It’s not every day that a steamy sports romance about hockey players becomes a cultural phenomenon, but HBO’s “Heated Rivalry” has managed just that—capturing the hearts of viewers and readers alike while breaking new ground for queer storytelling in mainstream entertainment. Since its November 2025 debut, the series has earned critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Odessa, Texas native Connor Storrie. Behind the scenes, the show’s roots in Rachel Reid’s beloved novels have only deepened its resonance, and now, both the screen and page are poised for even more drama, romance, and controversy.
At the center of this whirlwind are Storrie and Williams, whose on-screen chemistry has translated into real-world buzz. Their first appearance at the 83rd Golden Globes on January 11, 2026, was met with enthusiasm and humor; the pair kicked off their award presentation with a cheeky nod to their fanbase, greeting “hi, moms” and “hi, daughters.” According to Variety, Storrie’s journey from Odessa to Hollywood wasn’t always glamorous—he once told relatives that if acting didn’t pan out, he’d “fall back to being an underwear model.” Before landing the role of Ilya Rozanov, Storrie worked full-time in a restaurant and appeared in several shorts and smaller projects, including a supporting role in Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
But it’s “Heated Rivalry” that has catapulted both actors into the limelight. The show, produced by Crave in Canada and premiering on HBO Max in the US, follows the secret relationship between two professional hockey players, long-time enemies who become lovers. The narrative, adapted from Reid’s 2019 novel, has been praised for its emotional depth and unapologetic depiction of queer love in the hyper-masculine world of professional sports. Its success has been so resounding that HBO announced a second season in early December 2025, with Williams and Storrie already signed for three seasons. The show’s popularity has only grown, recently premiering in the UK via Sky, and clips of the stars mingling with Hollywood A-listers at the Globes have gone viral, with actors like Ayo Edebiri offering praise for their performances, as reported by IGN.
As the show’s momentum builds, so too does excitement in the literary world. On January 12, 2026, Rachel Reid officially announced on Instagram that she is writing a seventh book in her Game Changers series, titled “Unrivaled.” The new novel, set for release on September 29, 2026, will serve as a direct sequel to “The Long Game,” continuing the saga of Shane and Ilya’s relationship. According to NBC News, “Unrivaled” picks up where “The Long Game” left off, following the couple as they navigate being out, married, and—at long last—playing on the same team. But their happiness is threatened by growing backlash within the hockey world, led by the fictional podcast Top Shelf and the #TakeBackHockey movement, which echo real-world debates about inclusion and tradition in sports.
“It’s really, really surreal to be sitting here writing the next Ilya and Shane book while watching jokes about Ilya and Shane happen live on my television from Hollywood at the Golden Globes,” Reid shared on Instagram, highlighting the rare convergence of literary and television success. The timing couldn’t be better: with Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” already greenlit and the actors’ contracts extending to a third season, fans have much to look forward to both on screen and in bookstores. As IGN notes, the fervor surrounding both the show and the books is only intensifying, with pre-orders for “Unrivaled” available at major retailers and anticipation running high for the next chapter in Shane and Ilya’s journey.
For those who have followed the series from the beginning, the stakes have never been higher. “The Long Game” ends with Shane leaving his longtime Montreal team to join Ilya in Ottawa, setting the stage for them to play together openly as a married couple. But as the official synopsis for “Unrivaled” reveals, not everyone in the hockey world is ready to celebrate their love. “A line has been drawn—and the hockey world is divided,” the publisher teases. “For the first time in their professional hockey careers, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander have nothing to hide. After more than a decade of keeping their love secret, they’re out, married, and even playing on the same team. The support has been incredible. Most of the time. While fans celebrate them, others in the hockey world are still reeling from the reveal. A growing backlash—led by the popular hockey podcast Top Shelf and the #TakeBackHockey movement—is making its presence felt. Standing together in the light was everything Shane and Ilya ever wanted. Now, they may be facing their biggest challenge yet.”
The show’s fidelity to the books has been a point of pride for both fans and creators. According to TV Insider, Hudson Williams has expressed particular excitement about filming the now-iconic “trophy room scene” in Season 2—a steamy and emotionally charged moment from “The Long Game.” In the scene, after their relationship is outed by a viral video, Shane struggles with the negative reaction from his team and the daunting prospect of meeting with the NHL commissioner. Ilya, ever supportive, leads Shane into his trophy room filled with career mementos and reminds him, “You are Shane fking Hollander. If you ever forget that, I will drag you back in here and fk you until you remember.” The moment is both intimate and empowering, encapsulating the series’ blend of vulnerability and bravado. Fans familiar with the books know that this scene is not only a highlight of the sequel but also a pivotal turning point in Shane and Ilya’s relationship.
Despite its success, “Heated Rivalry” has faced its own set of challenges. Because the show was produced by Bell Media in Canada, it was ineligible for Golden Globe nominations, a quirk that hasn’t dampened its popularity or the industry’s respect for its stars. Both Williams and Storrie have continued to expand their creative reach, including a romantic fantasy audio project for Quinn titled “Ember & Ice.” Their growing profiles—and the show’s international rollout—signal that “Heated Rivalry” is more than a fleeting trend; it’s a touchstone for LGBTQ representation in both sports and entertainment.
With “Unrivaled” on the horizon and a new season of the show in development, the future looks bright for Shane and Ilya—and for the fans who have championed their story from the start. The journey from page to screen has been anything but ordinary, and as both worlds continue to collide, one thing is certain: the rivalry, and the romance, are far from over.
