Rachel Reid’s Next Novel ‘Unrivaled’ Pushed to 2027: “This Book Will Be Worth the Wait”

Hollywood Reporter

by Nicole Fell

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Rachel Reid, the New York Times best-selling author of *Heated Rivalry*, has announced that her upcoming novel *Unrivaled*—the seventh book in her *Game Changers* series—has been delayed until June 2027. Originally set for release in September 2026, the delay was revealed by Reid in a heartfelt Instagram video. She explained that the increased demands on her time due to the popularity of her work, coupled with worsened symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, have made it challenging to focus on writing. Despite the setback, Reid reassured fans that *Unrivaled* will ultimately be a better book, promising it will be worth the wait. Reid shared that her life has changed significantly in recent months, balancing gratitude for her success with the difficulty of dedicating quality time to her craft. She emphasized that her priority is ensuring *Unrivaled* is the best it can be, both for herself and her readers. The novel, a sequel to *Heated Rivalry* and its follow-up *The Long Game*, continues the story of hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who are now openly in love and married. The book will explore their journey as they navigate public relationships, career challenges, and growing backlash from segments of the hockey community. Reid’s announcement came after her novels experienced a surge in popularity following the success of the Crave-produced series *Heated Rivalry*, which airs on HBO Max. The series, starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, has been renewed for a second season, further cementing the *Game Changers* universe in popular culture. Fans have expressed understanding and patience for the delay, with many commenting their support under Reid’s Instagram post. The delay of *Unrivaled* highlights the complexities of balancing creative work with personal health challenges and the demands of fame. Reid’s openness about her struggles underscores the dedication required to produce high-quality literature, especially in a fast-paced entertainment landscape. For fans of the *Game Changers* series, this delay is an opportunity for even greater anticipation,

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/24/2026