Rachel Reid promotes 'Unrivaled' during successful book tour for 'Heated Rivalry

Rachel Reid began her cross‑country book tour on Tuesday, stopping in New York to promote the deluxe edition of her best‑selling hockey romance “Heated Rivalry” and to announce the July 9 release of her next novel, “Unrivaled.” The author will appear at six major cities before the new book hits shelves, and she will sign copies of the expanded “Heated Rivalry” that includes bonus chapters, new artwork and a foreword by former NHL star Jonathan Toews.

The tour matters because sports romance has exploded in popularity over the past two years, and Reid’s series is at the forefront of that trend. “Heated Rivalry” debuted in 2021 and quickly climbed the New York Times bestseller list, selling more than 500,000 copies worldwide. Its blend of on‑ice action and steamy romance struck a chord with readers looking for strong, competitive protagonists and relatable, underdog storylines. Publishers see the genre as a growth engine, and Reid’s success has helped convince major houses to invest more in similar titles.

The deluxe edition adds a behind‑the‑scenes look at the series’ creation, including a Q&A with Reid about her research into hockey culture and a timeline of the characters’ relationships. Early sales data show the special edition has already moved 30,000 copies in its first week, according to publisher HarperCollins. Fans at the New York event lined up for hours, and many posted videos of the author reading an excerpt from “Unrivaled,” which promises to follow former rival players as they navigate a new league and a complicated love triangle. Reid said she wanted “Unrivaled” to explore the pressures athletes face off the ice, while still delivering the romance readers expect.

The next step is the official launch of “Unrivaled” on July 9, when it will be available in hardcover, ebook and audiobook formats. HarperCollins has announced plans for a limited‑edition cover signed by Reid and a partnership with a streaming service to develop a potential series adaptation. If the new book matches the momentum of its predecessor, it could cement Reid’s status as a leading voice in sports romance and keep the genre in the spotlight for years to come.