“Jacob Tierney, the mastermind behind the popular sports romance series ‘Heated Rivalry,’ is gearing up to unveil the secrets behind the global television adaptation in a forthcoming behind-the-scenes book, as reported by CBC News.
The acclaimed filmmaker from Montreal, along with his producing partner Brendan Brady and their production company Accent Aigu, will delve into the creation process of the show in ‘I’ll Believe in Anything,’ a nonfiction book scheduled for release on October 13 by Little, Brown and Company.
The series, which made its debut on HBO in late 2025, skyrocketed to fame after transforming Rachel Reid’s bestseller ‘Game Changers’ book series into a captivating narrative. It follows the intricate bond between rival ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Hollander, representing the fictional Montreal Voyageurs, and Rozanov, hailing from the Boston Bears, navigate a complex relationship as their hidden love story unfolds amidst their professional careers.
Portrayed on screen by Canadian actor Hudson Williams and American actor Connor Storrie, the characters’ performances played a pivotal role in the show’s international success.
‘I’ll Believe in Anything’ will dissect the adaptation process of the romance novels for television, shedding light on casting choices, set design, costume selection, and the meticulous coordination of intimate scenes during production.
Furthermore, the book will address lingering fan inquiries post-series premiere, exploring Tierney’s adept narrative integration of Shane and Ilya’s dynamic alongside subplots of supporting characters, solidifying its standing as a groundbreaking romance series. It will also reveal the origin story behind the beloved Canadian ‘Olympic’ fleece featured in the show.
Apart from the insider insights, the book will include annotated scripts of all six episodes from the inaugural season, offering readers a glimpse into Tierney’s creative decisions and subtle nuances within crucial scenes.
The breakout hit has garnered 18 Canadian Screen Award nominations, recognizing its excellence in various categories such as Best Drama Series, Best Writing, and Best Direction. Additionally, it has received accolades like a Peabody Award nomination and a GLAAD Award for Outstanding New Television Series, establishing itself as a standout romance adaptation in recent television history.”