The highly anticipated television adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novel, Heated Rivalry, has captivated audiences, but it also brings significant changes from the source material. The series, which follows the passionate rivals-to-lovers story of Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, showcases how adaptations can diverge while still maintaining core themes.
Changes in Team Names and Character Dynamics
One notable alteration is the naming of the hockey teams. In the show, Ilya plays for the Boston Raiders, while Shane represents the Montreal Metros. This contrasts with the book, where they are depicted as members of the Boston Bears and Montreal Voyageurs, respectively. The switch likely stems from licensing issues with actual NHL team names, as Reid’s fictional teams were inspired by the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.
Additionally, the character of Sasha, who is Ilya’s former lover, is portrayed differently in the adaptation. In the book, Sasha is referenced but never appears, serving mostly as a part of Ilya’s backstory. Conversely, the show introduces Sasha, played by Kaden Connors, showcasing a brief encounter that illustrates Ilya’s past relationships and his journey of self-discovery. This moment occurs in a bathroom scene where Ilya rebuffs Sasha’s advances, solidifying his commitment to Shane.
Character Name Changes and Key Scenes
Another significant modification is the name of Ilya’s brother. While the book refers to him as Andrei, the show renames him Alexei, played by Slavic Rogozine. This change was acknowledged by writer-director Jacob Tierney, who humorously admitted his mistake during an interview with Crave, stating, “I screwed that up… that’s on Rachel Reid, that she didn’t clock that Andrei became Alexei.”
The adaptation also presents a pivotal scene differently. A memorable moment occurs when Shane is dancing with his girlfriend, Rose Landry, in a club. While the book depicts Shane dancing alone, the show enhances this by placing him between Rose and her gay best friend, Miles. This shift not only adds complexity to the scene but also allows Miles to play a crucial role in guiding Ilya to Shane, amplifying the dynamic tension.
The emotional phone call between Ilya and Shane marks another key difference. In the show, Ilya’s heartfelt confession unfolds in Russian, offering a more profound expression of his emotions compared to the book. The show features Ilya stating, “I love her. But not like I love you… I’m so in love with you,” creating a more definitive moment of vulnerability. In contrast, the book presents a more tentative admission, with Ilya expressing uncertainty about his feelings.
Missing Epilogue and Future Speculations
One of the most discussed omissions is the absence of the book’s epilogue. The series concludes with Ilya and Shane sharing their relationship status with Shane’s parents, leaving viewers with a sense of hope. However, the book’s final chapter offers a deeper exploration of their future together, set 16 months later, revealing significant developments in their lives. In this epilogue, Ilya plays for Ottawa, and Shane publicly comes out to his teammates, emphasizing the growth of their relationship.
The book concludes with a press conference announcing the Irina Foundation, named in honour of Ilya’s late mother, which is a significant plot point that fans expect may appear in future seasons. Speculation is rife that the foundation will play a central role in the unfolding narrative, adding layers of depth to the adaptation.
As the show continues to gain traction, fans are engaged in discussions about these changes, reflecting on how adaptations can reshape beloved stories while still honouring their essence. While some may miss the nuances of the book, the series has successfully established its own identity, inviting viewers into the passionate world of ice hockey romance.
