What Happened
Rachel Reid’s novel Heated Rivalry, part of the Game Changers series, has reached the top of the Canadian fiction bestseller list this week. The book, which tells the story of a secret romance between rival professional hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, has gained significant popularity, especially following its adaptation into a successful TV series on Crave.
Why It Matters
The success of Heated Rivalry highlights the growing interest in LGBTQ+ narratives within mainstream media, particularly in sports-themed stories. The series has resonated with a diverse audience, making it Crave’s most successful original series to date. Additionally, Reid’s work has been recognized on the Canada Reads 2026 longlist, further cementing its cultural impact.
What’s Next
Fans of the series will have to wait longer for the next installment, Unrivaled, which has been postponed to June 1, 2027. This delay is due to Reid’s worsening symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, which have affected her writing schedule. Despite these challenges, Reid remains committed to delivering a quality book, emphasizing the importance of taking the necessary time to ensure it meets her standards.
