BookTok is a corner of TikTok where users share, recommend and discuss books. While a wide range of genres are featured, fantasy and romance dominate the conversation. Though it may seem like a niche interest, BookTok’s influence is significant: 83.3% of GCHS students say they have been influenced by it, highlighting the power of TikTok’s algorithm. Freshman Macie Martin agrees, saying, “BookTok is almost always on my feed.”
BookTok’s popularity has become increasingly prominent, influencing culture and even shaping modern dating expectations. Stories such as “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “Red, White, & Royal Blue,” “To All the Boys I Loved Before,” and “Heartstopper” have gained traction like never before. Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have capitalized on this trend by adapting many BookTok stories into films and television series. Social media further amplifies their popularity through romanticized collages, known as “edits,” that highlight the leading characters. These edits circulate widely on TikTok and Instagram, influencing users and shaping new expectations, with both physical appearances and romantic ideals.
The appeal of the romance genre lies in its familiar tropes, such as enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, fake dating, dark romance, love triangles, and, most notably, sports romance. The sports romance genre has skyrocketed in popularity in 2026, with hockey romance at the top of the chart. Books like “Icebreaker,” “Fake Skating,” and, most recently, “Heated Rivalries,” are fueling this storm. As a result, readers and viewers have created a social media trend that romanticizes hockey players more than ever before. Much of this appeal comes from how the athletes are portrayed in romance media. The duality of how hockey players’ personalities are written feeds into the romantic fantasy and fuels why edits and fan content go viral.
Sports romances have not only influenced dating standards but have also begun to reshape traditional ideas of masculinity. With the rising popularity of sports romances such as “Heated Rivalries”, societal perceptions of masculinity are shifting. Unlike the stoic, straight, and aggressive stereotypes often associated with athletes. Junior Emily Kunzer reflects on this change, stating, “I definitely feel like it’s changed. Men aren’t just strong, but they’re sensitive.” These sports romances present men who are strong yet vulnerable, competitive yet compassionate, while also giving visibility to a more open and unapologetic queer community in athletics. As these stories gain traction, they challenge societal norms, opening the door to a broader and more inclusive understanding of masculinity and gender.
