“Heated Rivalry ”Creator Jacob Tierney Announces Behind-The-Scenes Book About Making the Hit Series (Exclusive)

In an exciting development for fans of the popular series *Heated Rivalry*, creator Jacob Tierney is set to release a new book titled *I’ll Believe in Anything*. This upcoming publication offers an illuminating look at the making of the hit sports romance show, which premiered on HBO Max in 2025. The book is a collaborative effort between Tierney and his producing partner Brendan Brady, as well as their production company, Accent Aigu.

*I’ll Believe in Anything* is more than just a straightforward account; it comprises annotated scripts from the show’s first season. It promises readers an inside perspective on various aspects of production, including casting choices and costume design, providing a comprehensive view of what goes into creating a series that has captivated audiences.

The genesis of this book stemmed from Tierney’s desire for it to resonate with fans on a personal level. “I wanted it to feel personal, like a natural extension of the story audiences connected with from the very beginning,” he shared in an interview with *PEOPLE*. The narratives within this work aim to foster a deeper connection between the show’s creators and its viewers.

The television show *Heated Rivalry* is inspired by Rachel Reid’s acclaimed *Game Changers* novels, telling the story of two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander (portrayed by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie), who embark on a secret romance off the ice. The book aims to address pressing fan questions, such as how the creative team balanced the dynamic rivalry between Ilya and Shane with the romantic subplot of Kip and Scott. This struggle underlines a broader ambition to “rewrite the playbook” for adaptations of romance stories and queer relationships on screen.

Tierney emphasises the collaborative nature of creating a series, stating, “Creating a show is a collaborative experience, and getting it from script to screen means it evolves through every conversation and discovery along the way.” This sentiment permeates *I’ll Believe in Anything*, inviting readers to explore the decision-making processes behind the scenes. Featured prominently in the book is a foreword from Reid, signalling her continued involvement and support for the adaptation.

In a recent panel discussion at BookCon in New York, Tierney elaborated on his approach to adapting Reid’s novels. He expressed a commitment to delving into the authentic experiences surrounding queer relationships. “I want to dig deeper,” he explained. “Because everything in her book, there is the foundation of a very real and understandable queer relationship. And I didn’t want to shy away from it.”

Excitement is building not only for the book but also for the second season of *Heated Rivalry*, which is set to premiere in April 2027. This season will follow the events of Reid’s sixth *Game Changers* novel, *The Long Game*, promising even more drama and complex relationships for die-hard fans of the series.

*I’ll Believe in Anything* is scheduled for release on 13 October and is currently available for preorder from various book retailers. For those eager to gain insight into the intricacies of making a beloved show, this book is poised to be an essential read.

As fans eagerly anticipate both the upcoming book and new episodes of *Heated Rivalry*, Tierney’s latest project seems set to deepen audience engagement, fluidly bridging the worlds of literature and television.