At this year’s BookCon, Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney were warmly received by a crowd eager to hear about their smash hit series, Heated Rivalry. The dynamic duo, whose creation has taken the world by storm, discussed their journey with The Boys and how their collaboration brought their hockey-themed romance to life. From an Instagram message to a hit show, Heated Rivalry has found a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, thanks to the chemistry between its lead characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, and its unique take on the sports romance genre. As they prepare for a second season based on the book The Long Game, both creators shared their thoughts on how the show has evolved, and the challenges that come with portraying a relationship that feels both grounded and extraordinary.

From Instagram to Heated Rivalry

The path to Heated Rivalry is one that Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney look back on with awe, particularly because it all started in a most unexpected way. In August 2023, just after Rachel received the news that she had early-onset Parkinson’s disease, she got a message that would change her life. It came from Jacob Tierney, a Montreal-native and award-winning filmmaker known for his work on Letterkenny. Though they’d never met before, Tierney had been inspired by Reid’s Game Changer book series and reached out via Instagram to discuss the possibility of adapting it for TV.

In hindsight, the timing was serendipitous. For Reid, who had just received a life-altering diagnosis, it was a turning point in her career and life. She’d never imagined that a simple Instagram message would lead to one of the most successful and talked-about series on television.

For Tierney, Heated Rivalry was a project of passion, one that allowed him to explore the themes of love, rivalry, and acceptance through the lens of two powerful hockey players. Both creators shared a love for the sport, which naturally found its way into the series. “It was a story we felt like we needed to tell,” Tierney remarked during their BookCon panel, a sentiment echoed by Reid, who added, “It’s a forbidden romance with the rivalry-to-lovers trope, but with a twist. It’s also a queer love story with a happy ending. For me, it was exactly what I wanted to see on screen.”

Heated Rivalry: A Global Phenomenon

As Tierney and Reid discussed the rise of Heated Rivalry, they reflected on how the show has become a cultural moment, much larger than either had anticipated. From the first episode in November 2025 to its most recent season finale, the show has garnered a massive following, propelled by its bold storytelling and the undeniable chemistry between Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie (Ilya). Not only has it become a fan favorite, but it’s also drawn the attention of critics and industry insiders alike, with Heated Rivalry winning awards and breaking records for its viewership.

“The reaction has been surreal,” Tierney admitted, “It’s a strange feeling to see something you’ve created become this global phenomenon. But what’s even more humbling is the way people connect to the characters.”

The Heated Rivalry effect has also extended to the world of sports. After the show’s premiere, the interest in hockey spiked, especially among younger fans who had previously not followed the sport. According to Reid, this was one of the most rewarding aspects of the show’s success: the ability to bring a new audience to the sport of hockey, thanks to the compelling and relatable characters at the center of the drama.

The Dynamics of Shane and Ilya’s Relationship

At the heart of Heated Rivalry is the relationship between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What started as a rivalry slowly morphed into something deeper, leading to an explosive romance that has captured viewers’ hearts. Tierney shared that while the romance is at the center of the show, it’s the evolution of the characters that has made it so compelling. “The beauty of Shane and Ilya’s story is that it’s not just about the passion between them,” Tierney explained. “It’s about how their relationship evolves over time, how they grow individually and together.”

Reid emphasized that writing these characters came naturally to her, especially because they seemed to “appear fully formed” when she first started writing them. She acknowledged that part of the appeal was their complexity—both are flawed, yet they balance each other perfectly. “Shane is this serious, driven guy, and Ilya is flashy and cocky. They’re opposites in many ways, but together, they’re a force.”

When asked about the challenges of portraying a relationship like Shane and Ilya’s, especially in the context of a professional environment, Reid and Tierney both noted the importance of realism. “It’s not about glorifying their relationship,” Reid clarified. “It’s about showing the ups and downs, the love and the struggles. It’s real, and that’s why people connect with them.”

A Big Step for Representation in Media

While Heated Rivalry is a romance at its core, it’s also a celebration of LGBTQ+ representation in media. In a time when queer love stories are more prominent in TV and film, Heated Rivalry stands out not just because of its romantic elements but also because it’s part of a broader movement toward greater representation. Both Reid and Tierney are proud of the strides the show has made, but they also acknowledge that there’s still much work to be done.

Tierney reflected on how Heated Rivalry fills a gap in queer media. “When I was growing up, stories like this didn’t exist,” he said. “We didn’t get to see gay characters having happy endings, especially not in a mainstream show like this. It’s exciting to be part of that shift.”

Reid echoed these sentiments, adding, “It’s been incredible to see the way the show has been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community. They’re seeing themselves represented in a way they haven’t been before, and that’s what makes this so special.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Heated Rivalry and Beyond

As Heated Rivalry continues to grow in popularity, the creators are already looking toward the future. Season 2 will focus on The Long Game, the second book in Reid’s Game Changer series, and filming is set to begin this summer. Fans can expect more twists and turns in Shane and Ilya’s relationship, as well as new characters and challenges.

Reid is also hard at work on the next book, Unrivaled, which will continue Shane and Ilya’s story. While the timeline for Unrivaled is still in the works, Reid has promised that it will be worth the wait, with more drama, passion, and of course, hockey.

For Tierney, the challenge of adapting The Long Game for the screen is an exciting one. “It’s a bit of a delicate balance,” he said. “We want to stay true to the book, but we also want to make sure we’re adding new elements that work for television. It’s going to be a fun ride.”

As Heated Rivalry moves into its second season and beyond, both Reid and Tierney are excited for what the future holds, knowing that the love story of Shane and Ilya is just beginning. Fans can expect more romance, more drama, and plenty more hockey in the seasons to come. With the undeniable chemistry between its leads, the story of Heated Rivalry is far from over.