If you just finished Heated Rivalry—whether the book or the HBO Max adaptation—you’re probably in the same place I was: absolutely feral for more rivals-to-lovers tension, more forbidden chemistry, and more hockey boys with too many feelings. Ilya and Shane have that perfect storm of angst + heat + emotional vulnerability, and once you’re in their world, you want to stay there.

So if you’re wondering what to read next, I’ve put together a list of M/M hockey romances that deliver that same addictive mix of rivalry, longing, slow-burn hookup energy, and high-stakes secrecy. These books all have one thing in common: they scratch that same Heated Rivalry itch in the best possible way.

About Heated Rivalry

In Heated Rivalry, NHL captains Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov battle fiercely on the ice while hiding the truth off it—their heated rivalry has evolved into a years-long secret romance. Balancing fame, pressure, desire, and secrecy, this slow-burn M/M rivals-to-lovers story is emotional, tender, and unforgettable.

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Books Like Heated Rivalry: M/M Hockey Romances to Read Next

These are the titles I recommended in my podcast episode—the ones that capture that same tension, chemistry, and “we shouldn’t, but we will” energy.

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Him & Us by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

A friends-to-lovers M/M hockey romance about two former camp besties who reconnect years later. The first book mirrors the closeted tension of Heated Rivalry, while the sequel gives a “how do we live together openly?” storyline similar to The Long Game. Highly recommend.

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Iced Out by C.E. Ricci

College hockey rivals forced onto the same team discover their animosity might actually be attraction. Snark, heat, secret hookups—it’s an addictive enemies-to-lovers romance with that “we’re supposed to hate each other but we can’t stop touching” energy.

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Breakneck Hockey by S. Legend

Darker, edgier, and packed with emotional tension. Longtime enemies have a one-night hookup that spirals into obsession. Perfect for readers who crave gritty chemistry and complicated emotional stakes. (This one is high on my TBR!)

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Road Rules by Brigham Vaughn

An NHL captain shares a spontaneous hookup with his teammate and best friend, threatening everything they’ve built. Lots of career pressure, longing, and “is this worth risking everything?” vibes—similar to the emotional conflict in Heated Rivalry.

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Rylan by Harper Robson

A closeted team captain falls for his newly transferred, openly bisexual teammate. Slow-burn, forbidden, and emotionally rich, especially if you’re into stories about identity and pressure in professional sports.

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Puck Lust by Brooklyn Cate

Teammates with a complicated past are forced together on a long road trip, leading to a second-chance romance full of tension and emotional discovery.

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On Thin Ice by Holly Myers

A grumpy veteran and a rising star clash immediately—but can’t resist the chemistry simmering underneath. Age gap, forced proximity, and explosive slow burn.

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Related Posts:

• Heated Rivalry Book Review: Why This M/M Hockey Romance Is a Must-Read
• 6 Hockey Romances to Pick Today (All Available on Kindle Unlimited)
• 10 Dark Hockey Romances Available on Kindle Unlimited

Final Thoughts

I’m so thrilled that Heated Rivalry is having a resurgence thanks to the TV series. This is one of those books that stays with you—the angst, the longing, the rivalry, the tenderness. It’s everything I love in romance, wrapped in the world of professional hockey.

If you’re reading along or watching the series, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did Ilya and Shane wreck you too? Which M/M hockey romance should I pick up next?

And if you want more book lists, episode updates, and daily recs, join my Substack community at wtrnblog.substack.com 💛📚🏒