TL;DR
- Rachel Reid’s ‘Heated Rivalry’ tackles toxic hockey culture.
- The book features queer characters Shane and Ilya.
- Reid discusses the evolution of queer literature.
- Mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ stories is growing.
- The series is now a global TV hit.
Once upon a time, Rachel Reid was just another niche author, quietly penning her stories about hockey and love. Fast forward to today, and she’s a New York Times bestselling author whose work has morphed into a global sensation thanks to the adaptation of her book Heated Rivalry into a hit TV show. But let’s be real: this isn’t just any hockey story. It’s a queer hockey romance that’s flipping the script on the toxic masculinity often found in sports.
In a recent chat, Reid opened up about her journey from e-books to mainstream success, and how she crafted her lead characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. “At first, Ilya was a bit of a jerk, the stereotypical bad boy. But as I wrote more, I softened him up,” Reid explained. And thank goodness for that! Who wants another mean jock when you can have a nuanced character who can still throw a punch while loving deeply?
Shane, on the other hand, was always the heart of the story. Reid revealed that she intended for Shane to be an autistic character from the start, a decision that has resonated with many readers. “I think because of that, the things Shane does sometimes get misunderstood, both by other characters and readers. But that’s part of his charm!” Reid added, highlighting the importance of representation in literature.
But what’s a good story without some off-the-ice banter? Reid shared that she, along with actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have a group chat that’s filled with hilarious messages. “One day Connor changed the group chat name to ‘Shilya and the creator,’ which I thought was really cute. They’re just funny together, always teasing me!”
As for the evolution of queer literature, Reid believes we’re witnessing a significant shift. “Just a few years ago, queer characters were often relegated to the sidelines. Now, thanks to books like Red, White & Royal Blue, we’re seeing mainstream acceptance of love stories that feature LGBTQ+ characters front and center. It’s a game changer!”
And she’s not wrong. The landscape of publishing has transformed dramatically, with queer romance now occupying prime real estate in bookstores. Reid’s own books were previously only available as e-books or self-published, but now they’re making waves on shelves everywhere. “It’s exciting to see queer stories finally getting the recognition they deserve,” she said, beaming with pride.
So, if you’re looking for a heartwarming, sassy, and downright delightful read, pick up Heated Rivalry and dive into the world of Shane and Ilya. Who knows? You might just find yourself rooting for love on and off the ice!
Heated Rivalry is streaming now, and Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series is available to buy. Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking queer love story that’s changing the narrative in sports and literature alike.