Rachel Reid is increasing the world of Heated Rivalry with a brand new novel centered on Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.
The creator has confirmed that Unmatched, the seventh ebook in her hockey romance sequence, might be launched on September 29. The novel is presently out there for pre-order as a Barnes & Noble unique.
Unmatched continues the story of Ilya and Shane following the occasions of The Lengthy Sport, which explored the couple a decade into their relationship. Based on the official synopsis, the 2 hockey stars are now not hiding their romance. Now married and enjoying on the identical skilled staff, they’re publicly dwelling their lives collectively for the primary time. Whereas many followers have a good time their openness, the ebook may even deal with backlash from elements of the hockey neighborhood, together with criticism fueled by a well-liked podcast and a rising on-line motion.
The announcement comes as curiosity stays excessive within the tv adaptation of Heated Rivalry, which premiered on Crave and HBO Max. Created by Jacob Tierney, the sequence is predicated on Reid’s Sport Changers novels and focuses on the long-running rivalry-turned-romance between Ilya and Shane. Season 1 tailored the novel Heated Rivalry, whereas Season 2 is anticipated to attract primarily from The Lengthy Sport.
Tierney has beforehand acknowledged that the present will proceed to middle on Ilya and Shane whereas regularly increasing its universe. The discharge of Unmatched offers extra supply materials as the difference strikes ahead.
With its combine {of professional} sports activities, public scrutiny, and long-term romance, Unmatched is positioned as a big addition to the Heated Rivalry franchise and a extremely anticipated launch for followers of hockey romance and LGBTQ+ fiction.
The sequence had its preview screening on the Picture+Nation LGBTQ+ Movie Pageant in Montreal, Canada on November 23, 2025. The primary season then premiered on-line on Crave on November 28, 2025, and was picked up for streaming on HBO Max in chosen territories; Neon in New Zealand; and Movistar Plus+ in Spain.
Heated Rivalry obtained important acclaim, with reward for the directing, writing, and the lead actors’ performances and chemistry. It additionally achieved robust viewers viewership, changing into Crave’s most-watched authentic sequence so far and HBO Max’s high debut for an acquired, non-animated title because the platform’s launch in 2019.
