‘Heated Rivalry’ book downloads skyrocket after NYC Mayor’s recommendation

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s shoutout to Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry saw an unexpected increase in its downloads at the New York City public library.

The e-book checkouts at the institution rose by 529%.

Talking to the press last week, Mamdani said, “The snow is coming down heavily across our city and I can think of no better excuse for New Yorkers to stay home, take a long nap, or take advantage of our public library’s offer of free access to Heated Rivalry on e-book or audiobook for anyone with a library card.”

The effects of the mayor’s book recommendation were felt right away. It also recently went viral after the release of its series adaptation.

The book follows the secret affair between two male rival hockey players.

According to the library, around 86% of the book’s checkouts occurred right after the NYC Mayor’s rec. It is making unlimited digital copies of the book’s entire Game Changers series available through Valentine’s Day.

The surge comes at a time when reading habits are declining. A median American read two books in 2025, and nearly 40% read none at all.