Heated Rivalry’s Replacement Arrives This Summer, And We’re Already Obsessed

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Based on Rachel Reid’s popular novel, the TV show Heated Rivalry was a huge success in 2025 and left viewers wanting more stories about gay men playing hockey. If you enjoyed the show and are looking for something similar, a new gay hockey romance will be released in June 2026.

Rina Kent is a popular author known for her dark romance, especially the Legacy of Gods series, mafia romances, and the MM dark romance Kiss the Villain. In 2025, she expanded her writing to include hockey romance with Beautiful Venom, the first book in her planned Vipers trilogy.

The second book, Sweet Venom, is now available, and like the first, it centers on a straight romance. However, the upcoming third book, Tempting Venom, which many readers are eagerly awaiting, will feature a gay romance that may be even better than Heated Rivalry.

Rina Kent’s Dark MM Romance Drops This Summer

Preston Armstrong & Marcus Osborn: The Dark Romance Version of Shane Hollander & Ilya Rozanov

The upcoming novel, Tempting Venom, will be released on June 30, 2026, and features a passionate and intense romance between hockey rivals Marcus Osborn and Preston Armstrong. Author Kent is known for cleverly connecting her books and hinting at future storylines, and she’s already built anticipation for Marcus and Preston’s relationship.

I really liked both Beautiful Venom and Sweet Venom, but what I enjoyed most was the glimpses of the characters Preston and Marcus. The author has subtly hinted at a romantic connection between them, and Preston, even though he wasn’t a main character, often stood out in both books.

Kent is incredibly skilled at making readers fall in love with characters even before their stories are fully told. Many people, like me, are already captivated by Marcus and Preston, and reviews for her previous books, Beautiful Venom and Sweet Venom, show others feel the same way. Even before Tempting Venom is released, Kent has her fans completely charmed by these two characters.

Vibe Check! How Is Tempting Venom Different From Heated Rivalry?

Dark Sports Romance Vs. Contemporary Sports Romance: Why Choose?

If you’re thinking about pre-ordering Tempting Venom, it’s good to know that Rina Kent’s books are generally darker than Rachel Reid’s. Kent explores more controversial themes and complicated, often unhealthy, relationships, and her stories tend to be very dramatic. This level of intensity might not appeal to all readers, but many enjoy it.

Rina’s Vipers books don’t focus much on hockey itself, which some readers might actually enjoy. However, Tempting Venom will likely feature more hockey action, as the two main characters are rivals on the ice. I, for one, am excited about that.

Rina Kent and Rachel Reid write quite different kinds of stories – Reid’s feel more realistic. But I think both authors are amazing! I’m especially excited for Rina Kent’s new book, Tempting Venom, because I enjoy both contemporary and darker romantic stories. If you’re looking for a book with a similar feel to Heated Rivalry, I definitely recommend checking it out when it comes out on June 30th.

My name is Preston Armstrong, and I’m the most depraved bastard you’ll ever meet.

I take what I want, ruin what I don’t, and live exactly how I please.

That is, until I crash into the force of nature that is Marcus Osborn.

Captain of our rival hockey team, and the perpetual thorn in my side.

A migraine in human form and the one person who refuses to play by my rules.

He’s my brand of heartless and just as deranged.

I set out to crush him, his career, and his infuriatingly gorgeous face.

Marcus responded with the same intensity, and our rivalry quickly became a fierce, consuming cycle that neither of us could escape.

We were supposed to annihilate each other.

Instead, we spark a fire that threatens to devour everything in its path.

In this battle of two unhinged souls, our bodies become collateral damage.

But I never expected our stone-cold hearts to get involved.

Tempting Venom by Rina Kent releases on June 30, 2026!

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2026-03-15 15:39