The world of hockey and secret romance in Heated Rivalry has fans glued to their screens every week. For those following the new Crave and HBO Max show, the biggest question is whether the central love story between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov gets a happy ending. The answer comes straight from the original book series by Rachel Reid, which the television show closely follows. Their journey from secret hookups to something much more is a rollercoaster that ends with major life changes, including a very significant commitment.
The television series, starring Hudson Williams as Shane and Connor Storrie as Ilya, premiered on November 28, 2025, and is currently airing its first six-episode season. The show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, has promised a happy ending for the characters, which suggests fans will see the book’s most cherished moments play out on screen.
How the Book’s Relationship Evolves
The romance in Heated Rivalry covers nearly a decade, starting in 2008 when Shane and Ilya first meet as rising stars in junior hockey. Their on-ice rivalry masks a powerful and undeniable attraction, leading to years of secret meetings in hotel rooms across different cities. For a long time, both men insist what they have is purely physical, a way to release tension without any strings attached.
The story changes during a private summer trip to a lake. It is there, away from the pressures of their public lives and teams, that they finally admit they are in love. This moment marks the turning point from a secret fling to a real, committed relationship, even though they must still keep it hidden from the world.
“The thing that we really don’t get as queer people is a happy f*ing ending, where we’re allowed to exist, fk and smile at the same time. Usually it’s like, pick one. You get to have it all in this one,” said series creator Jacob Tierney.
The Pivotal Moment with Shane’s Family
A major breakthrough happens in the book when Shane’s father accidentally discovers Shane and Ilya together. This unexpected event forces a conversation everyone was avoiding. Instead of running, Ilya stands by Shane and chooses to meet his parents. He bravely declares his love for Shane in front of them and even talks about his plans to request a trade to a team closer to Montreal so they can build a future together.
Shane’s parents, who already suspected he was gay, are surprised to learn his partner is his famous rival but ultimately accept their relationship. This acceptance is especially meaningful for Ilya, who has a strained and difficult relationship with his own family in Russia. Being welcomed into Shane’s family represents the stable, loving home he never had.
Do Shane and Ilya Get Married?
Yes, in the book series, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov do get married. Their path to marriage is unique, reflecting their journey from secrecy to openness.
Their first wedding is a small, private, and somewhat chaotic event at home. It is officiated by Shane’s young nieces and attended by stuffed animals and the family dog. This private ceremony is for them alone, a special moment outside of public view.
Later, Shane proposes to Ilya properly, and they have a second, more formal wedding. This one is just for the two of them in the backyard of their home in Ottawa. After spending so many years hiding their feelings, this quiet, intimate wedding is portrayed as the perfect romantic conclusion for them.
Building a Public Life Together
Getting married is not their only step forward. To build a shared life while still active in professional hockey, they implement a careful, long-term plan. A key part of this plan is Ilya’s request to be traded from the Boston Raiders to the Ottawa Centaurs, a team geographically closer to Shane’s team in Montreal. This sacrifice allows them to see each other more often.
They also start a charity together called the Irina Foundation, named after Ilya’s late mother. Publicly, they begin by telling people they are close friends who are collaborating on this philanthropic project. This gives them a legitimate reason to be seen together in public, helping to normalize their partnership in the eyes of the media and fans before they are ready to share the full truth. Their strategy is to wait until they retire from hockey to fully come out publicly.
“Would you show me off?” Shane asked quietly. “I would never stop showing you off,” Ilya said. “If I could.”
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What This Means for the TV Show
The television adaptation is following the book’s storyline very closely. The first two episodes have already established the secret relationship and the complex feelings between the characters. With creator Jacob Tierney confirming a happy ending, fans can expect the show to adapt the book’s major milestones.
The season finale is scheduled for release on December 26, 2025, and is expected to cover the significant progress Shane and Ilya make in their relationship. For fans who want to know more, the story continues in The Long Game, the direct sequel book that explores their life as a couple navigating the challenges of their careers and their gradual journey toward living openly.
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Credits: The Direct, Rachel Reid Writes
