If you’re loving the steamy queer romance on HBO’s newest hit series, Heated Rivalry, you’re sure to love these other romances, on and off the ice.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Bridgerton
This historical romance is set in Regency-era England, the early 1800s, and has eight main novels, each focusing on one of the Bridgerton siblings and their love story. Each book stands alone, but has the through-line of family.
The TV series was first released on Netflix in 2020, keeping the same basic premise and characters from the books, but with some changes that make it more suitable for a modern audience. For one, there is a more racially diverse cast and an expanded storyline for added drama. Each season centers on one sibling, as in the books.
If you like cozy, character-focused romance, this is the book and tv series for you!
Normal People
This faithful book-to-TV adaptation is the subject of much media discussion for its tragically sad yet romantic themes. It is a contemporary coming-of-age that follows Marianne and Connell from their last year of secondary school to early adulthood.
As a lot of the book happens within the characters’ heads, the TV series utilizes facial expressions, body language, and close shots to tell the story. It relies heavily on the actors’ ability to emote subtly.
The tone is quiet, slow, and intimate. The characters are complex and far from perfect. Though it is popular among young audiences, don’t expect a happy ending from this story.
Also, check out these books that will warm your heart this winter.
Fellow Travelers
This historical fiction is set in Washington, D.C., during the 1950s Red Scare and Lavender Scare. It focuses on politics and history, then romance. The romance is subtle, reflective of the fear of the time.
Though it builds upon a novel, it expands much further than the novel. In the TV show, there is a lot more romance. The relationship between the two main characters takes on importance. It is also explored over multiple decades and feels more character-driven than the book.
This queer romance is great for history buffs and those who prefer a slow burn.
Heartstopper
This LGBTQ+ romance was originally a graphic novel for young adults the focuses on two British schoolboys who develop a slow-burning romance. It is sweet and heartwarming, focusing on mental health, identity, and teen romance.
The TV series was released on Netflix in 2022 and quickly became a favorite in queer communities. With some graphic novel-inspired elements, it maintains a light, gentle tone. This story is hopeful and positive, significantly less serious than the aforementioned Fellow Travelers. Fans of the novel find that the show “gets” the novel in a way that some adaptations fail to do.
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Red, White & Royal Blue
This contemporary fiction features a gay romance between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the first female U.S. president, and Prince Henry of Wales. This love blooms at various events and comes to a head when the two are caught and almost forced to break up due to the royal family’s strict rules.
The movie is a fantastic adaptation of the book, despite some simplifications due to the short time constraint of a movie. What remains true to the book is the witty banter and slow-burning romance between the boys.
It captures the heart and charm of the book, even maintaining their letters to one another, throughout the movie. If you like the forbidden romance element of Heated Rivalry, you’ll like this book and movie, too.
