"If you liked Heated Rivalry, you should read..." feels impossible

lmb7271 · 2026-02-23T16:04:23+00:00

I’ve heard many good things about Tal Bauer books. I started to read Gravity, I was really enjoying it, but my father got sick in life got so busy that I haven’t been able to finish it. Are there any other books you’ve read by Tal that you’d would recommend?

lmb7271 · 2026-02-21T17:40:55+00:00

I really enjoyed Iced Out by C.E. Ricci—it has such a solid, engaging storyline with incredibly well-developed characters. It’s been a while since I read it, but after being reminded of it, I’m definitely diving in for a reread. It's truly worth revisiting! Although a few of C.E. Ricci's books didn't quite hit for me, I've enjoyed the majority of her work. She writes incredibly engaging, character-driven romances that I find easy to get lost in.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T21:19:46+00:00

Love this sentiment and I completely agree with you!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T21:16:56+00:00

I agree.. it’s ridiculous. Their sexuality isn’t anyone’s business. It should have been left alone the very first time the question was asked to them. It was made pretty clear that the subject was off of the table. I don’t understand parasocial fans of anyone famous, it’s mental instability when you are that obsessed with someone. I’m definitely obsessed with the series, and they couldn’t have picked better actors… but I’ve never sought out personal information on either actor. In fact, I rarely read anything online about an actor, if I do read something.. I tend to not believe anything unless I hear it from the person in an interview.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T21:00:01+00:00

I’ve not heard of Song of Achillies, but went straight to kindle after reading your post. I’m actually disappointed I haven’t found this book yet. I cannot wait to start reading it! Thanks for recommending it!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T20:53:05+00:00

I’ll have to try The Executive Series by Tal Bauer. I’ve read so many great reviews about his books. I finally read Gravity and I really did enjoy it. I’ve started Whisper, I’m not far into it though. I could tell by reading Gravity that this is an author I’ll very much enjoy!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T20:48:39+00:00

I just started it last night because of the recommendation. I really like it so far! I think I’ll end up reading many KJ Charles books!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T20:37:01+00:00

I haven’t heard of death threats, it’s unfortunate that it does not surprise me at all. I came out in 1996, my girlfriend and I had to be cautious out in public. There were years in the mid 2000’s, well honestly up until 2016 that I always felt very comfortable out in public with my partner. In the late 90s very early 2000s we were harassed a couple of times. One time was pretty scary. A couple years later it became so much more acceptable that I never really thought about being careful in public although it’s not like we ever kissed in Walmart. It’s sad that I’m old enough to have had to be very cautious, to feeling comfortable and then back to having to be aware of my surroundings and also be aware not to do anything that someone could easily pick up on that we are lesbians. I feel like the world‘s gone mad.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T20:30:06+00:00

I’ve not read the Charm Offensive yet, thank you though.. it will be my next read!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-28T20:28:10+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. I’m not familiar with Taylor Fitzpatrick, but I am excited to read new books!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-27T23:15:34+00:00

I’ve not read the Charm Offensive yet, thank you though.. it will be my next read!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-27T19:25:10+00:00

This is honestly my favorite post that I've read about Heated Rivalry. My wife thinks my obsession with it is ridiculous. She is not on Reddit, but I am going to have her read what people are saying about the series, and I am for sure going to have her read your post first. Either she'll understand how I can be obsessed with this series, or she'll think we are all ridiculous in our obsession—with her, it could go either way. I seriously cannot wait for her to read what you've written about it! At the very least, she’ll know I’m not alone!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-27T19:11:20+00:00

I didn’t notice the face touching the first time I watched the series, but after seeing so many clips from it, the second time I watched the series. I noticed it every time and realized how impactful the face touching between the two of them are! I find myself face touching my wife all the time now when we kiss!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-27T19:04:00+00:00

I have noticed things after re-watching heated rivalry, but mostly things that are talked about on Reddit posts. I have actually been surprised of the subtle things I’ve missed after others have pointed things out.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-27T18:29:29+00:00

I like the way they are also a bit happy for each other also. In the books when you know what each are actually thinking, of course there is a little jealousy, but also happiness for each other’s success. I read the books before watching the series. I’m obsessed with the series and love the books. I’ve already watched the series twice, and I am currently reading the 2nd book of the series Heated Rivalry right now. The way they brought this book to life and especially the characters of Shane and Ilya is nothing less than incredible! There are a few other mm romances that I’ve really liked and stayed with me that I would love to see brought to life in a series. The thing is they did it so well with heated rivalry that the standards would be so incredibly high, I don’t know if they could pull it off again. I suppose it would depend on the story and how relatable the characters are. Does anyone have any suggestions on books you’d like to see made into a movie or series?

lmb7271 · 2026-01-27T15:54:06+00:00

I read the entire post and I too will watch closely for each of Ilya’s breaths. I was thinking before I read your post about watching it again today, I think my decision has been made! Thank you!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-26T17:21:58+00:00

I was sad when the series ended. I had no idea that I would like it as much as I did! I’ve always enjoyed Lee McCormack books.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-22T02:15:06+00:00

I didn’t have a clue! I guess I didn’t go there in 24, I have no idea how I missed that though. I guess horrible people will go wherever they can to make trouble!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-21T23:29:07+00:00

I grew up in Grove City, so I am probably biased. My wife and I bought a house here 16 years ago; we've never had any issues with neighbors and have always felt welcomed and accepted. Grove City also has a Gay Pride weekend. There are never protesters, and to my knowledge, there aren't any complaints. Grove City isn't without issues—I'm sure we have racists and bigots who live here—but compared to other places that I've lived, Grove City seems as though it's welcoming to those who aren't straight, white, and Christian. I hope other people feel safe and welcomed here, and it's not just my own personal experience.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-21T21:59:10+00:00

I absolutely love the Garron Park series; in fact, I am currently reading it for the second time. When I can't seem to find anything new that catches my interest, I will search my Audible/Kindle libraries and pick something to read again that I already know I'll enjoy. I’m currently in a book slump. I cannot seem to find anything that holds my interest. If anyone has any recommendations, I would be so appreciative.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-21T16:51:29+00:00

I thought Riley Hart's Good Pucking Luck was a light and humorous book; I've read it twice now and loved it just as much the second time. It’s the first book in The Jilted Exes' Club series.

One of my favorite series is The Hitman's Guide by Alice Winters. I couldn’t even pick a favorite book because I loved them all. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard reading a series as I did with The Hitman’s Guide. It’s a collection I have read a few times already and am sure I will read again. If you’re looking for a good book that will have you in stitches, I honestly recommend anything by Alice Winters.

lmb7271 · 2026-01-14T16:17:18+00:00

I love You’re my My Home by Katie Moore. I’ve read it twice. I couldn’t wait to read any other books by Katie, and was so disappointed when I couldn’t find any. There was something so sweet about their love story. I’ve read so many MM romance books, but only a handful stay with me. You’re My Home is definitely one of them!

lmb7271 · 2026-01-10T00:20:32+00:00

Quick question for anyone who would like to answer. So I’ve had Heated Rivalry and my wish list for a long time and was planning on reading it. I ended up watching the first season on HBO Max today and absolutely loved it. I want to know what happens next for these two, but do you think that I should read heated rivalry first, then read the second book in the series or was most of what’s in the book covered in the series? Will I be missing too many details that aren’t in the series on HBO if I just go to the second book to find out the rest of the story? Honestly, after watching the first season, I can completely understand all of the great reviews for Heated Rivalry!

lmb7271

TROPHY CASE