Rachel Reid discusses ‘Game Changers’ adaptations and ‘Unrivaled’
Author Rachel Reid shares adaptation hopes and teases her upcoming book “Unrivaled”
In a post-“Heated Rivalry” world, we’re looking for every excuse to get more Shane and Ilya in our lives.
Season 1 of the HBO Max series gave its cast (and creator) a career skyrocket and readers new romance books to obsess over. And there’s much more to come in the world of “Heated Rivalry.”
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will return in Season 2 and author Rachel Reid’s new “Unrivaled” book will publish in June 2027. But while we wait, Reid has a treat for fans. USA TODAY is exclusively revealing two new illustrations of Shane and Ilya in a new deluxe edition of “The Long Game,” the basis for Season 2.
See Shane and Ilya in new ‘The Long Game’ deluxe edition endpapers
“The Long Game” is the sixth book in the Game Changers series, and Shane and Ilya have been seeing each other in secret for a decade. Shane loves Ilya, but fears going public will ruin their careers. Ilya is tired of hiding, and worries that Shane’s reluctance says something about his feelings.
A new deluxe edition, out Jan. 26, 2027, includes two iconic scenes from “The Long Game.”
“This edition was definitely made with the fans in mind and I’m excited that they’ll open the book and see two of their favorite moments from ‘The Long Game’ captured in the endpapers,” Reid told USA TODAY in a statement. “It’s a beautiful celebration of Shane and Ilya’s love.”
What we know about ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 so far
Season 2 filming is underway, borrowing from “The Long Game” and “Role Model,” a grumpy-sunshine romance between Troy Barrett, a recently traded player, and Harris Drover, the team’s chipper social media manager. New cast members include Charlie Gillespie as Troy, Justice Smith as Harris and Emily Hampshire as Vanessa.
As privacy concerns mount for cast members like Williams, the official “Heated Rivalry” account sent out a plea to eager fans:
“To our incredible fans and everyone who’s been sharing in the excitement for the show: Your support, enthusiasm and kindness have meant the world to us. As we gear up for more ‘Heated Rivalry,’ please help us in making it the best it can be,” the statement says. “If you happen to come across one of our filming locations, please give our cast and crew the space they need to do what they do best. We promise it’ll be worth the wait!”
And a new book, “Unrivaled,” is out June 1, 2027. “Unrivaled” will follow Shane and Ilya post-relationship reveal, married and playing on the same team. But even though they’ve gotten love from fans, backlash elsewhere in the hockey world is growing.
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.