The rumors swirling across social media over the weekend have officially been confirmed. Rachel Reid, the bestselling author behind the hit hockey romance series Game Changers, just dropped some major news that has fans absolutely buzzing.
Reid announced that she’s releasing Unrivaled, the highly anticipated sequel to Heated Rivalry and The Long Game. The book will hit shelves on September 29, 2026, and yes, it’s already available for preorder.
So what’s the story this time around? Well, things are about to get even more intense for Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. After keeping their love hidden for over a decade, the two professional hockey players are finally living openly. They’re married, out, and playing on the same team for the first time ever.
Speaking to People magazine, Reid couldn’t contain her excitement about returning to these beloved characters. “I’m really excited to have the chance to continue their story with Unrivaled,” she shared. The author went on to say she’s writing this one for all the fans, adding “It has been a blast writing these guys again, and revisiting the entire Game Changers cast.”
But it’s not all smooth skating for Shane and Ilya. According to the book’s synopsis, “some people in the hockey world are still reeling from their relationship reveal” and there’s serious backlash brewing. A movement called #TakeBackHockey is gaining traction, and the couple will have to face their biggest challenge yet.
The timing couldn’t be better for this announcement. The Heated Rivalry television adaptation on Crave and HBO Max has become a massive hit, starring Hudson Williams as Shane and Connor Storrie as Ilya. The show was just renewed for a second season last month.
At the recent Golden Globes ceremony, even host Nikki Glaser gave the show a shoutout. She told the audience she hopes Heated Rivalry proves that viewers are ready for more hockey-centered stories.
Unrivaled will be the seventh book in Reid’s Game Changers series and the third installment focusing specifically on Shane and Ilya’s relationship. Harlequin Books, a division of HarperCollins, will publish the novel.
Both Heated Rivalry and The Long Game recently became New York Times bestsellers, years after their original publication dates. The renewed interest comes largely thanks to the TV show’s popularity, which has introduced these characters to a whole new audience.
Fans are already racing to secure their preorder copies. The book will be available through Harlequin’s website, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other major retailers. Based on the enthusiastic response online, this sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romance releases of 2026.
