Key Facts
- ✓ Author Rachel Reid announced Unrivaled, the 7th book in the Game Changers series.
- ✓ The release date is set for September 29, 2026.
- ✓ The book is a sequel to The Long Game, focusing on Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
- ✓ Barnes & Noble posted preorder listings for the book before the official announcement.
- ✓ Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie presented at the 83rd Golden Globes.
Quick Summary
Rachel Reid has confirmed the release of Unrivaled, the seventh installment in the popular Game Changers book series. The novel is set to hit shelves on September 29, 2026.
The announcement was made via Reid's Instagram account, confirming rumors that began circulating over the weekend when Barnes & Noble listed the book for preorder. Unrivaled will continue the narrative of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, picking up after the events of The Long Game.
The timing of the announcement coincided with the 83rd Golden Globes, where the television adaptation of Heated Rivalry was a topic of conversation. Reid expressed that it was surreal to write the next book while watching jokes about the characters on live television.
Book Details and Premise 📖
Unrivaled marks the continuation of the story involving the Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov duo. The series has maintained a high level of popularity among readers, and this new book aims to dig further into their relationship.
The narrative will pick up following the conclusion of The Long Game. That book ended with significant changes in the lives of the two star hockey players. Unrivaled will allow fans to discover what happens next in their personal and professional lives.
While Barnes & Noble released preorder listings over the weekend, the official confirmation came directly from the author. The detailed listings were considered legitimate due to the retailer's reputation, even before the official cover reveal.
"It's really, really surreal to be sitting here writing the next Ilya and Shane book while watching jokes about Ilya and Shane happen live on my television from Hollywood at the Golden Globes."
— Rachel Reid, Author
Television Adaptation Success 📺
The announcement of a new book comes during a period of significant visibility for the franchise. The television adaptation of Heated Rivalry released episodes 1 and 2 on November 28, 2025, and the show's popularity has not slowed down.
Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who portray the lead roles, presented at the 83rd Golden Globes last night. During their appearance, they shared a fun bit on stage that referenced the show.
Social media was flooded with videos following the event, showing Storrie and Williams receiving praise from well-known actors. This included The Bear's Ayo Edebiri. Despite this attention, the show was not eligible for Golden Globe nominations because it was produced by Bell Media, a Canadian company.
The production involves Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US. The series continues to expand its international reach, having just premiered in the UK over the weekend through Sky.
Cast Career Updates 🎬
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie have secured their involvement in the franchise for the foreseeable future. The actors previously shared that they have signed contracts for three seasons of the series.
Season 2 of Heated Rivalry has already been greenlit, ensuring the continuation of the television adaptation. Beyond the hockey drama, the actors have collaborated on other creative projects.
They recently released a romantic fantasy audio project titled Ember & Ice, created for Quinn. This project adds to the growing hype surrounding the actors and the series.
Conclusion
The combination of a new book release and a successful television adaptation indicates a strong future for the Game Changers universe. Rachel Reid's announcement of Unrivaled provides a specific date for fans to look forward to: September 29, 2026.
With the story of Shane and Ilya expanding in print and on screen, and the actors gaining recognition at major events like the Golden Globes, the franchise appears to be reaching new heights. Readers and viewers alike now have new content to anticipate in the coming year.
