Author Rachel Reid has announced a delay in the release of her upcoming hockey romance novel, citing her newfound fame and the progression of her Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The novel, titled “Unrivaled,” was originally scheduled for release this fall but is now expected to be postponed until June 2027, as revealed in a video message shared on Instagram.
“Unrivaled” will mark the seventh installment in Reid’s popular “Game Changer” series, revolving around the story of hockey rivals turned secret lovers, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. The series has gained immense popularity, with the first two books, “Heated Rivalry” and “The Long Game,” serving as the inspiration for the successful Crave original series featuring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.
In her Instagram message, Reid expressed her commitment to delivering the best possible version of “Unrivaled,” emphasizing the importance of quality writing time, which has recently been scarce due to the changes in her life. She mentioned that despite the positive developments, her struggle with worsening Parkinson’s symptoms has significantly slowed down her writing process.
Reid disclosed that she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2023, coinciding with the time when director Jacob Tierney expressed interest in adapting her works. Tierney’s adaptation of her novels has garnered significant acclaim, leading to the renewal of the series for a second season on both Crave and HBO Max, where it achieved top ratings during its initial run.
The bestselling author acknowledged the challenges posed by her health condition but remains dedicated to delivering captivating storytelling to her readers.