Rachel Reid officially shared news that a third book focused on the beloved characters Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander is on the way. The new novel, titled Unrivaled, serves as the seventh entry in the broader Game Changers series and the third direct installment of the Heated Rivalry story arc. This announcement comes during a period of massive success for the franchise, following the viral debut of the television adaptation that premiered in November 2025.
The author confirmed the project on January 12, 2026, after online retailers briefly leaked product listings over the weekend. Unrivaled is scheduled to release on September 29, 2026. This new chapter picks up after the events of The Long Game, which saw the two professional hockey stars navigate a decade of secrecy before finally making their relationship public.
Unrivaled Plot Details And Series Background
The story of Unrivaled finds Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander in a position they have never experienced before: living openly as a married couple while playing on the same professional hockey team. For years, the two athletes managed a hidden romance while being the faces of a fierce rivalry on the ice. In this upcoming book, they no longer have anything to hide from the world, but the transition into the light brings its own set of difficulties.
According to the official synopsis, the hockey world is now divided over their relationship. While they have received massive support from fans, a vocal backlash has emerged. This opposition is led by a fictional hockey podcast called Top Shelf and a movement known as #TakeBackHockey. The book will explore how the couple handles public scrutiny and the loud voices of those still reeling from their reveal.
Rachel Reid noted that she had been working on this specific story for a significant amount of time, even before the television series became a global hit. On social media, she mentioned the strange feeling of writing the next chapter for these characters while watching them being discussed during major award shows like the Golden Globes.
Global Release Information And Preorder Options
Unrivaled will be available to readers worldwide on September 29, 2026. Unlike previous books in the series which were published under the Carina Press imprint, this title is being released directly through Harlequin, a division of HarperCollins. This change reflects the growing mainstream popularity of the series following its transition to the screen.
Preorders for the book have already opened across various major retailers. In the USA and Canada, fans can find listings on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Indigo. Barnes & Noble is offering an exclusive edition that includes a unique cover design and special sprayed edges for collectors.
In the UK, Australia, and India, the book is expected to be available through regional Amazon sites and local bookstores on the same date. The digital version will be accessible via Kindle, while an audiobook version is also planned for the launch date. The physical paperback is expected to be approximately 352 pages long.
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Connection To The Heated Rivalry TV Series
The announcement of Unrivaled provides fresh material for the television adaptation, which has become a staple on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the USA. The first season of the show, which starred Connor Storrie as Ilya and Hudson Williams as Shane, covered the events of the original Heated Rivalry novel.
“I’m writing this one for all the fans, old and new. It has been a blast writing these guys again, and revisiting the entire Game Changers cast,” Rachel Reid shared during an interview.
Because the show was renewed for a second season in December 2025, the new book gives producers a clear path for future storylines. While Season 2 is widely expected to adapt The Long Game, the arrival of Unrivaled in late 2026 ensures that there is a definitive “threequel” story ready for a potential third or fourth season of the television drama.
The timing of the book release is strategic, as it falls roughly ten months after the show’s initial premiere, keeping the momentum going for the franchise. The series recently gained even more attention when lead actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie appeared as presenters at the 83rd Golden Globes, highlighting the show’s impact on popular culture.
Also Read: 2026 Golden Globes Recap: The Pitt, Adolescence and The Studio Win Big with TV Voters
