Author Rachel Reid is navigating a wave of intense pressure and high expectations while touring for the deluxe edition of her hockey romance novel Heated Rivalry and writing its upcoming sequel, Unrivaled. While speaking backstage at a Los Angeles book event, Reid told The Hollywood Reporter that going on tour presents unique challenges because she cannot talk about upcoming developments on the page or screen. Production on season two of the Crave television adaptation is currently underway in Canada following the breakout success of the first season.
Television adaptation expands Reid's fictional hockey universe
Reid’s fictional hockey universe has expanded significantly since the television adaptation of her 2019 novel became a cultural phenomenon. The books and television series focus on Canadian hockey prodigy Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Russian phenom Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, who serve as fierce on-ice rivals and the league’s best players. Following the release of season one, the author noticed immediate signs of the show’s massive reach, pointing to a bookstore event where fans in the audience had memorized every word of the trailer just a day after it dropped. As she travels for the deluxe edition book tour, Reid must carefully answer fan questions without spoiling the television series or her upcoming work.
Reid associates literary characters with television actors
In addition to managing tour schedules, Reid has faced distinct hurdles while penning the next chapter in the Game Changers series. At a recent Q&A event covered by E! News, Reid explained that writing sex scenes for the upcoming book Unrivaled became very difficult
after seeing the television adaptation. She admitted that she now associates the literary characters directly with actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, describing the writing process as very weird.
To maintain focus on her own version of the story, Reid stopped watching the first season as it aired, noting that she needed a break to finish drafting without external influences.
Expansion of Supporting Characters
With a much larger audience awaiting the next installment, Reid acknowledges that the expectations surrounding her work have drastically increased., which marks the third book focusing on Shane and Ilya’s love story following Heated Rivalry and The Long Game, was initially set to release earlier this year before being pushed to June 1, 2027, as Reid manages her Parkinson’s diagnosis. While crafting the new manuscript, the author made a conscious effort to expand the roles of popular supporting characters. Reid specifically incorporated more of Scott Hunter into the narrative to build on his burgeoning friendship with Shane and Ilya, alongside giving increased page time to Yuna, Rose, and Svetlana.
Season two filming begins with new cast members
While the literary side of the franchise expands toward a summer 2027 release, the television side is actively building its sophomore run. Filming for season two of creator Jacob Tierney’s Crave Original series kicked off in August in Canada. Deadline confirmed that the upcoming season will feature a substantial roster of talent, adding Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Shaheen Jafargholi, Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding, Robert Naylor, Sabrina Jalees, Priyanka, Brendan Morgan, David Tomlinson, Gerry Dee, Michelle Mylett, Lauren Chan, and Nick Stahl to the call sheet. Season two, which draws heavily from the events of The Long Game, is scheduled to premiere in spring 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Book and Series
When will Rachel Reid’s next book Unrivaled be published?
Unrivaled is scheduled to be published on June 1, 2027. The release date was adjusted as author Rachel Reid manages her Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Which book serves as the primary basis for season two of the television series?
Season two of the Crave series is based mainly on The Long Game, the 2022 novel that serves as a sequel to Heated Rivalry.
When did production begin on season two of the show?
Filming for the sophomore season of the Jacob Tierney-created series officially began in Canada in August.
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