Why Heated Rivalry is Scoring

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 Becky

On this episode, Becky is joined by Lindsey, Jenni, and Hockey Pro turned author Bill Keenan, we’re diving into the very buzzy adaptation success of Heated Rivalry. Why this story is hitting so hard right now, what it gets right about romance and sports, and why it feels like a real turning point for romance adaptations.

Discussion Points

1. Why This Book? Why Now?
2. The Hockey Question
3. Crossing Over: Romance to Mainstream
4. Adaptation Success: What Didn’t They Mess Up?

Meet Bill Keenan:

Bill Keenan is the author of two memoirs, Discussion Materials and Odd Man Rush, both adapted into feature films. His first novel, The Swan and the Sentinel, will be published in 2026, and his first play, Spin Cycle, premiered Off-Broadway in 2025. Following a three-year stint as a professional hockey player in Europe, he then served as COO of Air Mail, the digital magazine founded by Graydon Carter, from 2018 to 2025. He holds a BA from Harvard University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

https://www.billkeenan.com
https://www.instagram.com/billkeenanbooks
https://www.facebook.com/BillKeenanBooks/