In a December 19, 2025, WIRED interview, Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid addresses readers’ interpretations of Shane Hollander, criticism of the book’s representation of Asian Canadians, claims that she favors Ilya Rozanov, and debate over who can tell queer stories. Her answers distinguish what she intended as the author from what readers infer—and do not settle the broader debates around the book or its television adaptation.
What Rachel Reid says about Shane’s neurodivergence
Readers have interpreted Shane Hollander as neurodivergent, including as autistic. Reid says that neurodivergence is part of her conception of Shane, although she did not explicitly name it in the book. She says her understanding of this aspect of the character became clearer as she learned more about autism.
Reid also says Shane might plausibly go through life without being diagnosed or seriously considering whether he is neurodivergent. That is the author’s view of a fictional character, not a diagnosis, clinical assessment, or guide to identifying autism in real people.
The distinction matters: readers can find meaning in a character’s traits without the published text explicitly confirming a label, and an author’s later explanation does not turn that inference into a clinical conclusion.
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Why the representation criticism remains part of the conversation
Reid welcomes criticism that Heated Rivalry is not excellent representation of an Asian-Canadian person. Her willingness to hear that criticism does not amount to a claim that the book resolves it.
In discussing her character notes, Reid explains that her comments about Ilya’s trauma referred to his mother’s death and his father’s treatment of him. She contrasts that with Shane, whose parents loved and supported him. This is Reid describing the characters’ different backgrounds; it does not mean Shane has no difficulties, nor does it invalidate criticism about how his identity is represented.
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Does Reid favor Ilya?
Reid disputes the idea that she prefers Ilya. She says Shane has the hero arc across the two books and is her favorite character to write, particularly from his point of view. Her answer addresses her own writing preferences; readers may still respond differently to the two characters.
What Reid says about writing queer stories—and privacy
Asked about the discussion of who gets to tell stories about queer people, Reid says writers should be sensitive and thoughtful and, most importantly, listen to feedback from the community they are trying to represent. She puts the responsibility plainly: “if you’re getting criticism or feedback from the community that you’re representing, you should listen to it and take notes.”
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The interview also touches on public debate about the show’s depiction of intimacy and whether actors should disclose their sexuality. WIRED reports that Reid was not very familiar with Jordan Firstman’s comments. Her broader position is that people involved with the books or show can keep their personal lives private: “I think it’s OK to keep your personal life personal.” That is Reid’s view, not a statement that every participant in the debate agrees.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the interview’s claims
- Published text: Reid did not explicitly label Shane neurodivergent in the book.
- Reader interpretation: Fans have read Shane as neurodivergent, including as autistic.
- Authorial intent: Reid says neurodivergence is part of how she conceives of Shane, and that her understanding developed over time.
- Broader controversy: Reid’s comments explain her own approach and response; one interview cannot represent every reader, actor, or person in the communities discussed.
Reid describes the books as hockey romance rather than a work she expected to be examined like The Great Gatsby. The television series is an adaptation of her books, so readers who want the source material can explore Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. The interview does not establish a particular edition’s availability.
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