Is Ice Hockey Romance Too Steamy for TV? Insights from Heated Rivalry's Author

Rachel Reid, a Canadian author known for her sexually explicit queer romance novels about hockey players, has seen her adaptation, "Heated Rivalry," become a cultural phenomenon. The show, based on her book series, has sparked discussions around LGBT representation in sports and has significantly boosted sales of her novels in the UK. With fans celebrating the heartfelt romance between its characters, Reid reflects on the changing perception of queer narratives in mainstream media.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of October 2023, "Heated Rivalry" has emerged as one of the most talked-about shows on television. Its portrayal of a passionate romance between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, has resonated with a diverse audience, from devoted fans of Reid's original novels to new viewers drawn in by the show's portrayal of queer love. The series has not only gained traction in the US and Canada but is also set to make waves in the UK, where Reid's books are now hitting print shelves for the first time, following their previous availability only as e-books.

Key takeaways

• "Heated Rivalry" has sparked significant discussions about LGBT representation in sports.
• Rachel Reid's novels have seen a substantial increase in sales, particularly post-show release.
• The adaptation remains largely faithful to the source material, gaining praise for its authenticity.

Timeline: how we got here

This journey began when Rachel Reid first published her novels online, initially as fan fiction. Here are some significant milestones leading to the current success of "Heated Rivalry":

• November 2019: Reid's novel "Heated Rivalry" is first published.
• Late November 2023: The show adaptation airs for the first time in the US and Canada, quickly gaining popularity.
• January 2024: The show is released in the UK, leading to watch parties and a surge in book sales.
• January 2024: Reid announces a new addition to the series titled "Unrivaled."

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent development is the announcement of Reid's forthcoming novel "Unrivaled," which will continue the story of Shane and Ilya. Additionally, the print release of her books in the UK has seen unprecedented demand, with reported increases in pre-orders by over 700% at major retailers like Waterstones.

What was already established

Prior to the show's release, Reid's works had garnered a dedicated readership, particularly among fans of queer romance. The themes of LGBT representation and the exploration of relationships within the sports world have been central to her storytelling since her initial publications.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The release of "Heated Rivalry" has not only captured the attention of viewers but has also led to increased demand for queer literature. UK audiences are engaging with the themes presented in the show, as well as the narratives of love and acceptance that resonate deeply with many. The availability of Reid's books in print is expected to make them more accessible, potentially reaching a wider audience.

Businesses and jobs

The surge in interest in queer romance novels is benefiting booksellers, with local shops reporting a spike in sales. This trend may encourage publishers to invest more in similar genres and themes, potentially leading to a richer literary landscape. As for Reid, her success could pave the way for more adaptations of queer stories, further diversifying the market.

Policy and regulation

While there have been no direct responses from the NHL regarding the show's portrayal of gay relationships, the increased visibility of LGBT issues in sports may prompt discussions around inclusivity and representation. The show's success could inspire sports organisations to adopt more inclusive policies that support LGBTQ+ athletes.

Numbers that matter

• 700% increase in pre-orders for Reid's books at Waterstones since the release of "Heated Rivalry."
• New York Times bestseller list inclusion for "Heated Rivalry" and several other titles in early December 2023.
• Number of openly gay active players in the NHL remains at zero, highlighting the ongoing need for representation.

Definitions and jargon buster

• LGBT: An acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, representing diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
• Romance novels: A literary genre focused on romantic relationships, typically featuring a central love story and an emotionally satisfying conclusion.
• Adaptation: The process of transforming a written story into another medium, such as film or television.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

With the show's UK release, expect further engagement through watch parties and social media discussions. Fans will likely share their experiences as they binge-watch the series, leading to an increased sense of community around the show's themes.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the initial buzz settles, there may be ongoing discussions around representation in sports and the impact of "Heated Rivalry" on queer narratives. This could lead to more adaptations and a larger market for queer literature.

Signals to watch

• Book sales trends for Reid's titles and similar queer romance novels.
• Any announcements from sports organizations regarding inclusivity initiatives.
• Future adaptations of queer literature in film and television.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage with the show's community through social media and fan events.
• Explore other queer romance novels to expand your reading list.
• Support local bookstores that carry diverse literature.

Don’t

• Dismiss the show or its themes based on stereotypes or misconceptions.
• Assume that queer narratives are only for queer audiences; they can resonate with everyone.
• Overlook the importance of representation in sports and media.

Checklist

• Follow social media accounts related to "Heated Rivalry" for updates.
• Check local bookstores for Reid's titles and similar genres.
• Attend watch parties or community events to connect with fellow fans.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While "Heated Rivalry" has garnered considerable acclaim, there is always the potential for backlash against representations of queer relationships, particularly in traditionally conservative spaces like sports. The dialogue surrounding the show could shift based on audience perceptions and cultural contexts. Additionally, the actual impact on the NHL regarding representation remains uncertain, as the league has yet to publicly respond to the show.

Bottom line

The success of "Heated Rivalry" exemplifies a cultural shift towards accepting and celebrating queer narratives in mainstream media, particularly within the realm of sports. As Rachel Reid's works gain popularity, they pave the way for more inclusive stories that challenge traditional norms and inspire positive representations of love. The ongoing reception of the show and its themes will further shape future discussions around LGBT representation in literature and sports.

FAQs

What is "Heated Rivalry" about?

"Heated Rivalry" is a queer romance series that follows the relationship between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, exploring their love amidst a competitive sports backdrop.

How has the show impacted book sales?

The show's release has significantly boosted sales of Rachel Reid's novels, particularly "Heated Rivalry," with pre-orders increasing by 700% at major UK bookstores.

What themes are explored in Reid's novels?

Reid's novels delve into themes of LGBT representation, love, and the challenges of navigating relationships in a traditionally masculine and often homophobic environment, such as sports.