WATCH: Mamdani urges New Yorkers to read homoerotic romance novel during snowstorm
Socialist Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani specifically encouraged Big Apple residents to read “Heated Rivalry,” a homoerotic hockey novel, during a Sunday press conference held with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM).
Mamdani held the press conference to brief New Yorkers on the precautions they should take to prepare for the massive storm that hit the U.S. over the weekend. Mamdani called on residents to stay home to avoid the storm and occupy themselves by reading the popular romance novel accounting a secret gay relationship between two rival hockey players.
“Check in on seniors and help your neighbors who may need extra support,” advised Mamdani. “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 audio book for anyone with a library card.”
WATCH:
READ “HEATED RIVALRY” DURING SNOWSTORM
WATCH: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to stay home during the snowstorm, suggesting they read “Heated Rivalry” via e-book or audiobook, using the city’s free public library access.
The book, which was adapted into a… pic.twitter.com/AaQJ0OBCcT
— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) January 26, 2026
“Heated Rivalry,” written by Canadian author Rachel Reid, is the first novel in a six-book series titled “Game Changers.” A television adaptation based on the series titled “Heated Rivalry” premiered in November 2025 and brought the budding media franchise into the broader public spotlight.
This book recommendation from Mamdani followed the New York Public Library’s Saturday X post announcing that the “Game Changers” series would be available as e-books and audiobooks from Jan. 24 to Valentine’s Day.
Due to the severe winter storm, at least three homeless New Yorkers were found dead in the snow Saturday morning after the state’s Democratic Gov. Kathy Hocul rebuffed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s offer of federal assistance. Hochul stated she would only accept assistance if the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policy would change — specifically detailing that she wanted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to “back off.”
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