“Heated Rivalry” is getting generally positive reviews as a fun, steamy, queer hockey romance in both its original novel form (by Rachel Reid) and its 2025 HBO Max adaptation, though with some caveats about depth and focus. Critics and readers tend to praise the chemistry, banter, and long-term, rivals-to- lovers dynamic, while some note that the TV series in particular leans heavily on sex and time jumps at the expense of richer character development.

Book: Overall Reception

The novel is widely regarded as one of the standout m/m sports romances of the last few years, often singled out as a top-tier enemies‑to‑lovers story. Reviewers highlight the decade‑spanning relationship, sharp dialogue, emotional payoff, and strong character focus, though some mention the need for a bit of disbelief around the logistics of a long secret relationship in pro hockey.

Book: Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths often cited:
  • Excellent banter and chemistry between Shane and Ilya.

* Slow‑burn, long‑term arc that feels intense and emotionally satisfying.

* Steamy scenes that feel integral to the relationship rather than tacked on.

• Common critiques:
  • Requires some suspension of disbelief about the secrecy and length of their affair.

* Focuses so tightly on the central couple that side characters and hockey-world details can feel thinner.

TV Series: Overall Reception

The HBO Max / Crave series is generally seen as playful, sexy, and distinctive, with a clear adult tone and a strong queer sensibility, but early reviews say it may not yet match the emotional depth of the book. Critics praise the show as a risqué, Canadian‑flavored romance with a fresh spin on the sports drama, but note that the first episodes make the relationship feel more physical than fully emotionally grounded.

TV Series: Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Stylish, steamy portrayal of a same‑sex relationship between star hockey rivals, with plenty of intimate scenes and flirtatious locker‑room energy.

* Charismatic leads and a tone that mixes humor with adult romance.

• Cons:
  • Limited early focus on individual character development; some reviewers feel the emotional chemistry lags behind the sexual chemistry.

* Time jumps and relatively little on‑ice hockey action may disappoint viewers expecting a more traditional sports narrative.

Book vs. TV at a Glance

Aspect| Book “Heated Rivalry”| TV “Heated Rivalry”
---|---|---
Format focus| Character‑driven romance over ~10 years258| Six‑episode adult romance with big time jumps149
Romance tone| Slow‑burn, deeply emotional, very steamy258| Very steamy and playful, emotional depth still developing in early eps14
Hockey emphasis| Hockey is important backdrop but secondary to relationship58| Limited on‑ice action; more locker room and off‑ice interactions14
Common praise| Banter, chemistry, emotional payoff, “classic” status among queer romances258| Bold queer premise, lead chemistry, fun adult tone149
Common criticism| Some implausibility and narrow focus on just the couple5| Relationship feels initially more physical than emotionally grounded; underused supporting cast14

If you say whether you’re more into intense slow‑burn romances or flashy, steamy TV dramas, a more tailored recommendation between the book and the show can be given.