Jacob Tierney Expands the ‘Heated Rivalry’ Universe with New Behind-the-Scenes Book
It really does feel like Heated Rivalry is the gift that keeps on giving. Just when we thought we’d emotionally recovered (or at least stabilized) from that unforgettable first season and the massive press tour that followed, Jacob Tierney is pulling us right back into the rink, reminding us that the phenomenon isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This fall, he is taking us even deeper into the world we’ve been obsessing over, but this time in book form.
Yes, folks, Tierney is officially releasing I’ll Believe Anything: The Making of Heated Rivalry Season 1 (The Annotated Scripts), a deep dive into the creative process behind the series that had all of us talking, crying, and hitting replay on more than one scene. Written by Tierney himself in collaboration with Brendan Brady and the Accent Aigu team, this book isn’t just a script collection, but a full-on exploration of how Heated Rivalry became the cultural moment it is today. Through annotated scripts and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, readers will get a front-row seat to the creative decisions that shaped the show, from its emotional arcs to its now-iconic visual and intimate moments.
Based on Rachel Reid’s beloved Game Changers book series, the show’s adaptation has already set a new standard for queer romance on screen. But what makes this book especially exciting is how it pulls back the curtain on that process. We’re talking insights into casting, costume design, set building, and the kind of intentional intimacy choreography that helped redefine what sex scenes can look and feel like in LGBTQ+ storytelling. It’s the kind of detail-oriented deep dive that we’re sure won’t just celebrate the show, but honor the care and craft that went behind it.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Heated Rivalry without revisiting the moments that completely altered our brain chemistry and still live rent-free in our heads. The book teases answers to some of our biggest questions, like how Tierney balanced Ilya (Connor Storrie) and Shane’s (Hudson Williams) tension-filled journey with Scott (François Arnaud) and Kip’s (Robbie G.K.) sweeping love story, or how seemingly small details—like the now-iconic Canadian Olympic fleece—became such lasting symbols within the fandom.
The title itself is a nod to I’ll Believe in Anything by Wolf Parade (one of Tierney’s favorite songs), which fans will instantly recognize from the show. The track played a small but key role in Episode 3, which gave us a deeper look into Scott and Kip, before hitting full force in Episode 5 during that unforgettable championship kiss. You know the one—the moment that didn’t just change everything for Scott and Kip, but also pushed Ilya toward finally choosing something real with Shane.
While the cover is still under wraps for now, the book is already available for preorder ahead of its October 13, 2026, release. And honestly? We’re already clearing space on our shelves; we’re beyond excited to get inside Tierney’s creative process. We’ve said it time and time again: Tierney didn’t just adapt a beloved series, he singlehandedly redefined what a queer romance adaptation can be. Getting access to how that magic was made, and in this level of detail, feels like being let in on a secret we’ve been dying to understand.
As always, we’ll keep you updated as more details roll in. In the meantime, consider this your official sign to preorder your copy. Trust us, this is one you’re going to want on your shelf.
I’ll Believe Anything: The Making of Heated Rivalry Season 1 (The Annotated Scripts) is available to preorder through all major book retailers. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Image Courtesy of Bell Media. Photo by Sabrina Lantos.
