Cover photo for Athenaeum Book Club presents: Heated Rivalry by Athenaeum Boekhandel B.V.

Athenaeum Book Club presents: Heated Rivalry

While the 2026 Winter Olympics blizzards on, Athenaeum Book club will be cozying up and reading Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry.

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Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, 19:30 - 21:30

A steamy hockey romance, the story follows two closeted and rival hockey players who can't contain their disdain nor their desire for each other. The novel has recently been made into a TV series which has taken the online and offline world by storm. The show is having a cultural moment, where the main actors were even invited as torchbearers for the Winter Olympics. So, naturally, we want to go back to where it all started. The original book series has been reprinted and is selling out fast everywhere. During the book club we will delve into the cultural zeitgeist that has allowed this series to become huge and reach a global audience. Why do we love an enemies-to-lovers plot? What does it mean that Heated Rivalry's main fan base is women? Is it truly an emancipatory moment for queer representation in male sports? Join us for the discussion on Wednesday February 18th!

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