Rachel Reid Books The Undisputed Queen of MM Hockey Romance

Before jumping into specific titles, it helps to know what you are getting into with a Rachel Reid novel:

• High Heat & Emotional Depth: These are explicit romances, but the intimacy is deeply tied to the emotional development of the characters. She doesn’t shy away from heavy themes like homophobia in professional sports, anxiety, and the sheer exhaustion of living a closeted life in the public eye.

• Authentic Hockey Culture: Reid is a lifelong hockey fan. Unlike some sports romances where the sport feels like window dressing, the grueling NHL schedules, locker-room dynamics, and on-ice rivalries heavily drive the plot.

• Phenomenal Banter: Her dialogue is sharp, funny, and incredibly natural.

The Game Changers universe is an interconnected series of standalones. While you can read them out of order, it is highly recommended to read them sequentially to avoid spoilers for previous couples.

We have to start with the books that put Reid on the map, which recently became a global TV phenomenon. Heated Rivalry (Book 2) and its direct sequel The Long Game (Book 6) follow Shane Hollander (the golden boy of Canadian hockey) and Ilya Rozanov (the cocky, flashy Russian superstar).

• The Vibe: Epic enemies-to-lovers, decades-long pining.

• The Verdict: These two books are widely considered top-tier romance. Ilya Rozanov is a masterclass in character writing—arrogant on the outside, deeply vulnerable on the inside. The Long Game explores the agonizing reality of keeping a long-term relationship secret and is arguably Reid’s most romantic work.

• Role Model (Book 5): Follows Troy Barrett, a grumpy, newly traded player going through a messy breakup/bi-awakening, who falls for the team’s sunny social media manager. It is a fantastic exploration of unlearning toxic masculinity and finding a safe space.

• Common Goal (Book 4): An age-gap romance featuring veteran goalie Eric and a younger bartender. It’s a sweeter, slightly more relaxed story about figuring out your sexuality later in life.

• Game Changer (Book 1): This is Reid’s debut. The romance between superstar Scott Hunter and a smoothie barista is sweet, but the dialogue can occasionally feel slightly clunky compared to her later, more polished work. However, it establishes the universe and is worth the read.

• Tough Guy (Book 3): Follows Ryan, an enforcer who hates fighting and suffers from severe anxiety, and Fabian, a flamboyant musician. It is a beautiful but heavy read. Ryan’s mental health struggles are depicted very realistically, making it less of a fluffy escapist read.

As Reid’s career has progressed, she has expanded outside the Game Changers universe, showcasing a major evolution in her writing chops.

• Time to Shine (2023): A delightfully cozy, lower-angst read about a lonely backup goalie (Landon) who moves in with an overly enthusiastic winger (Casey). If you want all the hockey vibes without the crushing angst of Heated Rivalry, this is your book.

• The Shots You Take (2025): Many readers consider this her most emotionally mature work to date. Following two former teammates who reconnect after a tragedy, it is a quiet, deeply moving look at regret, missed opportunities, and healing.

The Verdict: 4.8 / 5 Stars

Rachel Reid is not just a trend; she is a foundational pillar of modern sports romance. While her earlier books have a few pacing hiccups, her character work—particularly with the legendary Shane and Ilya—is unmatched in the genre.

• Pros: Incredible, memorable characters; genuine respect for hockey; thoughtful handling of queer identity in sports.

• Cons: The first book (Game Changer) is slightly weaker than the rest; the heavy mental health focus in Tough Guy might not suit readers looking for light rom-coms.

1. Game Changer

2. Heated Rivalry

3. Tough Guy

4. Common Goal

5. Role Model

6. The Long Game

7. Time to Shine (Standalone)

8. The Shots You Take (Standalone)

9. Unrivaled (Releasing in Spring 2027)

Because the Crave/HBO Max TV adaptation caused a massive spike in popularity (often resulting in library waitlists and sold-out physical copies!), here are the most reliable places to get your hands on Rachel Reid’s books:

1. Physical Books (Paperback / Hardcover)

For the collectors who want the beautiful physical editions on their shelves:

• Amazon: Shop the Game Changers Series

• Barnes & Noble: They occasionally carry exclusive Deluxe Editions.

• Blackwell’s: Shop Rachel Reid on Blackwell’s (A fantastic option for international readers as they often offer free global shipping).

2. Ebooks & Audiobooks

If you want to dive in immediately—or if you want to experience the stellar narration by Tor Thom and Cooper North—digital is the way to go:

• Amazon Kindle: Rachel Reid’s Amazon Author Page (Frequently features Daily Deals)

• Audible: Listen to Rachel Reid on Audible (Highly recommended for the immersive locker-room banter)

• Apple Books & Kobo: Available directly through their respective apps.

💡 Free Reading Tip: If you have a local library card, use the Libby or OverDrive apps! Just be prepared: due to the recent TV show hype, the waitlists for Heated Rivalry can be quite long.

• Books-here: Available download PDF files.

If you are a fan of intense chemistry, witty banter, and deeply emotional character arcs, Rachel Reid’s books deserve a top spot on your TBR (To Be Read) list.

👉 Click here to grab your copy of Heated Rivalry and see where the obsession started!