Rachel Reid, the author of the 'Heated Rivalry' series, shared her delight in receiving free ice cream at restaurants, particularly from Dairy Queen, as one of the unexpected perks of her rising fame. Speaking at the Women in Entertainment Canada event in Toronto, Reid noted that her recognition has increased significantly since the adaptation of her books into a popular TV drama on Crave and HBO Max. This adaptation has not only broadened her audience but also contributed to the acceptance of gay romance novels, with her works now translated into 35 languages. Reid is particularly excited about the upcoming second season of the series, which features characters Troy Barrett and Harris Drover, set to premiere in 2027. However, fame comes with challenges; Reid admitted to experiencing social anxiety and has taken steps to limit her social media presence to manage it. Looking ahead, she plans to explore writing outside the hockey romance genre, aiming to prove her versatility as a writer while maintaining a focus on character-driven stories.