‘I never thought any of this would happen’: Halifax author’s book series turned into TV show
A Halifax author’s hockey romance novel has become a new show on Crave.
A Halifax author’s hockey romance novel has been turned into one of the hottest new shows on Crave.
“Heated Rivalry,” which is drawn from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series, is a story about two NHL superstars — or MLH in the show — who are rivals in the rink and secret lovers off the ice.
“I have fans all over the world. I have fans who’ve never watched hockey before. I have fans who barely knew what hockey was. Some of them have become hockey fans since, which is cool,” Reid said.
The creator of the show, Jacob Tierney, contacted Reid about turning the books into a show.
“He contacted me on Instagram in August of 2023 just to ask if the books had been optioned, just to let me know that he’s a fan, and would love to make a show based on them,” Reid said.
Connor Storrie, right, and Hudson Williams are seen in an undated production still image handout from the Crave series “Heated Rivalry.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout – Bell Media (Mandatory Credit) Connor Storrie, right, and Hudson Williams are seen in an undated production still image handout from the Crave series “Heated Rivalry.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout – Bell Media (Mandatory Credit) (HO)
The Crave series has since been picked up by international networks, and Reid’s books have dominated bestsellers lists across North America.
“I never thought any of this would happen, so it largely wasn’t in bookstores at all until very recently,” she said. “So, seeing it have this kind of success is really thrilling, and I definitely am very, very grateful.”
Reid said the TV show doesn’t stray far from her original story.
“I think that if you are a romance fan, you’re going to be blown away by how much this feels like reading a romance novel, watching the show,” she said.
“Heated Rivalry” is available on Crave with new episodes released every Friday.
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