New ‘Heated Rivalry’ Book Teases Backstage Secrets on Casting, Costumes and ‘Sex Choreography’

By Tim Chan

Tim Chan

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Few shows have captured the collective attention of viewers and the internet quite like Heated Rivalry, which first premiered on HBO Max in November and continues to dominate publications like this one and social media chatter alike.

Now, fans of the book-to-screen hockey romance can get a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the show with a new book from Heated Rivalry creator, Jacob Tierney.

I’ll Believe in Anything: The Making of Heated Rivalry Season 1

$32.00

I’ll Believe in Anything is billed as an “official and complete collection of annotated scripts” behind the “biggest cultural sensation of the year.” In addition to the full cast scripts for all six episodes of Heated Rivalry season one, the book will also include “exclusive behind-the-scenes content,” with commentary from Tierney and his producing partner Brendan Brady.

Tierney announced the book earlier this month and fans — or Loons, as the show’s diehard viewers call themselves, in reference to a cottage scene in episode six — have immediately rushed online to pre-order a copy. Proof of the Loons’ influence: I’ll Believe in Anything has quickly shot to the top of Amazon’s top TV books chart, six months ahead of its October 13 release date.

From publishers Little, Brown and Company, the 368-page book “takes readers behind the curtain,” per a description, revealing details into everything from the casting and costume design to the “thoughtful sex choreography” that has led to a rise in debates and temperatures alike. Tierney also shares insight into what he chose to adapt from author Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series, and what he left out. And he reveals why some characters were given more screen time in the hockey show and why others were better left as benchwarmers.

As a publishers’ description teases, “Featuring annotations on scene directions, intimacy choreography, costume insights and more, alongside Tierney’s never-before-seen scripts, this book gives fans a brand-new way to come to the cottage.”

Heated Rivalry has not only been a hit with viewers, it’s been a hit with critics as well. The Canadian-produced series earned 18 nominations at the upcoming Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Drama Series. It has also been nominated for a Peabody Award and won the GLAAD Award for Outstanding New Television Series.

In a panel at BookCon in New York City over the weekend, Tierney teased that season two of the series would be “totally different,” adding that the storyline would head into “much more serious territory.” The new season is expected to premiere in 2027.