After episode three, I was very curious where episode four was going to take us. Would it go back to the same Rozanov and Hollander living for the moments they could bang? Or would it show more of the truth that was bubbling just below the belt?

Heated Rivalry (L to R) – Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

SYNOPSIS

Picking up after the events of episode two, episode four highlights the starkly different lives Hollander and Rozanov lead. On the ice, they despise one another. Off the ice—when they’re together—they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Shane faces growing pressure from his teammate Hayden (Callan Potter), who nudges him toward dating seriously and settling down with a friend of his wife’s. But while in Boston, Shane sees Ilya’s home for the first time. They spend the night together, and for the first time, they say each other’s first names—an intimacy that sends Shane into a quiet tailspin, and straight into the arms of actress Rose Landry (Sophie Nélisse).

When Shane’s relationship becomes public, Rozanov is—unsurprisingly—furious, and both of their performances begin to suffer. Later, they end up at the same club, each catching sight of the other with someone new. Minds spiral. Emotions crack.

Heated Rivalry – (L to R) Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

THOUGHTS

This was a difficult episode to watch, because it highlights the truth of what men in their position have to go through. Secrets, lies, and double lives have consequences. For everyone involved. I’ve been with men who’ve lead these kind of lives. I am not a fan.I don’t recommend it, but I’m glad the series addresses it honestly.

To be honest, I hated Rose (unjustly). I found her character (initially) as a simple plot device used to split Ilya and Shane apart. Also, I didn’t want to have to listen to how the poor little rich girl was mistreated by the big gay athlete (remember I hadn’t read the books, I know nothing of the story). I figured she was going to end up being the series villain.

However, I LOVED Svetlana (Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova) from the start. She’s smart, she’s stylish, and she’s sassy as fuck. She is like who I want to be when I grow up.

Heated Rivalry – (L to R) Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

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