Game Changers couples and their wine pairings

Like much of the internet, I have fallen in love with the Heated Rivalry show, and then with the entire Game Changers series.

Each book hits differently, depending on what kind of romance you’re in the mood for. So instead of ranking them, I’m pairing each couple with a wine to capture the experience of reading them, and help you decide which ones are most your vibe.

Bring my two favourite things together – introducing…

Game Changers

The entry point to the series, and to MM hockey romance for many, a Niagara Riesling is an easy, approachable place to start.

Niagara wine is often misunderstood. People say they don’t like it because they think it’s too sweet, but a good, dry Riesling has just the right balance, just like Scott & Kip. Their story is insta love, a crowd-pleaser, and a lovely introduction to the series, but it is underestimated. There’s a lot more emotional depth than people expect, not just sweetness.

If you like to read complete series from the beginning, and you like famous person/regular person romance, start here.

Heated Rivalry

My personal favourite slow burn couple, paired with my personal favourite bold, deep wine.

Let’s start with Ilya. Amarone comes off as bold right away, but as you decant it, layers and secrets start to unfold. Ilya has the same depth that you might not see at first, and that you uncover over time as you fall in love with him.

Shane, on the other hand, is restrained and disciplined in the early years. Amarone can be like that too – tight and structured, and then suddenly open once it’s given time.

When you put Shane & Ilya together, you’ve got the deepest slow burn romance I’ve ever read. One that begs re-watches and re-reads to pick up on what you may not have seen the first time. They genuinely get better with age. An Amarone needs both aging and decanting to really shine, and so did they. 

If you’re ready for a deep, emotional slow burn, Heated Rivalry is for you.

Ryan & Fabian

Champagne is made from a blend of red and white grapes — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier — and together they become something completely different and better than they were on their own.

Ryan and Fabian are an perfect example of opposites attract. They have nearly nothing in common and are deeply drawn to each other.

Ryan is big, quiet and anxious hockey player, but Fabian brings out a different, happier version of him. Fabian’s elegance, confidence and visibility also shows a great parallel to champagne.

For a lighter opposites attract, second chance romance, Tough Guy is worth the read.

Whether you start with a crowd-pleasing Riesling, a bold Amarone, or a celebratory Champagne, there’s a Game Changers couple to match exactly the kind of romance you’re in the mood for.