'Heated Rivalry' author Rachel Reid pushes back 'Unrivaled' release

Greta Cross, USA TODAYTue, February 24, 2026 at 5:29 PM UTC

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"Heated Rivalry" fans will need to wait a bit longer for their next update on Shane and Ilya.

Rachel Reid, author of the popular "Game Changer" book series, announced in an Instagram post on Feb. 24 that she and her publisher, Harlequin Books, are pushing back the release date for "Unrivaled" to June 1, 2027. Initially intended to publish on Sept. 29, 2026, the book is the seventh in the "Game Changer" series, which explores queer relationships among hockey players. "Unrivaled" is the third book centered around rivals and lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, the main characters in the record-breaking television show, "Heated Rivalry."

In a heartfelt video to fans, Reid said the past few months have been "absolutely incredible," busy and also overwhelming, providing less time for her to write than she would like.

"I think when good things happen, sometimes the universe hands you some worse stuff to balance it out and for me, that's been that my Parkinson's symptoms have gotten a bit worse and it's made it difficult physically to write, so I'm definitely a lot slower and that's just something I need to learn how to navigate and kind of face, instead of ignoring," Reid said. "I do think this book will be worth the wait. Ultimately, it's going to be a much better book and that's the most important thing to me."

"Unrivaled" pre-orders will still be honored, Reid said. The author also mentioned that some exciting announcements will be coming later in the week, which she hopes makes it up to eager readers.

1 / 0See ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in photosConnor Storrie, left, and Hudson Williams attend the premiere of "Heated Rivalry" at TIFF Lightbox on Nov. 24, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Following release announcement, fans pour love

Reid apologized several times in her video, to both readers and bookstores, who may have been making plans for the September release date. But fans have only showed their support for the latest announcement.

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"Rachel, we love you and we’ll wait until the book is ready. Take all the time you need and take care of yourself," one Instagram user commented on Reid's video. Another wrote: "Take your time queen, we're not going anywhere!"

Others poked fun at other series that had fans waiting for long periods of time.

"It will be worth the wait. Some of us are still waiting for 'Game of Thrones' Book 6 (and 7) patiently," an Instagram user commented. "A wee delay for 'Unrivaled' – we can handle! I can only imagine how overwhelming the global demand and intense interest must be. Take care of you."

First announced in 2010, "The Winds of Winter," the long-awaited sixth book in the "Game of Thrones" series, has yet to receive a release date.

What is 'Unrivaled' about?

In "Unrivaled," former hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are out, married and playing on the same hockey team. Though the players (and lovers) have largely received support from family, friends and fans, some are still not happy about their years-long secret relationship.

"Unrivaled" author Rachel Reid said in an announcement on Feb. 24 that the seventh book of the "Game Changer" series will publish on June 1, 2027.Use the extra time to catch up

Interested in reading the full "Game Changer" series before "Unrivaled" drops next year? Here's the list of books in order of storyline:

"Game Changer"

"Heated Rivalry" (Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov introduced)

"Tough Guy"

"Common Goal"

"Role Model"

"The Long Game" (second book about Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov)

"Unrivaled" (coming June 2027)

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Heated Rivalry' author Rachel Reid pushes release date of next book

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