Rachel Reid's 'Unrivaled' Book Release Postponed to June 2027 Amid Author's Health Struggles
The highly anticipated seventh installment in the beloved 'Game Changers' series, titled 'Unrivaled,' by acclaimed Canadian author Rachel Reid, has been officially rescheduled. Originally slated for a September 29, 2026 release, the novel will now hit bookshelves on June 1, 2027. This significant delay stems from the author's ongoing battle with early-onset Parkinson's disease, a condition she was diagnosed with in August 2023.
Author Opens Up About Parkinson's Impact on Writing Process
Rachel Reid shared this personal update through a heartfelt and candid Instagram video posted on February 24, 2026. In the video, she detailed how her Parkinson's symptoms have intensified, directly impacting her ability to write physically. "My life has changed quite a bit in recent months, and while it is all positive, it has also diminished my capacity to dedicate quality time to writing," Reid explained. She emphasized that the worsening of her Parkinson's has made the physical act of writing more arduous, resulting in a notably slower creative pace.
At 46 years old, Reid reflected on the complex balance between professional success and personal health challenges. "When positive developments occur, it seems the universe compensates with challenges," she noted in the same Instagram video. This statement comes amid a period of heightened visibility for her work, with the HBO Max series adaptation 'Heated Rivalry' premiering in November 2025 to critical acclaim, securing a Season 2 renewal, and boosting book sales significantly. Despite this spotlight, Reid prioritized her health and the quality of her writing, necessitating this pause.
What to Expect from 'Unrivaled' and the 'Game Changers' Universe
'Unrivaled' continues the captivating rivals-to-lovers narrative of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who are now newlyweds navigating homophobic backlash within the professional hockey world. The plot thickens as a podcast named 'Top Shelf' ignites the #TakeBackHockey movement, creating tension and strain on their marriage. This novel builds directly on the events of previous books in the series, including 'Heated Rivalry' (2019) and 'The Long Game' (2022), and is part of the larger 'Game Changers' universe that also features titles like 'The Game Changer,' 'Tough Guy,' 'Common Goal,' and 'Role Model.'
Rachel Reid reassured her dedicated fanbase that the extended wait will be worthwhile. "There is nothing more crucial to me than ensuring 'Unrivaled' is the best book it can possibly be. I believe it will benefit both the readers and the characters," she assured in her Instagram video. She added, "Ultimately I just want to make a really good book, and I just need a little bit more time to do that." Pre-orders for the book remain available through publisher HarperCollins, with hints of additional news to come. Notably, the second season of the 'Heated Rivalry' series is targeting a 2027 debut, aligning perfectly with the new book launch timeline.
About the Author and Her Legacy
Rachel Reid has established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary romance literature, particularly through her 'Game Changers' series which explores themes of love, identity, and sports. Her openness about her Parkinson's diagnosis has brought attention to early-onset neurological conditions, highlighting the personal struggles behind creative endeavors. The delay of 'Unrivaled' underscores the importance of health and well-being in the artistic process, resonating with readers and fans who admire her resilience and dedication to crafting meaningful stories.
