Heated Rivalry Is Not For Tweens. How to Find Sweet Romance Titles That Are

You’re ready to catch up on the smash hit queer romance, Heated Rivalry, and settle in to watch pro hockey players Shane and Ilya fall in love. You’re locked into the drama, maybe a little distracted by the heat of it all, when your kid walks in during an 18+ scene—and off the screen goes. Makes sense, right? The explicit sex in Heated Rivalry isn’t for kids, so turning it off is a natural reaction.

The Canadian TV series, based on the books by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid, has become a part of 2026’s cultural zeitgeist. Parents should know, however, that the books are just as explicit as the show. (And there’s nothing wrong with that because the intended audience is adults.)

But some kids are pop culture-savvy, especially as they get older and interact with the internet more independently. Chances are that tweens or young teens, kids ages 10 to 13, may hear about or see the Heated Rivalry book, get curious and want to read it, or other romances. There’s nothing wrong with that, either.

Interest in romance is natural

It’s puberty time, and everything is changing. Curiosity is thriving and healthy. But if your tween wants to read bestsellers like Heated Rivalry, romantasy like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, spicy sports romance like Deep End by Ali Hazelwood or Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, or even young adult (YA) romance like Heartstopper, you should set a boundary.

“We need to be honest with our kids that some content that they’re going to see or read is not meant for people their age,” says Joanna Seidel, clinical director and founder of Toronto Family Therapy and Mediation. That’s easier said than done in a digital world. “We know that children are being more exposed to this kind of sexual and emotional content at a young age, and we can do our best to put boundaries on that, but we know that that doesn't always happen successfully,” she says.

If your tween is interested in reading romance or books with romantic elements, don’t discourage them. Reading is always welcome, but there is a reason kids’ books are published with a suggested age range, then shelved in libraries and bookstores according to that range. “Most libraries have a teen section that’s separate from the children’s area,” says Katelyn Granger, manager, youth services with the Hamilton Public Library in Ontario. This is usually done intentionally if there is space because junior fiction and YA serve different age groups. “Generally, [the] is based on the age of the characters. So, the issues that a teen might be experiencing might be a little bit more graphic and grown-up for a child.”

Talk to your kids about sex and romance

First of all, talking to your middle schooler about romantic relationships and sexuality in general is healthy and important, says Seidel. “Talk about things such as sex or emotional feelings in an age-appropriate way that fits your family values…I think what's really important is to keep children engaged by talking openly about these things without embarrassment and shame.”

Talking with your kids about these topics gives them the foundation they need to make good choices on their own—about reading material and so much more. Karen R., a mom of two, says her 13-year-old daughter discovered reading YA romantasy in sixth and seventh grade. “My daughter got her hands on the Fourth Wing series before I realized how spicy it is! She skated over the chapters that were too intense, but I would have preferred to know what she was reading ahead of time,” says Karen. “We’ve since had a few chats about explicit content and age-appropriate reading. She knows that I trust her to come to me with any questions or to talk about situations that feel uncomfortable.”

How to find age-appropriate books

The best way to figure out if a romance book is right for your child’s age and maturity level is to ask someone, whether that’s a librarian, bookseller, friend, other kids or strangers online. “We really encourage families to come and chat with library staff. They can help parents and kids find a book they will love,” says Granger. She adds, “Common Sense Media is a really great resource for parents and kids. You can look up movies and books to give you perspective on what you could expect from a title.” Both adults and children can leave reviews, so you and your child can look at it together. Granger also suggests looking at the cover blurbs on books to see if an author you know has endorsed an author that you don’t.

Sports-themed romances have been trending, but what Granger notes is that there’s a variety of sports to choose from and an attempt by publishers to make the genre more accessible and inclusive. “I’ve even seen a book about pickleball!,” she says.

Karen’s daughter now has the freedom to choose what she wants to read. “While she is a very advanced reader and a mature kid, I do encourage her to stay in the YA lane,” she says. “That said, I do not screen every book she reads. I trust her to make good choices and come to me for advice or direction when she needs it.”

This is a healthy way to go about it, says Seidel. “Tweens need space, they need autonomy,” she says. “You've got to give them your trust, but that comes with a lot of good education and parental guidance.”

Sporty novels for tweens

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan

This graphic novel follows Aliya as she moves from Florida to Wisconsin and starts at a new Islamic school, where she joins the basketball team. While not a romance, this book explores timeless teen themes around fitting in and self-discovery.

Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Emily Deibert

Tween Bea Mullins unwillingly joins her school's all-girls hockey team with her best friend, Celia. And she slowly begins to love the sport, while also starting to crush on the team's co-captain, Gabi.

Breaking the Ice by Natalie Blitt

Another hockey story, this novel follows Harper, who is afraid to skate again after an accident on the ice. And then she meets a cute figure skater named Jason.

Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

Brian and Ezra are basketball teammates and friends, but when Brian has trouble at home and starts to pull away, Ezra starts to worry. And he's afraid that his other teammates might find out he has a crush on Brian.

Keeping Pace by Laurie Morrison

Grace and Jonah used to be friends. Now they're competitive rivals. After Jonah gets a higher GPA, Grace signs up for a half-marathon that Jonah is also running, and as she trains, her outlook on life, friendship and perfectionism start to change.