In a bombshell announcement that has rocked the romance and hockey fandoms, Rachel Reid's highly anticipated novel Unrivaled—the next chapter for beloved couple Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander—has been delayed by nearly three years, from September 2024 to June 1, 2027. The shocking timeline shift comes as Reid grapples with the overwhelming success of her TV adaptation and intensifying health challenges from Parkinson's disease.
In a raw, emotional Instagram video that has since gone viral, Reid revealed the dual forces behind the delay. "The TV show's explosion has turned my world upside down," she confessed, referring to the Crave/HBO Max series that adapts her Game Changers books. "Every day is a whirlwind of meetings, promotions, and creative input—finding quiet writing time feels impossible right now."
More heartbreakingly, Reid opened up about her Parkinson's battle, sharing that worsening symptoms have made the physical act of writing increasingly difficult. "My hands don't always cooperate like they used to," she said, fighting back tears. "But I promise you: this book is happening. Ilya and Shane deserve nothing less than my absolute best, even if it takes longer."
To soften the blow, Reid teased major announcements coming this week—hinting at possible new content, spin-offs, or adaptation news that will "make the wait worthwhile." She also urged fans to explore the rest of the Game Changers universe, including Heated Rivalry and The Long Game, while they bide their time.
Unrivaled picks up after 2022's The Long Game, following Ilya and Shane as openly married teammates navigating a hostile hockey world and the backlash from movements like #TakeBackHockey. Harlequin's synopsis promises their most intense relationship test yet.
Rachel Reid with the cover of 'Unrivaled'. Caleb Latreille; Harlequin
In a twist of fate, Season 2 of the TV adaptation is also slated for a 2027 release, with filming starting later this year. The season will introduce new characters like Troy Barrett from Role Model, creating a parallel universe where book and screen collide. Fans are now left wondering: will the show outpace the book it's based on?
The delay has sparked a wildfire of reactions online, with hashtags like #Unrivaled2027 and #SupportRachelReid trending globally. While some express frustration, most are rallying behind Reid, praising her transparency and resilience. As one fan tweeted, "Three years is nothing compared to a legacy. Take all the time you need, Rachel."
