‘Heated Rivalry’ author reveals new Ilya and Shane romance novel ‘Unrivaled’

Fans of Heated Rivalry finally have something to celebrate. Author Rachel Reid has announced a brand-new novel, Unrivaled, which will continue the love story of fan-favourite couple Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

The book, which is part of Reid’s Game Changers series, is set to be released in autumn 2026 and will follow Shane and Ilya in a very different place from where readers last saw them.

According to People, the new story picks up with the pair now out, married and even playing on the same hockey team. While their relationship has been largely embraced by fans, the synopsis suggests not everyone in the hockey world is thrilled.

“They’ve gotten a lot of love from fans who are thrilled for them,” the description reads. “But some people in the hockey world are still reeling from their relationship reveal, and the backlash, led by popular hockey podcast Top Shelf and the #TakeBackHockey movement, is getting louder.”

The book will explore how Shane and Ilya navigate this new chapter together, facing public scrutiny while trying to protect their relationship.

“Ilya and Shane are finally able to stand together in the light, the way they’d always wanted,” the synopsis adds. “And now they might be facing their biggest challenge yet.”

Reid shared her excitement about returning to the couple in a statement to People.

“I’m really excited to have the chance to continue their story with Unrivaled,” she said. “I’m writing this one for all the Hollanov fans, old and new.”

She added that the response to Shane and Ilya over the years has been deeply meaningful.

“I can’t tell you how much the love my characters have received over the years means to me. It has been a blast writing these guys again, and revisiting the entire Game Changers cast.”

What this means for fans of the show

The announcement also comes at a time of renewed interest in the television adaptation of Heated Rivalry, which brought Shane and Ilya’s story to a wider audience beyond the romance book world.

The series quickly built a dedicated fanbase, with viewers praising its emotional depth, chemistry between the leads and faithful treatment of the source material. Online fandom spaces have remained active since the season finale, with many fans continuing to campaign for more stories from this universe.

While no official renewal details have been confirmed, the release of Unrivaled has been seen by many fans as a sign that Shane and Ilya’s story is far from over, regardless of what happens on screen.

For long-time readers, the new novel offers a deeper look into their lives beyond the original arc. For newer fans who discovered the couple through the show, it provides a chance to explore their relationship in much greater detail.

With full plot details still under wraps, Unrivaled is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romance releases of 2026.