Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney captivated audiences at BookCon 2026, drawing thousands of fans eager to hear the story behind the hit HBO Max series “Heated Rivalry.” The author and reveal creator appeared together for the first time on a public stage, reflecting on how a simple Instagram direct message sparked a collaboration that would become one of the most talked-about adaptations in recent television history.
Their panel, titled “Game Changing TV: Heated Rivalry,” was moderated by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Versha Sharma and took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in New York. Reid, the author of the Game Changers series, and Tierney, known for his operate on Letterkenny, shared insights into their creative journey, from initial contact to the series’ rapid production and release.
According to reports from the event, Reid first reached out to Tierney via Instagram DM after admiring his work, proposing an adaptation of her popular hockey romance novels. Tierney recalled that the project moved at an unprecedented pace, with the series being sold to HBO Max before filming was even completed. The first episode aired on November 28, 2025, and the sixth and final episode of the inaugural season was finished just four days prior to its debut.
Fans in attendance showed strong support, many wearing jerseys representing the fictional teams featured in the series—Boston Raiders, Montreal Metros, and New York Admirals—and sporting apparel with the likenesses of lead actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who portray the central characters Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.
Reid emphasized her ongoing involvement throughout the adaptation process, noting that she reviewed script drafts and audition tapes, and felt respected as a creative partner. Tierney highlighted the collaborative energy that drove the project forward, describing how each stage seemed to accelerate rather than encounter delays.
The series “Heated Rivalry” is based on Reid’s Game Changers book series, which includes the titles “Game Changer,” “The Long Game,” and the upcoming “Unrivaled.” These novels follow the evolving relationship between two professional hockey players navigating love, ambition, and identity within the high-pressure world of sports.
At BookCon, Reid and Tierney also discussed the role of music in shaping the show’s tone, revealing how specific tracks were selected to underscore key emotional moments. The conversation touched on how their lives have shifted since the series premiered, with both noting increased recognition and new opportunities stemming from the show’s success.
Their appearance marked a significant moment for fans of the franchise, offering rare behind-the-scenes access to the partnership between author and adapter. As Reid and Tierney continue to engage with audiences, the cultural impact of “Heated Rivalry” remains evident in its dedicated fanbase and ongoing conversations about representation in sports media.
For updates on future projects related to the Game Changers universe or upcoming appearances by Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney, readers are encouraged to follow official announcements from Carina Press and HBO Max.
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