Rachel Reid discusses how “Heated Rivalry” is reshaping TV romances

Rachel Reid, writer of the 2019 romance novel “Heated Rivalry,” received life-changing news in August 2023 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Just four days later, she received an unexpected Instagram message from Canadian actor Jacob Tierney, expressing interest in her book. What followed was a whirlwind experience that led to the creation of the hit TV show now streaming on HBO Max.

Despite her diagnosis, Rachel remains optimistic and excited about the success of “Heated Rivalry.” The show has quickly gained a massive following, with fans raving about the chemistry between the two leads, Shane and Ilya, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

The series, which is based on Reid’s “Game Changers” book series, delves into the world of professional hockey and explores themes of love, acceptance, and identity. It all started with Rachel’s vision of an NHL player coming out and the ripple effect it would have on those around him.

Throughout the process of adapting her book for TV, Rachel was kept in the loop and even had the chance to visit the set. She was pleasantly surprised by how much respect and recognition she received during the adaptation process, something she hadn’t expected.

As for the future, Rachel is thrilled with the first two episodes of “Heated Rivalry” and is eager for fans to see the rest. She had the opportunity to meet the actors, Hudson and Connor, and was impressed by their dedication to bringing her characters to life on screen.

Overall, Rachel is grateful for the incredible journey she’s been on and looks forward to what lies ahead. With the success of “Heated Rivalry,” she hopes to continue sharing stories that resonate with audiences and make a lasting impact on TV romance.