NYC Mayor Encourages Residents to Read 'Heated Rivalry' During Snowstorm

Mamdani offers free e-book and audiobook access to popular queer hockey romance series as city braces for heavy snow.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:34pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted blues and grays, depicting a vast, snowy expanse with a lone building or structure barely visible in the distance, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the winter storm.As a heavy snowstorm blankets New York City, the public library's offer of free access to a beloved queer romance series provides a cozy respite for residents.NYC Today

As a major snowstorm blankets New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has encouraged residents to stay indoors and immerse themselves in the pages of the hit novel 'Heated Rivalry' from Rachel Reid's Game Changers series. The mayor's announcement coincides with the New York Public Library's offer of free access to the entire six-book series for anyone with a library card until mid-February.

Why it matters

This initiative underscores the power of storytelling to provide comfort and solace during challenging weather conditions. By promoting a popular queer romance series, the mayor aims to lift the spirits of New Yorkers and encourage them to make the most of their time at home.

The details

During a press conference, Mayor Mamdani suggested that New Yorkers 'hunker down, catch up on some sleep, or take full advantage of our public library's generous offer: free access to 'Heated Rivalry' via e-book or audiobook for anyone holding a library card.' The NYPL had previously announced that all six books in the Game Changers series would be available for instant download until February 14, allowing readers to easily access the acclaimed queer hockey romance.

  • The press conference was held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, as heavy snowfall continued to accumulate in New York City.
  • The NYPL's free access to the Game Changers series was announced on January 24, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who encouraged residents to read 'Heated Rivalry' during the snowstorm.

Rachel Reid

The author of the Game Changers series, which includes the popular novel 'Heated Rivalry.'

Hudson Williams

The actor who portrays the character of Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander in the Crave-HBO Max adaptation of the Game Changers series.

Connor Storrie

The actor who portrays the character of Russian player Ilya Rozanov in the Crave-HBO Max adaptation of the Game Changers series.

New York Public Library

The public library system that is offering free access to the entire Game Changers series for anyone with a library card until mid-February.

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What they’re saying

“The snow is falling heavily across our city, and I can't think of a better reason for New Yorkers to hunker down, catch up on some sleep, or take full advantage of our public library's generous offer: free access to 'Heated Rivalry' via e-book or audiobook for anyone holding a library card.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

What’s next

The New York Public Library's free access to the Game Changers series will continue until February 14, 2026, allowing residents to download and enjoy the books during the snowstorm and beyond.

The takeaway

This initiative by Mayor Mamdani and the New York Public Library highlights the power of storytelling to provide comfort and community during challenging times. By promoting a popular queer romance series, they are not only encouraging reading but also fostering a sense of inclusivity and representation in the city's literary offerings.