‘Heated Rivalry’ surge meets health setback; Rachel Reid pushes ‘unrivaled’ release to 2027

The much-awaited seventh installment of, ‘Unrivaled,’ by the popular Canadian author of the ‘Game Changers’ series, Rachel Reid, has been rescheduled. The book, which was earlier scheduled to be released on September 29, 2026, is now expected to hit the stands on June 1, 2027. This is because the author, Rachel Reid, is dealing with the symptoms of her early-onset Parkinson’s disease, which was diagnosed in August 2023.

Rachel Reid opens up about health challenges

Rachel Reid shared the news through a candid Instagram video on February 24, 2026. She explained how her Parkinson’s has intensified, slowing the physical process of writing. “My life has changed quite a bit in recent months, and while it is all positive, it has also diminished my capacity to dedicate quality time to writing,” Rachel Reid said in her Instagram video. “For me, that challenge has been the worsening of my Parkinson’s symptoms, which has made the physical act of writing more difficult, resulting in a slower pace for me.”

At 46, Rachel Reid reflected on balancing fame’s highs with personal trials. “When positive developments occur, it seems the universe compensates with challenges,” she noted in the same Instagram video. The HBO Max series ‘Heated Rivalry’, starring Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and H. Williams as Shane Hollander, premiered in November 2025 to rave reviews, securing a Season 2 renewal and surging book sales. Yet this spotlight, alongside her health, demanded a pause for quality.

Story ahead in ‘Unrivaled’

‘Unrivaled’ continues the rivals-to-lovers tale of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov--now newlyweds navigating homophobic backlash in professional hockey. A podcast named ‘Top Shelf’ sparks the #TakeBackHockey movement, straining their marriage. It builds on ‘Heated Rivalry’ (2019) and ‘The Long Game’ (2022), part of the larger ‘Game Changers’ universe with ‘The Game Changer’, ‘Tough Guy’, ‘Common Goal’, and ‘Role Model’.

Rachel Reid promised fans the wait will pay off. “There is nothing more crucial to me than ensuring ‘Unrivaled’ is the best book it can possibly be. I believe it will benefit both the readers and the characters,” she assured in her
Instagram video. “Ultimately I just want to make a really good book, and I just need a little bit more time to do that.” Pre-orders remain available through HarperCollins, with hints of upcoming news. ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 targets a 2027 debut, aligning perfectly with the book launch.