For avid readers, the age-old debate of whether the book is better than its screen adaptation is a familiar one. Journalist Asyia Iftikhar entered this fray in January 2026, after the much-hyped TV adaptation of Rachel Reid's steamy ice hockey romance, Heated Rivalry, finally landed in the UK. Having read the novel first, her verdict was clear: the book offers a significantly richer experience.
Where the Book Builds Depth, the Show Rushes In
Iftikhar notes that the fundamental differences between the Heated Rivalry book and show are apparent from the opening scene. The novel takes time to establish the lives and psyches of its two protagonists: Canadian golden boy Shane Hollander and Russian prodigy Ilya Rozanov. This groundwork makes their initial meeting and the high-stakes, secret affair that follows more impactful.
In contrast, the TV adaptation opts for a 'cold open,' plunging viewers directly into their first encounter. This faster pace, while dramatic, sacrifices crucial character context. Furthermore, the professional rivalry central to their story is more thoroughly explored in Reid's prose. The book lingers on the competitive fire between Shane and Ilya, a nuance that feels diminished on screen where hockey plays a smaller role.
The Lost Interior World of Shane and Ilya
A significant advantage of the novel is its access to the characters' internal monologues. Over a decade-spanning plot, readers are privy to their evolving fears, insecurities, and the depth of their feelings. Iftikhar highlights a pivotal scene where Ilya shares intimate thoughts in Russian during a phone call with Shane. The book's portrayal of his subsequent panic—worrying about Google Translate and his own unexpected emotions—adds layers largely absent from the televised version.
The compressed TV timeline also means some details are lost, including an entire extra chapter that concludes the book. For fans craving more content after the show's credits roll, reading the novel's ending is essential.
What the TV Adaptation Does Well
This isn't to say the show is without merit. Iftikhar found that its explicit sequences were shorter and better interspersed with character interaction than some of the book's 'smuttier' parts. It was also enjoyable to see key scenes, like the well-executed cottage retreat, brought to life with solid performances. The adaptation also wisely condensed a side couple's entire story from a sequel book into a single episode, efficiently delivering the highlights.
Ultimately, for Iftikhar, reading Heated Rivalry first definitely enhanced the viewing experience. Her conclusion is a compelling recommendation for fans: if you loved the TV drama, you will likely become even more obsessed with the source material. The Heated Rivalry TV series is available to stream on Sky and NOW in the UK.
