It’s time to shoot your shot, and Heated Rivalry surely did
Good news for all the crazed fans: Heated Rivarly—a book based on Rachel Reid’s six-book series, Game Changers—is officially returning for a second season.
The steamy HBO Max and Crave TV show debuted on 28 November with two episodes, with additional episodes releasing weekly until the finale on 28 December. This six-episode series has become an international phenomenon for good reasons—sex, yearning and forbidden romance. If you haven’t yet dipped your skates into the ice of this intoxicating world, now is the moment to take your shot—because Heated Rivalry, the smouldering adaptation, is giving both devoted fans and curious newcomers alike another chance to fall headlong into the passionate, pulse-quickening romance.
Here’s everything you need to know about Heated Rivarly:
What is it about?
Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are elite hockey players bound by fierce competition and forbidden attraction. What begins as clandestine encounters evolves into a complex, multi-year exploration of passion, self-deception and personal evolution as they pursue championship dreams while grappling with emotions that threaten everything they’ve built. Their storied rivalry has defined both their careers, but away from the rink, the tension between them burns with an entirely different intensity. When both of them recognise their hunger for something deeper than stolen moments, they face an impossible choice: protect their careers or risk everything for what their hearts demand—a love a world isn’t ready to accept.
Who’s in the cast?
The main casts include Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are Shane Hollander, and Ilya Rozanov. François Arnaud and Robbie G.K. will be making their appearances as Scott Hunter and Kip Grady, characters from the other books in the series.
Other cast members include Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander, Dylan Walsh as David Hollander, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana Vetrova and Callan Potter as Hayden Pike.
What important scenes can we expect in the final two episodes? Contains: Spoilers
For those who’ve devoured Rachel Reid’s book series, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch—we know exactly what storm is brewing in these final two episodes. The injury scene that will shake Shane to his core is on the horizon, a moment of vulnerability that strips away all pretence and forces both men to confront what they truly mean to each other. And then, of course, there’s the cottage scene: that pivotal, heart-stopping interlude where the walls they’ve so carefully constructed finally crumble, where secrecy gives way to something raw and undeniable. These aren’t just plot points—they’re the seismic shifts that will fundamentally alter the trajectory of Shane and Ilya’s relationship, transforming their furtive encounters into something neither can walk away from, no matter the cost.
@bookishwithsns SPOILERS ‼️I might cry and vomit. #heatedrivalry #ilyarozanov #shanehollander #hallanov #bookboyfriend ♬ David – Lorde
What can we expect from season 2? Contains: Spoilers
Though specific details about season two remain closely guarded, Storrie offered a tantalising clue: the upcoming season will draw from Rachel Reid’s sixth instalment in the Game Changers series, The Long Game. “If you’re eager to spoil yourself, go ahead and pick up The Long Game,” he teased.
The novel picks up the story of hockey rivals-turned-secret lovers Shane Hollander (Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie) a full decade into their clandestine relationship. Ten years of concealment have taken their toll on both men, yet revealing the truth could destroy everything they’ve built in their professional lives. “It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.”
We can also anticipate that season 2 will showcase the plotlines of Reid’s other books in the series: Game Changer, Tough Guy, Common Goal, and Role Model. So, more cast members will be introduced in season 2.
What can we expect from the soundtrack?
Where can you watch it?
You can watch it on HBO Max.
Where can you read it?
You can purchase the books here.
This story will be updated
Syameen Salehaldin
A lover of steamy romance books and all things green, Syameen Salehaldin is the Lifestyle Director for Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia. She spends most of her time immersed in books, food and doing anything that makes her happy. Expect to see her diving into lifestyle, fashion and beauty trends on this platform.
