Rachel Reid Says She Wishes “Heated Rivalry” Was the First “Game Changers” Novel

**Bestselling Author Rachel Reid Reflects on the Success of ‘Heated Rivalry’ and Looks Ahead**

Bestselling author Rachel Reid recently engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about her immensely popular book, *Heated Rivalry*, during a launch event for its deluxe hardcover edition at Town Hall in New York City on September 29. Reid’s reflections shed light on the evolution of her Game Changers series and the impact of the Crave TV adaptation of her work.

*Heated Rivalry*, which is part of Reid’s interconnected sports romance series that began with *Game Changer* in 2018, has generated significant buzz both in literary circles and on screen. While *Game Changer* was her debut, it was the second book that captured global attention, featuring the complex relationship between rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Reid acknowledged during the panel that she anticipated this particular novel would achieve greater popularity, admitting, “I think I knew that *Heated Rivalry* would probably be more popular.”

This recognition prompted Reid to consider the ordering of her books and how *Heated Rivalry* might have set a different tone had it been released first. “Sometimes I wish that that was the first book,” she mused. “But I think the way the series ended up working, it works pretty well the way it is.”

Reid revealed her ongoing affection for Shane and Ilya, noting that their story is not yet complete. The pair have been featured in subsequent works, including *The Long Game*, published in 2022, and an upcoming title, *Unrivaled*, slated for release on June 1, 2027. “I always knew there was more story to tell,” Reid remarked, highlighting how these characters have continued to evolve throughout the series.

The author described her writing process as having shifted significantly since the series gained a broader audience due to its television adaptation. Reflecting on the days before the show’s debut, she explained, “Before, it felt like I was just alone writing them and nobody cared.” Now, with heightened expectations, Reid faces the challenge of reconciling her creative vision with the enthusiasm of her readers.

Despite the pressures that come with this newfound fame, Reid maintains a great affection for the television series. During an appearance on *Good Morning America*, she stated, “For one thing, it was immensely satisfying because I knew how good the show was.” The project exceeded her expectations, especially given the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. She expressed gratitude for the love and praise the show has received, remarking, “It felt amazing, knowing how hard everybody worked on it, what a great job everybody did.”

Fans of *Heated Rivalry* can look forward to the second season, scheduled to premiere in spring 2027. Reid teased some exciting content that diverges from the original book, particularly an important scene involving Shane’s coming out to his team that was not included in the source material. “I didn’t feel it was necessary to the story when I wrote it,” she explained, but she is eager for viewers to experience this moment on screen and believes it will resonate with the audience.

In her overview of the journey so far, Reid expresses a sense of gratitude and excitement for both her literary and television success. As she continues to develop the Game Changers series, her admiration for Shane and Ilya remains a driving force behind her writing. With more adventures set for these characters, Reid’s commitment to their story illustrates her belief that there is always more to explore in the vibrant world she has created.

As readers await the launch of *Unrivaled*, Rachel Reid’s experiences highlight the delicate balance of maintaining artistic authenticity while embracing the impact of popularity within the literary landscape. The future certainly looks bright for Reid and her beloved characters, as they navigate their journey both on the page and on screen.