. While dealing with internet trolls, catty girls and popularity, she starts to fall for the new girl in school.
Up Next:
Related: 17 Books Like 'Harry Potter,' According to Librarians
Source:
Brynn Hurley, public librarian who is known by the handle @brynn.hb on TikTokHence then, the article about 7 books to read after heated rivalry according to a librarian was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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