Instagram message reshapes tensions between heated rivalry players
Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney appeared on the main stage at New York’s Jacob Javits Convention Center during BookCon, where they thanked attendees for the enthusiasm surrounding the HBO Max series “Heated Rivalry.” The series, which premiered in November, adapts Reid’s “Game Changer” novels and follows fictional hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Fans credited the show with boosting interest in the sport and promoting Reid’s sports‑romance brand.
Reid, 44, originally Rachel Goguen from Halifax, announced in February that her third novel, “Unrivaled,” would be released in summer 2027 after a pandemic‑era diagnosis of early‑onset Parkinson’s disease. Tierney, 46, an Ottawa‑born filmmaker known for “Letterkenny,” confirmed that production on a second season of “Heated Rivalry” would start in summer 2026, drawing on the next book in the series, “The Long Game.”
The two discussed how the show’s popularity has affected their personal lives, noting the impact of fan attention and their own creative processes. Reid mentioned plans to publish an anthology of Tierney’s annotated scripts in October, while Tierney highlighted ongoing projects related to the series.
No further controversies or safety concerns were reported. The series continues to attract a large audience, and both creators have confirmed that future installments are scheduled for release in 2027.