9 Romance Books to Read if You're Obsessed with Heated Rivalry

Sports writer Max Myers just discovered he lives next door to the hottest soccer player in the world. Riley Grayson is a beast on the pitch, playing for the Denver Blaze, but he's notoriously private off it. Still, Max is determined to score a coveted interview with the player, which could give his career a much-needed boost. Riley has no interest in interviews but Max is too gorgeous to resist. Taking a chance, Riley and Max discover they have more in common than soccer. But as they get closer, Max is given a conundrum: write an article about Riley exposing accusations of drug use, or risk destroying his own career.

Noel Snow is a reformed diamond thief with a spate of legendary heists to his name. Many years ago, he seduced FBI special agent Robert Cuffe, then left him in the dust. Now, Noel writes crime novels inspired by his own misdemeanours, and he's modeled his hero's nemesis on Robert. Though he leaves Robert a drunken phone message every New Year's Eve, Noel hasn't seen or heard from him in a decade. So he's thrilled when his former lover shows up on Christmas Eve. But Robert just wants to put Noel behind bars. The heat between them is undeniable, but can Noel convince Robert to keep him out of jail?

Jordan Garrison was drafted by the NHL at 18 and has gone on to be a huge star. There was only one person he wanted to share it with—Jessie Caplan. But they only shared one night together before things fell apart. Jessie has worked hard to get over her broken heart. Six years after their last meeting, she finds herself face to face with Jordan, and after all that torment and longing, she can't tell if she loves him or hates him. Jordan, however, still adores Jessie and wants to prove it to her. He can't afford to lose her again.

Teddy O’Connor used to be the intern of the Jacksonville Rays, where he spent his days crushing on Henrik Karlsson, star forward of the team. Six years later, Teddy is now a doctor and Henrik needs his help. His sister has died unexpectedly and left behind her daughter. The Swedish government doesn't think Henrik can look after his niece, so he needs proof that he can provide a stable family environment for her. What better way to prove that than with a fake marriage, and who better a husband to help him than Teddy?

Four years ago, Jamie Canning and his best friend Ryan Wesley fooled around one night at hockey camp on a dare. Then Ryan cut him off. Now, the pair are reuniting as opponents on their respective schools' hockey teams as they prepare for the national championships. Ryan's hoping to make amends with Jamie, who has waited a long time for answers over their broken friendship. The feelings between them remain complicated. There's love there, as best friends, but also something else far deeper. Perhaps it's time for Jamie and Ryan to rediscover one another.

At the age of 19, Alexander Price is the youngest-ever captain in the NHL. On the ice, he's got a reputation for dirty play, but off it, he's an anxiety-ridden kid who's weighed down by the expectations of the entire league. Being the asshole playboy is a good shield for his pain, as well as his sexuality. Elijah Rodriguez is a blogger who's recovering from an injury that derailed his Olympic figure-skating dreams. He thinks Alex is a homophobic jerk, but soon, the pair become friends and the fascination of the internet. They just want to be normal teenagers, but the world is watching their every move, including their blossoming feelings for one another. How is anyone supposed to survive that?!

Cara Hunter is a self-made woman who has never relied on a man for anything in her life. But there's something about Emmett Brodie that makes her weak at the knees and lose her inhibitions. He's one of the most celebrated hockey players in the major leagues, but that's nothing compared to his love for Cara. With a love as all-encompassing and fierce as theirs, they become the ultimate power couple. A happy-ever-after seems guaranteed, but when they decide it’s time to have a baby, they discover their journey to conceiving will be anything but easy. The battle to become parents will put them through the wringer, but their love is strong enough to survive just about anything.

Connor Kennedy is the golden boy of hockey, the captain of his team and the son of a sporting legend. For Gavin, the captain of a rival team, Connor is his enemy, and the one player who always knows exactly how to annoy him. Their rivalry must be put to the side, however, as they become teammates for the Olympics and are forced to share a room. On the ice, they must be cohorts. Behind closed doors, things are going in a totally different direction.

And, of course, we have to end the list with another Rachel Reid book! This standalone title is a classic grumpy-sunshine romance with a festive twist. Landon Stackhouse is Calgary's new backup goalie, a stoic loner who only seems to talk in one-word answers and gives off strong "leave me alone" vibes. That doesn't put off Casey Hicks, fellow player and total charmer, who latches onto Landon as though they're old friends. They couldn’t have less in common, but Landon needs a place to live that’s not a hotel room and Casey has just bought a massive house. So, now they're roommates, and spending the holidays together. Soon, they've formed a bromance, but what happens next?