For fans still thinking about stolen moments at the cottage, emotional locker-room conversations, and one of television’s most beloved queer romances, a new project from Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney promises to offer an intimate look behind the curtain.

Tierney has officially announced the release of I’ll Believe in Anything, an extensive behind-the-scenes book that chronicles the creation of the breakout HBO Max drama. Scheduled for publication this fall, the book is designed as both a companion piece and a celebration of the creative journey that transformed Rachel Reid’s bestselling novel into one of the most talked-about television adaptations of recent years.

The announcement has already generated excitement throughout the fandom, with many viewers eager to revisit the world of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov while waiting for the highly anticipated second season, which is expected to premiere in Spring 2027.

Created in collaboration with Tierney’s longtime producing partner Brendan Brady and the production company Accent Aigu, I’ll Believe in Anything offers a comprehensive exploration of the first season. Far more than a traditional making-of book, it combines annotated scripts, exclusive photographs, production notes, costume sketches, casting insights, and personal reflections from members of the cast and crew.

The newly revealed cover immediately caught the attention of fans online. Featuring a minimalist yet emotionally evocative design, the artwork reflects many of the themes that helped define the series: longing, vulnerability, identity, and the complicated nature of love lived in secret.

Since its debut in 2025, Heated Rivalry has become a cultural phenomenon. Adapted from Rachel Reid’s acclaimed Game Changers novels, the series follows professional hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. While competing fiercely on the ice, the two athletes maintain a secret relationship away from public view, navigating years of emotional turmoil, personal growth, and hidden affection before fully embracing their feelings for one another.

The adaptation quickly earned praise for its nuanced storytelling and authentic representation of queer relationships. Critics applauded the series for balancing romance, sports drama, and character development without relying on stereotypes. Meanwhile, audiences connected deeply with the emotional honesty at the center of Shane and Ilya’s story.

According to Tierney, the new book was born from a desire to share the collaborative process that shaped the show from its earliest stages.

“I’ve always believed creating a television series is fundamentally a collaborative experience,” Tierney explained. “A script is only the starting point. Every conversation, every rehearsal, every creative disagreement, and every unexpected discovery contributes to what audiences eventually see on screen.”

That philosophy forms the backbone of I’ll Believe in Anything. Throughout the book, readers are invited into writers’ rooms, production meetings, costume fittings, and filming locations. Tierney reveals how countless creative decisions evolved during development and how the final version of the show differed from its earliest drafts.

One of the most anticipated features is the inclusion of fully annotated scripts from season one. These scripts contain handwritten notes, deleted scenes, alternative dialogue, and explanations for major storytelling choices. Fans will finally learn which moments were planned from the beginning and which emerged unexpectedly during filming.

The book also promises to answer some of the questions viewers have debated online for months.

Among them is the challenge of balancing multiple storylines. While Shane and Ilya’s relationship serves as the emotional core of the series, audiences also embraced the romance between Kip and Scott. Tierney discusses how the creative team carefully structured both relationships to complement one another while maintaining the focus on the central narrative.

Readers will also gain insight into several iconic visual elements that became fan favorites. One chapter reportedly explores the origins of the now-famous Olympic fleece jacket, a seemingly minor costume piece that developed a surprising emotional significance throughout the season.

Costume designers reveal how the garment was selected, why it resonated so strongly with viewers, and how it eventually became one of the show’s most recognizable symbols. Behind-the-scenes photographs showcase alternate designs and wardrobe concepts that were ultimately abandoned.

Another major focus of the book is the production’s commitment to reshaping perceptions of queer storytelling.

For decades, many television executives assumed LGBTQ+ romance stories had limited commercial appeal. Heated Rivalry challenged that assumption by attracting a remarkably diverse audience across multiple demographics and international markets.

Tierney explains how the creative team approached the adaptation with a clear goal: telling a deeply specific queer story while highlighting universal themes of love, fear, identity, and belonging.

“We never wanted to dilute what made the story unique,” he said. “Instead, we trusted audiences to connect with honest human experiences.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, one section that has already generated significant attention focuses on the show’s intimate scenes. Widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth, these sequences became defining moments of the series.

Rather than treating intimacy as spectacle, the production emphasized character development and emotional vulnerability. The book details the extensive preparation behind those scenes, including collaboration with intimacy coordinators, actor workshops, rehearsal processes, and cinematography planning.

Tierney explains how every sequence was carefully choreographed to ensure it reflected the evolving emotional state of the characters rather than existing solely for visual impact.

The volume also contains previously unseen production materials, including concept art, location scouting photographs, and excerpts from early drafts that never reached the screen.

Some of these abandoned storylines may surprise longtime viewers. According to the book, several emotional scenes between Shane and Ilya were originally much longer. Others featured conversations that provided additional context about family relationships, career pressures, and personal insecurities.

Fans will also discover details about the casting process that brought Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie into the project. Tierney recounts extensive audition sessions and reveals how quickly it became clear that both actors possessed the chemistry necessary to portray one of contemporary television’s most beloved couples.

The book further includes contributions from cast members, crew leaders, editors, production designers, and composers. Their stories paint a vivid picture of the collaborative effort required to bring the series to life.

For many readers, however, one of the most exciting aspects of I’ll Believe in Anything may be the glimpse it offers into the future.

While Tierney remains careful not to reveal major spoilers for season two, he has openly discussed his desire to explore the next chapter of Shane and Ilya’s relationship in greater depth.

Speaking during a panel appearance in New York earlier this year, he explained that Rachel Reid’s novels provide a rich emotional foundation that he hopes to expand upon in the upcoming season.

“I want to dig deeper,” Tierney said. “The books contain an incredibly authentic portrait of a queer relationship. There’s so much emotional complexity there, and I wanted to explore every part of it rather than shy away from the difficult moments.”

Industry observers expect the second season to adapt events from The Long Game, Reid’s sixth Game Changers novel. While official plot details remain under wraps, fans anticipate a more mature and emotionally intense storyline as Shane and Ilya confront new challenges in both their personal and professional lives.

Rumors suggest season two may explore themes of public visibility, career transitions, family expectations, and the realities of maintaining a long-term relationship under intense media scrutiny.

Until then, I’ll Believe in Anything offers the perfect opportunity for audiences to revisit the series through an entirely new lens. By revealing the creative choices, challenges, and inspirations behind the production, the book deepens appreciation for a show that has already left a lasting impact on television storytelling.

Set for release on October 13 through Little, Brown and Company, the book is currently available for preorder through major retailers. For devoted fans eagerly awaiting the return of Shane and Ilya, it serves as more than just a behind-the-scenes companion—it is an invitation back into a world that continues to resonate long after the credits roll.

And if Tierney’s promises are any indication, readers may discover that some of the most fascinating stories from Heated Rivalry happened behind the camera.