Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago

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It’s hard to deny that #HeatedRivalry, the new queer hockey drama about two rival pro hockey players that fall in love, is having a moment.

From think pieces to social media discourse, the show is everywhere. Even the interview with creator Jacob Tierney and stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie that we published here on Xtra quickly shot up into our most read stories of the year when it dropped.

But what makes it so good? We break down some of the key ingredients to the show’s recipe for success.

#lgbtqnews #booktok #mlmromance #gay #canada #romancebooks

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