6 Books to Read After ‘Heated Rivalry’

More, Please!

Jonesing for more epic hockey romances? These books just might do the trick

January 10, 2026

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov in 'Heated Rivalry.' Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max

The hit HBO series Heated Rivalry only had six episodes, but that was more than enough to turn the show into a phenomenon this winter. Based on the novel by Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry follows hockey stars Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) as rivals embroiled in a secret gay relationship. Since the show’s premiere on Nov. 28, the smutty hockey romance has become the show of the moment, with references at NHL games, late night appearances, and celeb requests to be involved in the next season — transforming Storrie and Williams into certifiable stars in the process.

Creator Jacob Tierney told Rolling Stone in December that he first got into the world of hockey romance books through Heated Rivalry — but loved how much the series focused on Shane and Ilya’s relationship first and their potential coming out stories second.

“My first discovery was like, ‘Oh, my God, these books are so smutty.’ I’d be walking my dog and [thinking], ‘If you knew what was happening in my ears right now,’” Tierney said. “But what stood out to me in retrospect is that [Heated Rivalry] accomplishes a different task than these books usually do. This is not about somebody coming out, it’s about two people figuring out they are allowed to be in love. And that zig where the other books zag really stuck with me.”

He’s not the only one who loves Shane and Ilya’s love story. Sales for Heated Rivalry have skyrocketed since the series’ release. The book is now a New York Times bestseller, and according to the Hollywood Reporter, audiobook streams on Spotify are up 1,500 percent. Tierney, Williams, and Storrie have all publicly said that fans will have to wait until at least late 2026 for another season. But for fans who have already finished the series — and at least one rewatch – here are some other hockey romance books that might help in the meantime.

‘Him’ by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

In this instance, two authors mean twice the hockey romance. Him is a college hockey romance that takes a will-they-won’t-they scenario off the rink and directly into a summer camp. Hockey players Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley were best friends, until an awkward night four years ago completely ended their friendship. When they both become coaches at a summer hockey camp, the two are given the chance to figure out if this is a one-time secret or a potential for a life-long love. In addition to the secret relationship setting, Jamie and Ryan’s role as coaches can serve a dual purpose. If you’re not completely caught up on all the hockey terminology, reading about these boyfriends teaching kids how to play might be the perfect way into the game.
‘Like a Power Play’ by Elle Sprinkle

Yes, the people are desperate right now for gay hockey romance novels. But what if the book was sapphic instead? Like a Power Play keeps all the steam and heartache but focuses on college women’s hockey star Peyton Clarke and the student coach who can’t seem to leave her alone. Peyton is working her body and mind to the bone to succeed, a pressure she can’t seem to escape as the daughter of a famous NHL player. But when Darcy Cole, a former college star who quit the sport abruptly, says she can help Peyton’s game, two clash over whether relationships and future dreams can co-exist. This romance has lots of smut and takes a slow burn approach to Peyton and Darcy’s fling. But the payoff is plentiful, meaning even readers who are looking for an immediate romp won’t be disappointed.
‘Winging It’ by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James

Move over rivals. In Winging It, the only thing worse than rivals in love is teammates. Gabe Martin is confident that his leadership on the Nordiques, a calm head, and never coming out as gay will ensure his legacy and eventual induction in the Hall of Fame. But when he’s accidentally outed, a devastating betrayal and sends him and his team on a losing streak. Gabe wants to get back in his groove, which for him means ignoring the rising tension he has with his teammate Dante Baltierra. But in this steamy novel, the two have to work together to find out if the NHL is ready for out hockey players who aren’t ashamed of who they are.
‘Check, Please!’ by Ngozi Ukazu