The first season of Heated Rivalry is rapidly approaching its conclusion, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.

This series, inspired by Rachel Reid’s popular Game Changers novels, has captivated audiences worldwide. Currently, four episodes are available for streaming on HBO Max, with two more slated for release to wrap up the inaugural season. Adding to the excitement, the show has already been renewed for a second season. Viewers are particularly enamored with the performances of Connor Storrie, who portrays Ilya Rozanov, and Hudson Williams, who takes on the role of Shane Hollander.

Beyond the dynamic duo of Storrie and Williams, the ensemble cast includes talents such as François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.

The storyline of Heated Rivalry centers on Shane and Ilya, two competitive hockey players who maintain a clandestine romance away from the rink. This intriguing premise raises the question: Is their passionate relationship drawn from real life?

How many Heated Rivalry books are there?

Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series comprises six books: Game Changer (2018), Heated Rivalry (2019), Tough Guy (2020), Role Model (2021), and The Long Game (2022).

Is Heated Rivalry based on a true story?

No, the series is not technically based on a true story. However, Reid noted on her website that as a longtime hockey fan, she’s “very familiar with the different general types of hockey players,” and cited one of her inspirations for Heated Rivalry as “the extremely entertaining rivalry” between Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin. However, as noted by Out, the two real-life athletes were not involved romantically.

“But I was also inspired by other sports rivalries, by other fictional stories, and by my love of the enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance tropes,” she added. “My characters are original, and I work hard on creating them.”

Episodes 1-4 of Heated Rivalry are streaming on HBO Max.