Rachel Reid, a Canadian romance novelist, recently shared her experiences during the filming of “Heated Rivalry,” the television adaptation of her popular queer hockey book series, “Game Changers.” Starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the show premiered on HBO Max after being acquired from Canadian streamer Crave. The six-episode series, which depicts a secret affair between two rival hockey players, was released during Thanksgiving weekend, quickly gaining popularity.
Behind the Scenes of “Heated Rivalry”
Reid revealed that she witnessed the filming of the show’s first sex scene, which she described as “the longest” on set. She spent four hours on a closed set, listening to the actors but unable to see the performance. Notably, Storrie, who plays Russian star Ilya Rozanov, and Williams, portraying Shane Hollander, demonstrated considerable dedication to their roles.
During their first interaction, Storrie approached Reid, perfectly embodying his character’s Russian persona. Reid noted, “He was asking all these thoughtful questions,” which spoke to his commitment to accurately portraying Ilya. The chemistry between the actors was evident, particularly during tense moments in their scenes before the initial hookup.
Series Success and Upcoming Developments
Since its release, “Heated Rivalry” has become a household name, receiving a green light for a second season. Reid’s novels have also gained traction, with multiple becoming New York Times bestsellers. Despite her surprise at this rapid success, she expressed excitement at future opportunities, including speaking engagements, such as an invitation from the University of Cambridge.
Reid acknowledged her initial shock at the attention she received following the series’ release. She shared, “It’s overwhelming. Authors don’t want to be looked at.” The transition from writing in solitude to the public eye has proven challenging, reminiscent of her past performances in a rock band.
Creative Collaboration and Future Possibilities
The collaboration with director Jacob Tierney has been significant. Reid felt at ease during their early conversations, noting that Tierney understood the essence of the characters. The two agreed on the importance of maintaining explicit content in the show, a key aspect defining its narrative style.
As discussions of season two begin, Reid assures that the focus will remain on Ilya and Shane. She expressed interest in exploring additional stories from her books that overlap with the characters’ journeys, hinting at the potential for more episodes.
Health Challenges
Alongside her professional success, Reid has been candid about her personal struggles. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease shortly before the show’s adaptation was discussed, she has faced difficulties in writing. She shared, “I can barely control a mouse. I can’t type for very long.” Despite these challenges, a recent connection with a neurologist could lead to improved treatments and adjustments to her medication.
With her health in focus, Reid remains committed to her craft. She is determined to navigate her writing process creatively, potentially utilizing voice-to-text software as she continues her journey in literature and beyond.
