The Game Changers Series by Rachel Reid: Reading Order
In short: Read in publication order: Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, Tough Guy, Common Goal, Role Model, The Long Game, with a seventh book, Unrivaled, due June 1, 2027. Each follows a different couple of professional hockey players, except The Long Game, which returns to Shane and Ilya from Heated Rivalry. The TV series Heated Rivalry (Crave and HBO Max) adapts books 1 and 2; Season 2, due in April 2027, is expected to draw on The Long Game.
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- Game Changer (2018). Scott Hunter and Kip Grady.
- Heated Rivalry (2019). Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
- Tough Guy (2020). Ryan Price and Fabian Salah.
- Common Goal (2020). Eric Bennett and Kent Ryan.
- Role Model (2021). Troy Barrett and Harris Drover.
- The Long Game (2022). Shane and Ilya, the sequel to Heated Rivalry.
- Unrivaled (due June 1, 2027). Shane and Ilya, now out and married, face a backlash on and off the ice.
Does the order matter?
Mostly no: each book is a complete romance. The exception is The Long Game, which continues Shane and Ilya's story and should follow Heated Rivalry. Characters from earlier books turn up throughout, so publication order gives you the most payoff. All six are explicit adult romances.
The TV series
Heated Rivalry, created by Jacob Tierney, stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie and weaves in Scott and Kip's story from Game Changer. It premiered on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in late 2025, became HBO Max's top-rated live-action acquisition, and was renewed for a second season in December 2025. Season 2 was set to shoot in summer 2026 for an April 2027 premiere. Rachel Reid is a consulting producer.
Where to start
If you've watched the show, read Heated Rivalry for more of Shane and Ilya's inner lives, then The Long Game. If you're new, start with Game Changer and read straight through.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to read Game Changer before Heated Rivalry? No. Each book stands on its own, and many readers start with Heated Rivalry. Reading Game Changer first adds context, since Scott and Kip's story is part of the TV show too.
When is Heated Rivalry Season 2? Renewed in December 2025, it was due to film in summer 2026 for an April 2027 release, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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Our book quiz can suggest one to match your mood. We also compare the Heated Rivalry book and show.