Google easter egg sends Heated Rivalry fans into meltdown with Ilya and Shane dialogue

The dialogue starts with Ilya's Lily asking Shane's Jane, 'still obsessed with us?'

Fans of Heated Rivalry were delighted this week when Google quietly rolled out a customized Easter egg tied to the massively popular franchise, further cementing its place as a full-blown pop culture phenomenon.

When users search for Heated Rivalry, Google displays a playful dialogue exchange labeled between “Jane” and “Lily”, names fans quickly identified as stand-ins for Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, the central couple from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers universe. The exchange instantly went viral for perfectly capturing the duo’s trademark dynamic.

The dialogue reads:

Lily: Still obsessed with us?
Jane: I’m not obsessed with anything!
Lily: How many times have you looked us up?
Jane: I don’t know. Maybe twice?
Lily: 😉
Jane: See you next season :)

Social media users were quick to point out how closely the interaction mirrors Ilya’s teasing confidence and Shane’s stubborn denial, a dynamic that first captivated readers and has since translated seamlessly to the screen.

Originally published in 2019, Heated Rivalry follows Shane Hollander, a disciplined Canadian NHL superstar, and Ilya Rozanov, his charismatic Russian rival. What begins as a secret, emotionally guarded relationship between two enemies on the ice evolves into a powerful love story that unfolds over several years, earning the book a devoted global following.

That popularity exploded further with the release of the Heated Rivalry television series, which quickly became one of the most talked-about shows worldwide. The adaptation drew praise for staying faithful to the emotional core of the novel while elevating its intensity, chemistry, and scale for television audiences.

Actors Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander, and Connor Storrie, who portrays Ilya Rozanov, have since become global icons. Their performances, particularly their on-screen chemistry, have been widely credited for driving the show’s success, turning both actors into international stars and dominant figures across fan spaces, red carpets, and social media.

The Google Easter egg has been widely interpreted as a nod to the show’s overwhelming popularity and cultural impact. Fans have also latched onto the final line, “See you next season :)”, viewing it as a playful wink toward the series’ future and the continued dominance of Shane and Ilya in pop culture conversations.

Once considered a cult-favorite romance novel, Heated Rivalry has now firmly crossed into mainstream territory. Between its chart-topping series release, its breakout stars, and viral moments like Google’s surprise customization, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.

For fans, the message behind the Easter egg feels clear: Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov aren’t just characters anymore, they’re icons, and the world is still very much obsessed.