The “Heated Rivalry” television finale left hockey stars Shane and Ilya driving into the sunset, but their journey of love, secrecy, and professional pressure is just beginning, as detailed in Rachel Reid’s sequel novel, “The Long Game.”
The hit series “Heated Rivalry” concluded its first season with its two protagonists, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, finally acknowledging their love and committing to a relationship, though one they must keep hidden from the public. For fans hungry to know what happens after that hopeful drive, the story continues in Rachel Reid’s 2022 sequel novel, “The Long Game,” which is expected to form the basis for the show’s upcoming second season.
What Happens in “The Long Game”?
“The Long Game” picks up a few years after the events of the first book and show. Shane and Ilya are in a committed but secret relationship, navigating the dual pressures of elite professional hockey and a private life they cannot share. Ilya has moved to a team in Ottawa to be closer to Shane in Montreal, and they’ve cultivated a public friendship, even starting a joint charity to explain their connection.
However, the strain of concealment begins to wear heavily, particularly on Ilya. The sequel is set during their 11th season of hiding their relationship. As Shane remains intensely focused on winning another Stanley Cup with Montreal, Ilya’s own career ambitions start to shift. He also grapples with unresolved grief and trauma related to his mother’s death, leading him to seek therapy and a diagnosis of depression—a journey he initially keeps from Shane.
The central conflict comes to a head when Ilya accuses Shane of prioritizing hockey over their partnership. A major fight pushes them apart, but a frightening emergency landing of Ilya’s team plane serves as a stark reminder of their love, prompting a reconciliation and a marriage proposal from Shane.
Their carefully laid plans for a controlled coming-out are upended when a video of them kissing goes viral. Despite pressure from the league to dismiss it, they choose to come out publicly on their own terms, posting a photo together on social media. The book ends with their wedding and an epilogue revealing that Shane has joined Ilya on the Ottawa team, allowing them to play together.
How the TV Finale Set the Stage
The Season 1 finale of the “Heated Rivalry” TV show, titled “The Cottage,” concluded earlier than the book, opting for an emotional resolution over logistical setup. After Shane’s father discovers them at a secluded cottage, Shane comes out to his parents with Ilya by his side.
Showrunner Jacob Tierney made a significant addition not found in the original novel: a private moment between Shane and his mother, Yuna. In the scene, Shane tells her, “I need you to know that I did really try… I tried really hard, but I just can’t help it”. Tierney explained that this moment was crucial both for the characters and for the future story, noting, “Yuna is such an important part of the story moving forward”.
Tierney deliberately chose to end the season with Shane and Ilya driving away together, omitting the book’s epilogue which details their charity plans and team changes.
“I don’t think the last four minutes of a TV show is the time to give you logistical information,” Tierney said. “What I remember… is, ‘They get to be happy.’ And that was the thing I wanted to leave people with.”
What’s Next for the TV Series?
A second season of “Heated Rivalry” has been officially confirmed. While no detailed premise has been released, creator Jacob Tierney has stated that the new season will continue Shane and Ilya’s story and will use “The Long Game” as its “foundational document”.
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Actor Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya, even advised fans, “Start reading ‘The Long Game’ if you want spoilers”. Tierney acknowledges that the sequel book deals with heavier themes, including isolation and personal struggle, but promises the show will maintain its core as an entertaining romance.
In terms of timing, fans will need to be patient. Tierney confirmed that Season 2 will not be ready by the same time next year (2026), as the writing process is just beginning. He emphasized a commitment to quality, stating, “I don’t want to put out a rushed… second season just because the show is very popular”.
As for the characters’ ultimate future, author Rachel Reid has confirmed that while “The Long Game” provides a satisfying ending for Shane and Ilya, she continues to work on story ideas for them. “They never leave my head,” Reid said. “There’s going to be something. You’ll see something for sure”.
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