Lace up your skates and return to the ice because more exciting content from the “Heated Rivalry” series will be available next year! The continuation of this popular series by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid is set to be released by Harlequin.
Initially scheduled for September, the new installment titled “Unrivaled” has been rescheduled to June 1, 2027, as announced by Reid and Harlequin in an engaging Instagram video. Reid shared that the increasing media attention, while a dream come true, has limited her writing time, especially with the challenges posed by her Parkinson’s symptoms diagnosed in 2023.
“Unrivaled,” the seventh book in Reid’s hockey romance series, follows the evolving relationship between hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their once-secret love is now out in the open, building on the storyline introduced in “Heated Rivalry” and following the events of “The Long Game.”
The adaptation of “Heated Rivalry” directed by Jacob Tierney premiered as the most successful Crave Original Series to date, propelling actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie into sudden stardom. Both actors even presented at the 2026 Golden Globes amid the show’s widespread acclaim.
Reid expressed her delight at the global reception of her queer Canadian characters, aiming to contribute to the growing collection of queer stories with happy endings. She highlighted the positive response received and the timing of such narratives in the literary landscape.
The Canadian literary scene has taken notice of Reid’s work, with “Heated Rivalry” making the Canada Reads 2026 longlist and consistently ranking on the bestseller list years after its initial release. With the upcoming release of “Unrivaled,” the celebration of queer love in Shane and Ilya’s lives continues as they navigate new challenges both personally and professionally.
Amid a movement championed by popular hockey podcasters, Shane and Ilya stand by each other and their love while playing for the same team. With over 1.3 million copies of the Game Changers series sold in North America and a confirmed second season of the show, fans eagerly anticipate more from Reid’s captivating hockey universe. Additionally, Reid assures that all existing pre-orders will be honored.