How to Read the Heated Rivalry Books in Order

Heated Rivalry has taken the world by storm, and if you’re wondering how to read the Game Changers series in order, you’re in the right place. With the recent adaptation now streaming on Crave and HBO Max, there’s no better time to catch up on the books—especially while waiting for the second season.

Written by Canadian romance author Rachel Reid, the Game Changers series follows gay couples in the professional hockey world as they navigate love, identity, and life in the spotlight. While each book can be read as a standalone, the characters and relationships overlap, making the series as a whole beloved by so many readers.

Whether you’re here because of the show or you’ve seen Heated Rivalry everywhere lately, this complete guide to the Game Changers series will help you decide where to start and what to read next. As you patiently wait for the second season to stream, these books are guaranteed to keep you entertained—especially the newly announced seventh book in the series!

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Heated Rivalry Books in Order

Heated Rivalry Books in Order with Descriptions

If you want to explore the Game Changers books, you’ll find each book and the publisher’s description below. I have also included the couple featured in each book.

Game Changer by Rachel Reid

🩵 Scott and Kip

Enter the world of Game Changers, the series behind the epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance Heated Rivalry, streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S.

It all starts here with Scott and Kip’s steamy secret-relationship romance by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid.

New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. When a particular smoothie precedes Scott’s breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic … and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip Grady knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon—and more. What goes on between them is hot, incredible and frequent … but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors.

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career or the public’s image of what a hockey captain should be. Kip is ready to go all in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?

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Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

💙 Shane and Ilya

The start of an epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid—book two in her fan-favorite Game Changers series.

The epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance from Rachel Reid, streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S.

Nothing interferes with pro hockey star Shane Hollander’s game.

Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. Publicly, they’re enemies. Privately, they can’t stop touching each other.

The smart thing to do? Walk away, once a few secret hookups turn into a struggle to keep their relationship out of the press. The truth could ruin them both. But for Shane and Ilya, secrecy is soon no longer an option …

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Tough Guy by Rachel Reid

💜 Ryan and Fabian

Enter the world of Game Changers, the series behind the epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance Heated Rivalry, streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S.

Opposites attract when a hockey enforcer and a musician collide for the second time, by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid.

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to Toronto, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ+ Village. The last thing he expects to find in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s feeling something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

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Common Goal by Rachel Reid

💚 Eric and Kyle

Enter the world of Game Changers, the series behind the epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance Heated Rivalry, streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S.

A friends-with-benefits arrangement between a veteran goalie and a much-younger man leaves them both wanting more, by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid.

Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.

Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.

Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.

Everything they want is within reach. They just have to be brave enough to grab it.

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Role Model by Rachel Reid

💙 Troy and Harris

Enter the world of Game Changers, the series behind the epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance Heated Rivalry, streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S.

A grumpy hockey player meets his match in a sunny, out-and-proud social media manager, by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid.

The hits just keep coming for Troy Barrett. Traded to the worst team in the league would be bad enough, but coming on the heels of a messy breakup and a recent scandal … Troy just wants to play hockey and be left alone. He definitely doesn’t want to “work on his online presence” with the team’s peppy social media manager.

Harris Drover can tell standoffish Troy isn’t happy about the trade, but Harris doesn’t give up on people easily. Even when he’s developing a crush he’s sure is one-sided. And when he sees Troy’s smile finally crack through his grumpy exterior … That’s a man Harris couldn’t turn his back on if he wanted to.

Suddenly, Troy’s move to the new team feels like an opportunity—for Troy to embrace his true self, and for both men to explore their growing attraction. But being together behind closed doors is one thing, and for Troy, being in a public relationship with Harris will mean facing off with his fears, once and for all.

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The Long Game by Rachel Reid

💚 Shane and Ilya

Enter the world of Game Changers, the series behind the epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance Heated Rivalry, streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S.

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid brings you exactly what you want—more Shane and Ilya!

To the world they are rivals, but to each other they are everything.

Ten years.

That’s how long Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been seeing each other. How long they’ve been keeping their relationship a secret. From friends, from family … from the league. If Shane wants to stay at the top of his game, what he and Ilya share has to remain secret. He loves Ilya, but what if going public ruins everything?

Ilya is sick of secrets. Shane has gotten so good at hiding his feelings, sometimes Ilya questions if they even exist. The closeness, the intimacy, even the risk that would come with being open about their relationship … Ilya wants it all.

It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.

It’s time to make a call.

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Unrivaled by Rachel Reid

🩵 Shane and Ilya

Everyone’s favorite hockey players are back! Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander continue the romance that began with viral sensation Heated Rivalry—now streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the US—in the highly anticipated final book in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series.

A line has been drawn—and the hockey world is divided.

For the first time in their professional hockey careers, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander have nothing to hide. For more than a decade, they kept their love a secret, but now they’re out, married, and even playing on the same team. The support is incredible.

Most of the time.

They’ve gotten a lot of love from fans who are thrilled for them. 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.

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

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Is Heated Rivalry a Book Series?

Yes! Heated Rivalry is part of the larger Game Changers series by Rachel Reid. It is the second book in the series.

While many readers refer to the Heated Rivalry series, it’s largely due to the television series’ popularity. The books are officially part of the interconnected Game Changers hockey romance universe.

What is the Heated Rivalry Series About?

The Heated Rivalry storyline follows rival NHL players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose fierce on-ice competition gradually turns into a secret, emotionally intense romance. Their story explores ambition, identity, pressure, and what happens when rivalry deepens—all set against the high-stakes world of professional hockey.

The first season of the television series is based on the second novel, Heated Rivalry.

Where is Heated Rivalry Set?

The Heated Rivalry books are primarily set in the world of professional hockey across North America, with teams, travel schedules, and cities inspired by the NHL. The stories unfold on the road, in arenas, and behind the scenes of elite hockey.

The television series Heated Rivalry was primarily filmed in Ontario, with locations in Hamilton and Toronto. The infamous cottage is located in Muskoka, Ontario.

Can You Read the Heated Rivalry Books as Standalones?

Yes! The Game Changers books can all be read as standalones. The first season of Heated Rivalry is based on the second book in the series.

Reading the books in order adds depth, context, and emotional payoff—especially in Heated Rivalry, where character development and the long-term relationship arc play a major role across multiple books. The main characters, Shane and Ilya, are also featured in a sequel, The Long Game, and will appear in the upcoming release, Unrivaled.

What Tropes are in the Heated Rivalry Series?

The Heated Rivalry books feature many beloved romance tropes, including:

Enemies to lovers
Rivals to lovers
Slow-burn romance
Secret relationship
Sports romance
Found family
Emotional angst

Is the Heated Rivalry Series Spicy?

Yes! The Heated Rivalry books are spicy sports romances. The series features explicit, open-door scenes that focus on the characters’ emotional connection, making it a favourite among readers who enjoy both spice and strong storytelling.

Do the Heated Rivalry Books Have Happy Endings?

Yes. While the books are emotionally intense and often angsty, they ultimately deliver satisfying happy endings.

Rachel Reid balances realism and hope in the relationship between these characters so beautifully, making the emotional payoff especially rewarding.

Are the Heated Rivalry Books on Kindle Unlimited?

No, at this time, the Heated Rivalry books are not on Kindle Unlimited.

Availability can vary by region and over time. Some titles may be included, while others may need to be purchased or borrowed. It’s best to check your local Amazon Kindle Unlimited catalogue.

Is Heated Rivalry a Series or a Movie?

Heated Rivalry is the second book in the Game Changers series. It has recently gained attention due to the popularity of its screen adaptation on Crave and HBO Max.

A second season of the show was announced. Be sure to check back for more details.

Where Can I Watch Heated Rivalry?

In Canada, you can stream the Heated Rivalry adaptation on Crave.

In the United States, you can stream the Heated Rivalry adaptation on HBO Max.

Is There a New Heated Rivalry Book Releasing?

Yes! Rachel Reid has announced a seventh book in the Game Changers series. The book follows Shane and Ilya (so let’s call it a threequel) and continues their story after the events of The Long Game.

Unrivaled will be released on September 29th, 2026. The cover and synopsis are below.

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Does Rachel Reid Have Any More Books?

Yes! Beyond the Game Changers series, Rachel Reid has two more standalone romance novels featuring gay couples in the world of hockey.

You can find the covers and synopses for Time to Shine and The Shots You Take below.

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid delivers a sexy opposites-attract winter romance between a shy goaltender and his charming All-Star teammate.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Heated Rivalry comes a merry and bright hockey romance about finding your place, finding your people and finding your way back to the one you love the most.

For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he gives off strong “don’t talk to me” vibes. The only player who doesn’t seem to notice is Calgary’s superstar young winger, Casey Hicks.

Casey treats Landon like an old friend, even though they’ve only interacted briefly in the past. He’s endlessly charming and completely laid-back in a way that Landon absolutely can’t relate to. They couldn’t have less in common, but Landon needs a place to live that’s not a hotel room and Casey has just bought a massive house—and hates being alone.

As roommates, Casey refuses to be defeated by Landon’s one-word answers. As friends, Landon comes to notice a few things about Casey, like his wide, easy smile and sparkling green-blue eyes. Spending the holidays together only intensifies their bromance-turned-romance. But as the new year approaches, the countdown to the end of Landon’s time in Calgary is on.

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The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid

Two former teammates and ex-best friends with benefits reunite twelve years later in this steamy small town hockey romance by Rachel Reid. Perfect for #BookTok readers looking for their next five-star romance!

A sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-teammates and former best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance. From the New York Times bestselling author of the Heated Rivalry.

After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career—and his broken heart—far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life.

Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam’s not sure he’ll ever win back Riley’s trust after the way they left things—and the attention he’s getting as a huge hockey star isn’t exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now.

As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried feelings start to resurface. But they’ll have to square off with their complicated past if they’re going to have a real shot at a new beginning.

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