The world of hockey romance novels is attracting mainstream attention, especially after the wife of an N.H.L. player raised concerns about fans making predatory and exploitative comments about her husband on social media. Let’s delve into the unique intersection of professional sports, romance novels, and TikTok.
First off, there’s BookTok. This corner of TikTok has become a powerhouse in the publishing industry, with over 100 authors using it to drive $760 million in sales in 2022. Romance books, particularly hockey romance, are a major hit on BookTok, drawing readers into the world of sports romance.
Notable titles like “Scoreless Game” by Anna Zabo and L.A. Witt, as well as “Overnight Sensation” by Sarina Bowen, have captivated audiences with their tales of love among players in fictional hockey teams like the Pittsburgh Griffins and Brooklyn Bruisers.
These novels have piqued interest in ice hockey among readers, leading some professional and collegiate teams to embrace this new fanbase. In Australia, BookTok has even boosted game attendance and fan engagement for teams like the Melbourne Mustangs.
However, the line between fiction and reality blurred when some TikTok creators began associating real players with their favorite fictional characters, sometimes turning sexually explicit. This ultimately led to a conflict that caught the attention of an N.H.L. player’s wife, Felicia Wennberg.
What caused the backlash?
Felicia Wennberg raised concerns about overly invasive and predatory behavior towards her husband, Alex Wennberg, on social media. Some posts had crossed a line, prompting her to call for more respect and consideration in online interactions.
In response, Alex Wennberg spoke out against the disrespectful comments and harassment directed at his family. The Kraken, the team he plays for, took action by removing BookTok-related content from their social media.
How did creators react?
Some TikTok creators, like Kierra Lewis, found themselves caught in the middle of the controversy. Lewis, who had garnered a large following on the platform, addressed the situation in her videos and expressed frustration with how it unfolded.
