Fans of the hit hockey romance series Heated Rivalry are looking forward to the next chapter. Show creator Jacob Tierney has confirmed that Season 2 will directly adapt Rachel Reid’s sixth novel, The Long Game. This next installment promises to shift the focus from the couple’s secret beginnings to the real-world pressures of sustaining a hidden relationship in the public eye.
The Plot for Season 2 Moves from Secrets to Sustaining Love
The first season ended with Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov confessing their love and making plans for a future together at Shane’s cottage. Their strategy involves Ilya leaving the Boston Raiders to play for a team in Ottawa, bringing them closer geographically. To explain their public association, they plan to start a charity together.
Season 2 will pick up this thread, drawing from the plot of The Long Game. The story finds Shane and Ilya ten years into their secret relationship. The central conflict becomes whether they can continue to hide their love for the sake of their hockey careers or if they will choose to be open about their partnership. Jacob Tierney has described the new season as having a heavier, more mature tone, comparing it to “Sex Scenes From a Marriage“.
“If Season 1 is like an internal battle, Season 2 is more of an external battle,” actor Hudson Williams teased during an appearance on The Tonight Show, hinting at new outside pressures the couple will face.
The novel delves into Ilya’s struggles with his traumatic past and the isolation of secrecy, which leads to a period of depression. Their relationship is tested by a major fight, bringing them to a crossroads before a dramatic reconciliation and a public proposal. The season will likely explore these emotional challenges while the couple navigates the logistics of their hidden life.
New and Returning Cast Members for the Next Season
The core duo will return, with Hudson Williams reprising his role as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie returning as Ilya Rozanov. Reports indicate both lead actors are under contract for a potential three seasons.
Fan-favorite couple Scott Hunter and Kip Grady, played by Franรงois Arnaud and Robbie G.K., are also expected to return. Their story, which includes Scott’s public coming-out kiss on the ice, significantly impacted Shane and Ilya in Season 1. Arnaud has expressed interest in exploring the continuing challenges Scott and Kip face as a public couple in a future season.
Jacob Tierney has hinted that Season 2 will spend more time with Shane’s family, including his parents Yuna and David, and his teammate Hayden and his wife Jackie. The show may also introduce characters from the broader Game Changers book universe. There is speculation that Matthew Finlan, who played bartender Kyle Swift in a brief Season 1 appearance, could have an expanded role, as his character is the lead in Reid’s fourth book, Common Goal.
Filming and Release Timeline for Season 2
Production for the new season is gearing up. In a January 14 interview, Connor Storrie said that while Jacob Tierney is still writing the scripts, filming is expected to begin soon. He indicated a likely start time in the summer of 2026.
A specific release date has not been set, but Tierney has assured fans the wait will not be extremely long. He stated the new season “will not be same time next year,” meaning it will not premiere in November 2026 like Season 1 did, but it should arrive sooner than 18 months later. This suggests a potential release in 2027.
The season will likely consist of six episodes, similar to the first season, though no official episode count has been confirmed.
How Rachel Reid’s New Book ‘Unrivaled’ Connects to the Show’s Future
The story of Shane and Ilya continues beyond The Long Game. Rachel Reid has announced a seventh book titled Unrivaled, scheduled for release on September 29, 2026. This novel picks up after the events of The Long Game, with Shane and Ilya now publicly out, married, and playing on the same team.
The conflict shifts entirely to external backlash against their relationship from parts of the hockey world, including a podcast and a #TakeBackHockey movement. Reid has described it as a “good vs. evil” story where the established couple faces their “biggest challenge yet” from outside forces.
While Season 2 will focus on The Long Game, the existence of Unrivaled provides a clear road map for a potential third season, should the series continue to be renewed.
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Behind the Scenes with Author Rachel Reid
The massive success of the television adaptation has changed life for author Rachel Reid. Her books have hit the New York Times Best Sellers list, and she is navigating a new level of public attention. She has been actively involved in the show’s production, consulting on scripts and visiting the set.
Reid has also publicly addressed fan speculation about her personal life and sexuality. On the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, she stated that she does not believe her personal identity grants her any special credibility to write about gay or bisexual men. She emphasized that the focus should be on the work itself and the thoughtful, sensitive approach taken to the material.
Regarding the show’s explicit content, Reid shared that she and creator Jacob Tierney were aligned from the start that the sex scenes were crucial, non-negotiable character development.
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