Rachel Reid is in the midst of writing her seventh book in the “Game Changers” series, “Unrivaled.”
The author, whose books are the basis of the hit TV show Heated Rivalry, was originally set to release the next installment this past September, but had to delay the release to 2027 due to her Parkinson’s Disease.
“Unrivaled” will be third book centered around Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, picking up after the events of “The Long Game.”
In a new interview, Rachel offered more insight into what fans can expect from the upcoming book, including other “Game Changers” universe characters that will be involved with the story!
While speaking with THR, the author was asked about writing “Unrivaled” and if there was a supporting character from the books that she found a new way to include them, or a new appreciation for.
“I’ve been writing maybe a little more of Scott Hunter into this book than I have into other Ilya and Shane books,” Rachel told the publication. “He’s more of an important side character, so that’s definitely one.”
“I just really like the way he interacts [with them], with Ilya especially,” she added. “I think that dynamic’s very fun. I left him in ‘The Long Game’ as maybe having this burgeoning friendship [with Shane and Ilya], and I wanted to play with that.”
Scott Hunter, played by Francois Arnaud in the TV adaptation, played a pivotal role in Shane and Ilya’s relationship when he came out by kissing Kip Grady after winning the Stanley Cup. This caused Shane and Ilya to realize that maybe they could have a relationship. Ilya and Scott also develop a friendship after the latter’s coming out, and he also appears in “The Long Game,” stopping by to meet with the couple after they’re accidentally outed by Hayden Pike.
Other characters she’s including in “Unrivaled” are none other than Shane’s mom, Yuna, and his and Ilya’s best girl friends, Rose and Svetlana.
“I tried to do a little more with Yuna, as well,” Rachel shared. “And, honestly, all of the women. Like Rose and Svetlana, I like to try to include a little more of them into the story. I think a lot of the side characters that are popular.”
In the TV show, Yuna is played by Christina Chang, Rose is played by Sophie Nelisse, and Svetlana is played by Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, and they’ve all been confirmed to reprise their roles for season two!
Just recently, Rachel joined Hudson, Connor, Christina, and Ksenia at a panel to celebrate the launch of the Irina Foundation, a real-life foundation named after the fictional one that Shane and Ilya start in the books.
The post ‘Heated Rivalry’ Author Rachel Reid Reveals More Details About Upcoming Book ‘Unrivaled,’ Including What Other Characters Will Be Involved appeared first on Just Jared – Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
