Why Heated Rivalry Changed Sports Romance | Rachel Reid's First Podcast Interview (2020)

This episode originally aired September 21, 2020. Yes, this was Rachel Reid's very first podcast interview.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What happens when you take one of the most toxic masculinity sports cultures in the world—and rewrite it with tenderness, queer joy, and emotional honesty? 🏒💖

In this retro What to Read Next author interview, I’m joined by my friend Amanda (from Escape from a Book) to chat with romance author Rachel Reid, the creator of the beloved Game Changers hockey romance series.

We talk about Rachel’s lifelong love of hockey, why she wanted to challenge toxic masculinity in sports romance, and how Heated Rivalry broke every romance “rule” and somehow became a fan favorite anyway. Rachel also opens up about writing sex scenes with purpose, representing mental health and anxiety on the page, and what’s coming next—including Common Goal, Role Model, and the long-awaited sequel to Heated Rivalry.

📚 Books Mentioned

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid — Rivals-to-lovers | Sports Romance | Queer

Game Changer by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Queer

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Mental Health Rep

Common Goal by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Bisexual Rep

Role Model by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Redemption Arc

The Long Game by Rachel Reid — Sequel to Heated Rivalry | Established Couple

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian — Historical Queer Romance

The Last Kiss by Sally Malcolm — WWI Historical Queer Romance | KU ✅

Spellbound by Allie Therin — Historical Fantasy Romance

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & intro to Rachel Reid

[02:00] From hockey fan to published romance author

[06:00] Why queer hockey romance matters

[09:00] Writing Heated Rivalry & breaking romance rules

[13:00] Mental health & toxic masculinity in sports

[15:00] Crafting unforgettable sex scenes

[17:00] Upcoming books: Common Goal & Role Model

[19:00] The Heated Rivalry sequel (The Long Game)

[24:00] Rachel’s favorite books & reading recs

Join the Conversation

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read Next

Subscribe & leave a review!

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(937)

Ghosts, Multiverses & Magic: Speculative Romance Recs | Author Interview Bridget Morrissey

What if you could see every version of your life, including the one where your high school nemesis turns out to be the love of your life? Bridget Morrissey is back to talk about her dazzling new specu...

27 Syys 18min

10 National Book Award Nominees You Need to Know | Literary Fiction Longlist

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.This post was an original Subtack Live that aired on September 18, 2026.Awards season has landed —...

20 Syys 22min

What to Read After Watching Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (SLOMW) | Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.This podcast originally aired March 2026What happens when influencer culture, megachurch ambition,...

14 Syys 39min

The Myth of the Debut Author, Explained by an Agent | Siren Says by Jennifer Herrera

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a literary agent decides to become the author she's spent her career championing...

8 Syys 32min

3 Monster Hunter Books for Horror Beginners | Book Goose Substack

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Ever wanted to try horror but didn't know where to start? This episode is your gentle on-ramp.Bri ...

6 Syys 24min

5 Pirate Romantasy Reads You Need on Your TBR | The Siren's Kiss by Leslie Vedder

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Pirates, mermaids, sea witches, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance — this episode has every...

1 Syys 12min

2026 Hugo Awards: The Best Novel Nominees, Ranked | Fantasy & Sci-Fi

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Six books, one vote, and a whole community weighing in — Deedi's back to break down this year's Hu...

26 Elo 36min

Silent Book Club for Two: My New Favorite Reading Ritual

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Laura's back with a solo update on slowing down, making reading friends in a new city, and two mys...

10 Elo 9min