Author Rachel Reid delays 'Unrivaled' release to 2027 due to Parkinson's and fame

The 'Heated Rivalry' writer cites time demands of sudden success and worsening health symptoms.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Best-selling romance novelist Rachel Reid has announced she is pushing back the release of her next book, 'Unrivaled,' from this fall to June 2027. Reid cited the time demands of her newfound fame and the worsening symptoms of her Parkinson's disease diagnosis as the reasons for the delay.

Why it matters

Reid's 'Game Changer' hockey romance series has become a cultural phenomenon, with the first two books being adapted into a hit HBO miniseries. The delay of the highly anticipated third book in the series will disappoint many fans, but Reid says she wants to ensure 'Unrivaled' is the 'best book it can possibly be' despite the challenges she is facing.

The details

In a video message posted to Instagram, Reid explained that her life has 'gotten very different in the last couple months' due to the success of the HBO adaptation, which has taken away her ability to dedicate quality time to writing. She also noted that her Parkinson's symptoms have 'gotten a bit worse,' making it physically more difficult for her to write.

  • Reid initially learned she had Parkinson's disease in 2023.
  • Reid had planned to release 'Unrivaled' this fall.
  • Reid now expects 'Unrivaled' to be released in June 2027.

The players

Rachel Reid

A best-selling romance novelist known for her 'Game Changer' hockey romance series, which has been adapted into a hit HBO miniseries.

Jacob Tierney

The director who contacted Reid and expressed interest in adapting her work for the screen, leading to the HBO miniseries.

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What they’re saying

“My life has gotten very different in the last couple months, and although it's all good, it's also taken away my ability to have quality time to write. And there's nothing more important to me than 'Unrivaled' being the best book it can possibly be.”

— Rachel Reid, Author (Instagram)

“For me, that's been that my Parkinson's symptoms have gotten a bit worse, and it's made it difficult physically to write, so I'm definitely a lot slower.”

— Rachel Reid, Author (Instagram)

What’s next

The HBO miniseries based on Reid's 'Game Changer' series has been renewed for a second season, which will likely continue to drive interest in the book series.

The takeaway

This delay highlights the challenges that even successful authors can face, as sudden fame and declining health can impact their ability to deliver new work on schedule. Fans of Reid's 'Game Changer' series will have to wait a bit longer for the highly anticipated third book, but the author is committed to ensuring it is the best it can be despite the obstacles she is facing.