Rachel Reid is increasing the world of Heated Rivalry with a brand new novel centered on Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.
The writer has confirmed that Unmatched, the seventh e-book in her hockey romance collection, can 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 Recreation, which explored the couple a decade into their relationship. In accordance with the official synopsis, the 2 hockey stars are now not hiding their romance. Now married and taking part in on the identical skilled staff, they’re publicly residing their lives collectively for the primary time. Whereas many followers have fun their openness, the e-book may also deal with backlash from components of the hockey group, 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 collection relies on Reid’s Recreation 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 Recreation.
Tierney has beforehand said that the present will proceed to middle on Ilya and Shane whereas steadily increasing its universe. The discharge of Unmatched offers extra supply materials as the variation 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 collection had its preview screening on the Picture+Nation LGBTQ+ Movie Competition 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 acquired essential acclaim, with reward for the directing, writing, and the lead actors’ performances and chemistry. It additionally achieved sturdy viewers viewership, turning into Crave’s most-watched authentic collection thus far and HBO Max’s prime debut for an acquired, non-animated title for the reason that platform’s launch in 2019.
