One of the side projects I run next to readalikes.ai is a hockey romance books site, hockeyromancebooks.com. It's one of several exact-match domains I'm building, each one focused on a single, very specific search.

The genre is bigger than most people think. The site now lists 4,092 books, sorted by trope, heat level and pairing.

The search numbers

This is why the niche caught my eye. According to US keyword data, “hockey romance books” averages about 27,100 searches a month, and “hockey romance novels” gets about the same.

The growth is the wild part:

• Early 2019: about 390 searches a month.
• January 2022: about 1,900.
• January 2025: about 12,100.
• December 2025: a peak of 135,000 in a single month.

It has cooled since, landing around 6,600 in August 2026. That's still roughly 17 times where it was in 2019. Keyword difficulty is listed at 0, which is rare for a search that size.

How it works

Readers rarely search for “a good book.” They search for the exact thing they want. So the site is built around tropes:

• Enemies to lovers for rival players and teams who can't stand each other.
• Grumpy sunshine for the moody captain and the person who melts him.
• Fake dating for the “it's just for the cameras” setup.
• The full trope list covers everything else, from figure skaters to second chances.

How it ties into readalikes

Readalikes.ai is the broad version: find your next book with AI, picks from well-known people and community recommendations. The niche sites go deep on one corner of reading. Same goal, different entry points. If someone finishes a hockey romance and wants something outside the genre, readalikes.ai is the next stop.

Why exact-match domains

My read: a site named after the exact search has a clear focus, and that helps both readers and search engines know what it's about. The catch is that it has to be genuinely useful, not a thin page with a keyword in the URL. So each one gets real depth on its topic.

More of these are coming. I'll share what works and what doesn't.

I'm building a mobile app for readalikes.ai. The goal is simple: make it the best place to find your next book.

Most book apps lean on star ratings. Readalikes skips those and mixes three things instead.

• AI search. Name a book you loved and the AI book recommender finds similar ones, with filters to narrow it down. You can import your Goodreads library too.
• Influential people. Book picks from well-known people, pulled from celebrity podcast episodes, so you can read what the people you follow are reading.
• Community. Everyone who signs up shares one book they'd recommend. One pick each, no ratings. You can browse them on the community page.

How I'm growing it

SEO is a big part of the plan. I publish “books like” lists for popular titles, so people searching for their next read land on the site. A few examples:

• Books like A Gentleman in Moscow
• Books like Shoe Dog
• Books like The Covenant of Water
• Books like Can't Hurt Me
• Books like Yellowface

What's next

The website just launched. The app is next, so the same picks fit in your pocket when you're standing in a bookstore wondering what to grab. More updates soon as it comes together.

This is my main focus right now. But I have almost 20 other projects on the go right now. The plan is to build a powerful system using Grokbot to grow these. Stay tuned 👀

In Summary: * Have moved into the night meds and night prayers phase of my evening while listening to the Notre Dame Radio Network ahead of tonight's game between the Fightin' Irish and the Miami Hurricanes. Opening Kickoff is less than 30 minutes away, and I fully expect to listen to the whole game before heading to bed.

Today has been a Saturday that has felt like a Sunday to me almost all day long. I don't know why.

By the time the game ends I'll have finished taking all my night meds and will be ready to finish the night prayers. Then I'll be ready to slide into bed.

Prayers, etc.: * I have a daily prayer regimen I try to follow throughout the day from early morning, as soon as I roll out of bed, until head hits pillow at night.

Health Metrics: * bw= 219.58 lbs. * bp= 151/67 (63)

Exercise: * morning stretches, balance exercises, kegel pelvic floor exercises, half squats, calf raises, toe raises, wall push-ups, BP breathing exercises, pilates

Diet: * 05:20 – 1 banana, 4 little cookies * 06:45 – 1 ham & cheese sandwich * 07:45 – snacking on chocolate covered raisins * 11:45 – big buffet meal at Golden Corral * 15:15 – snacking on chocolate covered raisins

Activities, Chores, etc.: * 04:00 – wake * 05:00 – bank accounts activity monitored * 05:30 – read, write, pray, follow news reports from various sources, surf the socials, take daily meds, unpack, organize, and nap * 11:45 – brunch with Sylvia at Golden Corral * 13:00 – tuned into Texas A&M Sports Network ahead of this afternoon's A&M Aggies vs the S. Carolina Gamecocks * 17:30 – tuned into the Notre Dame Radio Network ahead of tonight's game between the Fightin' Irish and the Miami Hurricanes

Chess: * 13:30 – moved in all pending CC games, winning one by checkmate

Someone had stuck a sticker On the back of a toilet door.

“Pray to God” It said in big letters.

Someone else had crossed out the word “Pray” with a black pen.

Then above it they wrote the word “listen”.

Then they’d crossed out the word God

Above it they wrote the word “Love”.

“Listen to Love”

The toilet door said as I sat down to take a big shit

□

...

When the emptiness fills you.

□

Kyoto, Japan. ​The city is a postcard, but today it just feels like glass. ​I got the dream. Three months, an impossible language, temples and rainy streets. Exactly what I swore I wanted. And yet, sitting right here in the middle of it, the chest feels tight and the weight is too real. ​I don't want to be here today. ​Maybe next week the magic will break back through, maybe the ramen will taste better or the streets will feel less wide. But today? Today just sucks. ​And that's allowed. Even in paradise, you're allowed to want to pull the covers over your head and just... pause.

Meeting: Remere & Alexis

And so the hunter became the hunted.

He’d been scouting for the entire afternoon, but to no avail. Alexis’ boots now drag wearily against the grass as he makes his way from the bridge, scythe rested lazily over a shoulder like it’s entirely weightless despite its tremendous size.

There’s a sudden rustle of leaves nearby—not his own footsteps—but that’s not what snaps him fully alert. It’s the restless stomp of a nearby pegasus that gives him pause; the creature lifts its head from where it grazes and exhales a nervous breath.

Alexis moves before he even sees the person in the ruins nearby, weapon drawn as he sprints forward. With a flurry of dexterous movements, he poises himself behind the unfamiliar person, facing their back, the blade of his scythe poised just shy of their throat. The implication is obvious—a single sharp pull of the weapon would leave Remere lacking a head.

“I don’t suggest moving,” Alexis says dryly. “But I do suggest telling me who you are, and what you’re doing wandering out here this late.”

Remere had been doing what they often did late in the evenings: searching for suitable quarry. Subtlety did not matter at this hour, having grown accustomed to blending in with the creatures who preyed upon the naiveté of others. Provided they had iron on their person, and did not step into a fairy ring in error, Remere was as much a danger as the natural inhabitants of this realm.

Or, they would be. If they didn’t have a blade to their neck.

They remain still, the bump on their throat that protrudes from their collar pushes against the blade as they swallow in disinterest. When their lips part the thing that escapes them is not a plea for their life, but a melodic laugh. It cuts through the stranger's threat like mockery, smooth and alluring all the same.

“That’s no way to greet someone here. Has no one taught you manners?” They remain still, and continue to speak.

“Remere, Witch and Scholar. I study the things that go bump in the night. Would you be a doll and lower that, for me? My back will start to ache if I stand like this for too long.” They lick their lips, a glimmer of gold shining beneath in the dim evening light.

A smirk twitches the corner of Alexis’ mouth, but with their back to him, Remere would not see it. He relents much too easily; with a short breath of laughter, he takes a half step forward to create distance between blade and throat, and then draws the weapon away with a showy, graceful twirl of motion.

“You’re right: wherever are my manners?” he answers in kind, but it's unclear if the mockery is playful or cautious on his part; it seems practiced all the same. Alexis finally strolls forward, brushing nonchalantly past Remere to move to stand in front of him.

As he looks the curious individual over one or two times, he processes the greeting offered to him. “Remere,” he repeats softly, restlessly tapping gloved fingers against the haft of his scythe. “Oh! You mean... the famed vampire researcher I’ve heard mention of?” Alexis sounds doubtful, a brow raised, like he had expected something entirely different of Remere.

The short laugh does something to Remere, softens them too easily. They roll their shoulders in place of audibly sighing in relief, brushing a stray hair from their face—as though the action made a difference. They bend down, then, and retrieve a single rose from where it had fallen during their scuffle, holding it close. They have no regard for thorns or otherwise, or that the petals seem trapped in a flawless state of existence.

Sorcery, no doubt.

“I wouldn’t say I have a reputation, but your recognition flatters me. Yes. Vampire researcher.” Their eyes drift lower, towards the rosary upon Alexis’ chest. Their lips curl upward, in softness.

“You arm yourself with trinkets worn without faith, and a blade that you lift with too much ease. Tell me your name, fair hunter.” A pause. “Do not worry. I am not one of the creatures here who will take it from you. I’m asking as a courtesy.”

Alexis leans too comfortably against his weapon, making it plainly obvious that he’s disgustingly easy to sway with flattery and a sweet voice. He’d certainly never been accused of a sharp wit or a strong will.

Rather than question Remere’s perception, blue eyes drop to his own conveniently-exposed chest and settle upon the rosary in question. Gloved fingers lazily lift it to examine passively as he speaks. “Mm, I suppose you must be as wise as I’ve heard people say.” He does not precisely confirm if Rem speaks true of his lack of faith. “The fairest hunter, actually,” he then answers with a wink. “Alexis Ashford. I've been recently traveling these parts following claims of a vampire stirring trouble nearby—not that I’ve found much luck.”

He pauses and a faint smile softens his features. “Until now, I suppose.”

Remere watches in fascination as the rosary is lifted between Alexis’ gloved fingers, head tilted. Curiosity gets the better of them, and they reach towards it in interest. They feel no discomfort as their fingers inch closer, and closer still. Before their gloved fingers can touch it, they halt and withdraw their hand, fingers curling inwards and arm hovering towards their own chest.

Best not to touch the hunter with a weapon, they must have decided.

“Ashford.” They repeat, and their lips flatten into a straight line as they digest the implications of the name. “I have heard of the family’s accomplishments, and I have heard of their young prodigy hunter with a more... altruistic disposition. That must be you.”

They extend their hand again, this time to shake. “A pleasure, fairest Alexis.” It comes out with more familiarity than it ought to, characteristic of a Witch. “I shall endeavor to help you find this trouble.”

Alexis stills very visibly at Rem’s description of him, barely shielding against the impulse to flinch reflexively—not because he is unaccustomed to the biting criticism of his various unconventional virtues, by any means. He’s heard it all, for better or worse, and likewise sees less and less of his father as a consequence of his practices.

What shocks him is Rem’s complete lack of judgment.

His surprise is short-lived, hopefully short enough that his momentary falter in expression escapes Remere’s notice. He promptly but delicately accepts Rem’s handshake, and yes—he goes there, in fact. Remere’s hand is raised as he elegantly bows forward to press a light kiss to knuckles, and then their hand is carefully released.

“A pleasure as well,” he purrs, poising himself upright. “And your aid is most welcome, Remere. I will gladly do whatever I can for you in turn.”

Remere loses composure for the first time during their meeting, the scandal of having a hunter’s lips upon their unholy hand nearly enough to send them into a frenzy. It masks the giddiness threatening to betray its murmuring heart as best they can, the hitch of breath swiftly followed by a small cough as their hand is subsequently released.

“Yes. Of course.” They take a moment to consider their next words. Traditional expressions of gratitude were a danger in these lands. Many things were, themselves included.

“I will offer you information. Our quarry seems to feed primarily on cattle, wildlife, and the occasional... unfortunate. Said unfortunates tend to be ne’er-do-wells, no-goodniks, or otherwise unsavory folk. Nonetheless, people do not take kindly to other people going missing, regardless of their character.”

Remere allows Alexis to draw their own conclusions. It is likely they already have this information, but offering it voluntarily at least allowed them to test the waters of what this altruistic hunter deemed acceptable.

For Alexis, the charming display is as mundane as anything else in his day. It’s practiced and necessary for a favorable relationship of any kind, and Rem had criticized his lack of manners besides—fairly so, of course, considering the blade that had been aimed at his throat. Alexis did not blame him, by any means, but he also had pride and a point to prove.

When he leans against his scythe once more, he looks meaningfully contemplative. “Interesting,” he says softly, tapping the side of a curled finger to his chin in thought. “I was aware of the drastic increase in the deaths of local fauna—bodies drained partly or completely of blood, all the rather obvious signs.” He peeks up at Rem and pauses his tapping in favor of lightly gesturing toward Rem—not in accusation, but in speculation.

“But the particulars of the backgrounds of any human victims—that, I had not known.” He huffs a small laugh. “I... admittedly have yet to do all my research. I wanted to immediately venture to the last known area a body had been sighted, on the small chance I could catch them in the act.”

He shrugs a shoulder and exhales a brief sigh, looking almost shy when he speaks again. “I suppose gathering information first would be more beneficial to me…”

Whatever lack of manners that was perceived by a blade or otherwise had apparently been replaced by goodwill, or as close to goodwill one might receive from a vampire scholar—definitely not a vampire scholar who was seeking a potential meal, companionship, or a way to occupy their time in what was otherwise a meaningless existence.

When they speak again, there is something distant in their voice.

“It helps to understand them. How they think. How they feel. To see through their eyes... taste with their tongue.” The latter remark has a bitterness to it, a distaste. “I’ve taken samples from cattle, spoken to slaughterers, processors... the proprietors of businesses where targets were last sighted. I keep records, and I can give you access to my residence in these parts, should you need it. Conjure temporary lodging.”

It sounds more like a statement than an offer.

“I have a study that can be accessed from the premises. You may come and go as you see fit. Does this sound acceptable to you?”

“Moving me in on the first date?”

It’s spoken with no hesitation, not a beat missed following Rem’s very accommodating and trusting offer. Alexis punctuates his teasing question with a smirk. There is no other remark made about Rem’s description of their own investigative efforts, which must imply that Alexis believes Remere completely.

“I’d consider ‘acceptable’ to be an understatement,” he then answers plainly. “That’s quite generous, in fact. I ought to strive to match your kindness.” For the first time in their conversation, there is something authentic about the gentleness of his tone and the soft way he smiles. “My travels lead me to various rare magical artifacts and materials. I can bring you anything of interest I find, or I can keep an eye out for something specific.”

A small pause follows, but he doesn’t allow Remere to answer. He smiles and speaks promptly. “Actually, I accept no opposition to this arrangement. It’s a deal.” He casually lifts his scythe then, only to rest it lazily over his shoulder. Blue eyes glance up toward the sky quickly to assess the time. “Speaking of lodging, I ought to get myself somewhere to rest.” His eyes fall on Remere again. “I’m grateful we had such an auspicious chance encounter. I do hope I was able to make up for my rather lacking first impression.”

There is no goodbye to follow. Alexis simply winks at Remere once again before calmly walking past him, toward the bridge from where he originally wandered, to take his leave.

---

The above was conjured in the Realm of Awenia, owned by the lovely Gwen Enchanted. Thanks for letting us play vampire barbie in your home!

Three Twisted Knots • Gwen's Primfeed

There was a little girl stuck somewhere within.

Whenever I tried to be a man.

She’d make such a din.

I locked her in cupboard.

Where she couldn't be seen.

Til I fell asleep.

Then

...she'd begin

Her song

My Heroin.

□

The Medicine

Within

□

Of all the currencies...

Giving

The more you give

The richer you become

The desert in storm grows green

Abundant

Rulers. Redundant.

□

I'm planning to follow two games this College Football Saturday.

First on my list finds the (4-4) Texas A&M Aggies traveling to play the (5-3) South Carolina Gamecocks. This game is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM CT.

Then later I'll have the (7-1) Notre Dame Fightin' Irish hosting the (8-0) Miami Hurricanes. This game is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM CT.

And the adventure continues.

---

“Montana Travel, Green Glacial Valley” by moonjazz is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Nov. 7, 2026

Wait a difference a day made... One of the great jazz standards says it all. I went into yesterday still dealing with my fears and anxieties about owning a home with my partner, but by the end, I felt inspired and invigorated to walk this path together with her into the unknown.

Moving past all of these difficult feelings began with the phone conversation with my parents, in which they lovingly told me that they wanted to give us this money. That they saw how far I'd come in recovery and this gift was a part of their way of saying, we see your growth, and we want to support you. There are no words to express my gratitude for their generosity.

But then, when our lawyer reached out to set up the closing date, I called my partner, and we both had the jitters at first. Then M, my partner, said, “It feels like we're holding hands about to jump off a cliff together.” That image gave me a feeling of confidence and excitement that I hadn't felt before in regards to the house. There's no one I would rather jump off a cliff with than M. She is such a good partner and friend, and the fact that that image made me feel better about things rather than more fearful I think is a pretty good indication that we're ready to take the plunge.

Wish us luck!

PS Another thought I had was that Higher Power, Benevolent Spirits, Ancestors, Animals, and the land are all here to help us, guide us, and protect us. How lucky are we?! Amen!

Je garde en mémoire sa foi pour Dieu, Ces moments où elle m’apprenait à lire avec Ratus, Sa volonté de me protéger, toujours, Ses saucisses fumées au-dessus des cendres du feu de la vieille cuisine en bois, Sa vie, difficile, Sa générosité, toujours. Sa simplicité.

Au revoir mamie