Sports romance has officially earned its place at the top of the romance genre—and in this episode, we’re doing a deep dive into why. From locker-room tension to slow-burn rivals-to-lovers, we unpack what makes sports romance so addictive and emotional. At the heart of the conversation is Heated Rivalry—the gold standard of hockey romance—as we explore its iconic dynamic, long-term yearning, and why Shane and Ilya have made such an impact. Expect trope talk, emotional analysis, and plenty of love for romance that hits both on and off the ice.