Just a year ago, Rachel Reid’s novels existed primarily in the digital realm, quietly gaining a following. But Reid wasn’t simply writing stories; she was driven to challenge the often-toxic culture surrounding professional hockey, crafting a world where love and understanding could flourish without sacrificing realism.
Now, that vision has exploded onto screens worldwide with “Heated Rivalry,” the television adaptation of the second book in her seven-part “Game Changers” series. The show’s success has catapulted Reid and her work into the spotlight, a whirlwind of attention showing no signs of slowing.
The author recently discussed the evolution of her compelling characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, and the remarkable shift within queer literature itself. She shared insights gleaned from conversations with the actors bringing her creations to life, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.
Initially, Ilya Rozanov wasn’t quite the character he became. Early drafts presented him as harsher, more overtly a “bad boy” archetype. Reid deliberately softened his edges, deepening his complexity as she revisited the story. Shane Hollander, however, remained consistently defined from the start, a central figure in Reid’s imagination from the very beginning.
Imagining a life outside of professional sports for her protagonists proved intriguing. Reid envisions Shane seamlessly transitioning into a career as a personal trainer or physiotherapist, staying connected to the world of fitness. Ilya, with his imposing stature, might chase a different kind of thrill – perhaps as a pilot or a rock star, but undoubtedly with a canine companion by his side, reflecting his deep love for dogs.
Reid intentionally wrote Shane Hollander as an autistic character. While his overall personality was established early on, a personal experience during the period between books – navigating her own child’s assessment for ADHD and autism – profoundly shaped her understanding. This newfound awareness illuminated Shane’s character, solidifying his neurodiversity.
The actors embraced this aspect of Shane’s character immediately. Jacob, the director, recognized it on their first video call. Hudson Williams, portraying Shane, shared the same insight. Their understanding extended beyond simply acknowledging Shane’s autism; they actively incorporated it into their portrayal, often correcting interpretations of his actions based on his neurodivergence.
This understanding proved crucial, as Shane’s actions and words are often misinterpreted, both within the narrative and by readers unfamiliar with the nuances of autism. Reid is grateful that those involved with the project grasped the importance of portraying Shane authentically, acknowledging his challenges with social cues and internal anxieties.
Reid, Connor, and Hudson maintain a lively group chat, a space for both heartfelt connection and playful banter. One particularly memorable moment occurred when Connor playfully renamed the chat “Shilya and the creator,” a sweet gesture that Reid, despite its charm, has since struggled to locate amidst a flood of messages.
The actors’ enthusiasm for the project is palpable. They often express playful jealousy when Reid previews episodes, playfully chiding her for enjoying the fruits of their labor. Their camaraderie extends beyond the screen, with genuine affection and mutual respect forming the foundation of their collaboration.
The evolution of queer representation in literature is a story of hard-won progress. Just a few years ago, queer characters were relegated to supporting roles, often meeting tragic ends. Now, mainstream publishing is finally recognizing the demand for stories where everyone deserves a happily ever after.
Reid points to “Red, White & Royal Blue” as a pivotal moment, a book that broke through barriers and demonstrated the commercial viability of queer romance. Before its release, queer stories were largely confined to the digital realm, a hidden community of authors and readers. Now, dedicated sections in bookstores showcase a vibrant and growing genre.
Reid’s own books, previously available only in e-book format, are now finding their way onto bookstore shelves, a testament to the changing landscape. The success of “Heated Rivalry” has amplified this shift, with major booksellers like Barnes & Noble finally embracing her work. The transformation within the publishing world, even in the short span of her career, has been remarkable.
