Jacob Tierney Teases 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 with Rachel Reid Romance

The show's creator and author discuss the upcoming season and its new couple at BookCon.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:23am

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, reflective hockey equipment textures, such as a cracked helmet visor or a tattered jersey, captured in dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, abstract aesthetic.The glamorous textures and high-contrast lighting of the 'Heated Rivalry' world promise an emotionally charged second season.NYC Today

At the first in-person BookCon in seven years, 'Heated Rivalry' author Rachel Reid and show creator Jacob Tierney teased details about Season 2 of the popular hockey romance series. While the show's stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie did not make a surprise appearance, Tierney and Reid shared insights about the new season, including a new grumpy-sunshine romance between a traded player and the team's social media manager.

Why it matters

The 'Heated Rivalry' series has developed a passionate fanbase since its debut, with readers and viewers eager to see what's next for fan-favorite couple Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. As the show moves into a more emotionally sophisticated second season, Tierney and Reid's insights provide a glimpse into the creative process and what's in store for the characters.

The details

Tierney revealed that Season 2 will largely be based on the book 'The Long Game,' which is set 10 years after the events of the first season. However, the season will also include a new romance storyline between Troy Barrett, a recently traded player, and Harris Drover, the team's chipper social media manager. Tierney described Troy as a 'really damaged guy' whose story will be a 'fertile playground' for the show's creators. While Tierney hinted at the possibility of splitting 'The Long Game' into two seasons, he remained tight-lipped on the specifics.

  • BookCon, the first in-person event in seven years, took place on April 18, 2026.
  • Rachel Reid's new novel 'Unrivaled' is set to be released on June 1, 2027.

The players

Jacob Tierney

The creator of the 'Heated Rivalry' TV series.

Rachel Reid

The author of the 'Heated Rivalry' book series, on which the TV show is based.

Hudson Williams

One of the stars of the 'Heated Rivalry' TV series.

Connor Storrie

One of the stars of the 'Heated Rivalry' TV series.

Troy Barrett

A recently traded player who will be the focus of a new romance storyline in Season 2.

Harris Drover

The team's chipper social media manager, who will be involved in the new romance storyline with Troy Barrett.

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What they’re saying

“Troy's a really damaged guy, and Troy is quite damaged on the show. I would say we're digging into that harder, because that's what's interesting and that's all there in those books.”

— Jacob Tierney, Show Creator

“I have a little bit of regret deciding to write a book at the same time, but I am excited. I'm in a place where the whole world seems to care about what happens next to these characters or has thoughts about them.”

— Rachel Reid, Author

What’s next

Fans await a release date and casting decisions for 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2, as well as the upcoming release of Rachel Reid's new novel 'Unrivaled' on June 1, 2027.

The takeaway

The 'Heated Rivalry' series has developed a passionate fanbase, with readers and viewers eagerly anticipating the emotional and sophisticated direction of Season 2. The new romance storyline between a damaged player and the team's social media manager promises to add depth and complexity to the show's exploration of relationships and personal growth.