Score Big with Hockey Romances: A Guide to Reading Rachel Reid Books

Even if you didn’t watch the show, you probably know just how much Heated Rivalry took the world by storm this year. But did you know that hockey romance is its own popular subgenre? Or that the author of the book version has plenty more where that came from? Discover the other toe-curling tales Rachel Reid has published!

Who is Rachel Reid?

Rachel Reid is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author most recognized by her success in the LGBTQ+ hockey romance book genre. As a Canadian who grew up loving the nation’s favorite sport, it only made sense to tie her two passions together—and it’s certainly paid off! She may have gotten her start publishing chapters on fan fiction websites, but now, after the TV show adaptation of her book, Heated Rivalry, released as a smashing success, she’s on her way to authorship stardom.

Common Tropes in Rachel Reid’s Books:

• Enemies-to-lovers
• Forbidden relationships
• Slow burn
• Grumpy x sunshine
• Queer awakening

A Quick Look at Rachel Reid’s Books and Series

The next time you’re in the mood for a romance read, consider exploring one of the trendiest subgenres by grabbing a hockey romance book by Rachel Reid. With both series and standalone novels to choose from, you’re bound to find a title that scores.

About Rachel Reid’s Game Changers Series

Did you know that the Heated Rivalry show is actually a combination of the second and sixth in a series? Each book in the Game Changers series focuses on a different male/male couple within a fictionalized version of the NHL. While these Rachel Reid books can be enjoyed as standalone stories, she and her loyal fans recommend reading them in publication order to experience the interconnected storylines and characters as she intended. 

Suggested Reading Order for the Heated Rivalry Books:

• Game Changer
• Heated Rivalry
• Tough Guy
• Common Goal
• Role Model
• The Long Game
• Countdown (a bonus short story)
• Unrivaled (not yet released)

Game Changer

There’s nothing the New York Admirals captain, Scott Hunter, takes more seriously than his pregame rituals. When a magical smoothie seems to fix his on-ice slump, he’ll stop at nothing to recreate the recipe—and if that means getting to know the sexy, funny guy named Kip Grady behind the counter, then so be it.

As blending fruit turns into sexy, frequent rendezvous at Scott’s penthouse, the two must grapple with their needs and desires in a sport where the kind of love they crave is not acceptable. Kip is ready to go all in, but with playoff season fast approaching, Scott can’t afford anything that might derail his career. Is remaining a secret worth it? Find out in the first Heated Rivalry book, Game Changer.

Heated Rivalry

In the book Heated Rivalry, nothing gets in between Shane Hollander and his game—especially now that he’s the captain of the Montreal Voyageurs. But the cocky, talented, and admittedly sexy Boston Bears captain, Ilya Rozanov, has a certain talent for getting under his skin. Publicly, they’re sworn enemies. But privately, they can’t stop touching each other. Secret hookups are one thing—what happens when the two want more?

Tough Guy

On the ice, Ryan Price might play an enforcer, but off the ice, the pro hockey star is riddled with anxiety. After being traded to Toronto, he’s determined to find a fresh start in the LGBTQ+ Village—that is, until he runs into a blast from his past, Fabian Salah.

An aspiring musician and hockey hater, Fabian hasn’t forgotten their almost-kiss way back in high school, and it’s clear their chemistry has only intensified. Eager to introduce Ryan to the gay scene, their days are spent exploring art exhibits, sweating in dance clubs, and connecting like crazy in bed. It’s clear that playing a Tough Guy on the ice has taken its toll. Is a happy future with Fabrian worth hanging up his skates for? 

Common Goal

In his time in the rink, veteran goaltender Eric Bennett faced down some of the toughest players in the history of the NHL, but now, after his retirement, he must take on his biggest challenge yet—dating men for the first time. When he meets a younger, broken-hearted graduate student, Kyle Swift, the two hit it off right away. Could their friends-with-benefits arrangement grow into happily ever after? Find out in Rachel Reid’s book, Common Goal.

Role Model

After being traded to the worst team in the league, going through a messy breakup, and being the center of a recent scandal, the only thing Troy Barrett wants in Role Model is to play hockey and be left alone. But no, instead he’s supposed to work on his online presence with the team’s preppy, out-and-proud social media manager, Harris Drover. Behind closed doors, the two fall for each other. But being in a public relationship is a whole other ball game.

The Long Game

In the sequel book to Heated Rivalry, The Long Game, 10 long years have passed since the day Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov started their relationship. Ten years of loving one another in secret, away from friends, family, the league, and the public eye. Shane wants to focus on staying at the top of the game, but Ilya is sick of rendezvous and hidden feelings. It’s time to decide what’s most important: hockey or love.

Unrivaled

For the first time in their careers on the ice, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander are out, married, and even playing on the same team. For the most part, the support has been incredible. But some people in the hockey world are still reeling from their declaration of love, and the backlash is getting louder. The two are finally able to stand together, and this time, they’re facing their toughest challenge yet. Rachel Reid’s newest book, Unrivaled, will be out June 1st, 2027.

Rachel Reid’s Standalone Hockey Romance Books

If you’re not ready to dive into a longer hockey romance book series, consider tuning into one of Reid’s standalone novels on your favorite audiobook service or grabbing it from your nearest indie bookstore. We promise they’ll make you swoon!

Time to Shine

If you wanted a hockey romance book with the merry and bright vibes of Christmastime, you’ll love Rachel Reid’s book, Time to Shine. The backup goalie and self-proclaimed loner, Landon Stackhouse, and charming and laid-back winger, Casey Hicks, couldn’t have less in common—but Landon needs a place to live, and Casey has a massive house and a hatred for being alone. As their roommate relationship blossoms into bromance, the two get closer and closer until romance might be on the horizon.

The Shots You Take

After leaving his major league hockey career and a massive breakup behind, Riley Tuck was ready to settle into a boring life in his hometown of Avery River, Nova Scotia. That is, until unexpected tragedy strikes and his ex-teammate and former best friend (with benefits), Adam Sheppard, walks back into his life. As Riley grapples with grief, their chemistry becomes undeniable. But if they’re going to have a real shot at a new beginning, they’ll have to tie up all the loose ends in their complicated past in The Shots You Take.

You might not be able to go to Shane Hollander’s cottage, but you can head to your local bookstore near Rochester Hills to grab a Heated Rivalry book! Suggest your favorite Rachel Reid book to book club and stop by Novel today.