In January 2026, the hockey romance community received the news they had been waiting years for. Rachel Reid is officially releasing a new book. As the author of the legendary Game Changers series, Reid has spent years crafting the gold standard for LGBTQ+ sports romance. Her newest project is not just a standalone; it is a return to her most iconic characters. Below is the comprehensive guide to everything we know about the upcoming release, from plot details to the official launch date.
Quick Answer: The Facts on Rachel Reid’s New Book
The new book is titled “Unrivaled” and is the seventh and final installment in the Game Changers series. It is scheduled for release on September 29, 2026. The story serves as a “threequel” for Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, picking up after the events of The Long Game.
The Official Release: “Unrivaled” (September 2026)
On January 12, 2026, Rachel Reid and her publisher, Harlequin/Carina Press, officially pulled back the curtain. Unrivaled has quickly become one of the most anticipated romance novels of the decade, largely fueled by the massive success of the Heated Rivalry television adaptation on Crave and HBO Max.
- Release Date: September 29, 2026
- Characters: Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov
- Format: Trade Paperback, E-book, and Audiobook
- Special Edition: Barnes & Noble is offering an Exclusive Edition featuring a special cover, custom sprayed edges, and exclusive bonus content.
The Plot: What Happens in “Unrivaled”?
Unlike previous installments that focused on pining and secret meetings, Unrivaled meets Shane and Ilya in a completely new phase of their lives.
The Story Summary
For the first time in their careers, the superstar duo has nothing to hide. They are out, they are married, and—in a dream scenario for fans—they are playing on the same professional team. However, standing in the light brings a new set of high-stakes challenges:
- The Backlash: While many fans support them, a growing movement called #TakeBackHockey is gaining traction.
- Media Hostility: A popular hockey podcast titled Top Shelf becomes a primary antagonist, fueling public scrutiny and division within the sport.
- Team Dynamics: The book explores the internal pressure of maintaining a marriage while being high-profile teammates under the lens of professional sports.
The Author’s Journey: Writing Through Parkinson’s
One of the most moving aspects of this release is Rachel Reid’s personal resilience. In late 2025 and early 2026, Reid opened up about her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which she received in 2023.
She has been candid with fans about how the condition has changed her process, making traditional typing and using a computer mouse difficult. To finish Unrivaled, Reid has been utilizing voice-to-text tools and adapting her writing schedule. In a recent interview with Variety, she noted that the success of the TV show actually helped her secure an appointment with a top specialist, which has improved her quality of life and allowed her to return to the world of Shane and Ilya one last time.
The TV Connection: Season 2 and Beyond
The announcement of Unrivaled coincided perfectly with the renewal of the Heated Rivalry TV series for a second season. Since the show stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have signed on for three seasons, Unrivaled provides the essential source material needed to continue their on-screen story through Season 3.
Conclusion: A Legend’s Final Chapter
Unrivaled is being positioned as the final book in the Game Changers series. It is a love letter to the “Hollanov” fans who have followed Shane and Ilya from their teenage rivalry to their veteran stardom. For Rachel Reid, this book represents a triumph over personal adversity and a legacy-defining conclusion to a series that changed the face of sports romance.
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