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Rachel Reid, born Rachelle Goguen in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1980, is a Canadian author known for her hockey-themed gay romance novels, particularly the 'Game Changers' series. She has been writing since at least 2018, with all her books published by Carina Press. Reid's work often explores themes within hockey culture, which she has described as sometimes being homophobic. Her books gained wider recognition after a recommendation from fellow romance novelist Cat Sebastian in 2020.

A television series adaptation of her first two 'Game Changers' books, titled 'Heated Rivalry,' premiered in 2025. This adaptation led to significant commercial success, with Reid's books charting on bestseller lists. She has continued to develop the 'Game Changers' series, with the next installment, 'Unrivaled,' facing publication delays due to health issues and a demanding schedule. Reid, who lives in Bedford, Nova Scotia, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in August 2023. She chose the pen name Rachel Reid for its ease of use and is married with two children.

Rachel Reid is recognized for her contributions to contemporary romance fiction, specifically within the subgenre of hockey-themed gay romance. Her 'Game Changers' series, which began with 'Game Changer' in 2018, has become a central focus of her literary career. These novels often delve into the experiences of professional hockey players, exploring their personal lives and romantic relationships. Reid's writing aims to address and critique aspects of hockey culture, which she has openly stated can be unwelcoming or homophobic. This critical perspective is a driving force behind her narrative choices, seeking to create stories that resonate with readers while also challenging existing norms within the sport.

The success of Rachel Reid's 'Game Changers' series led to a significant adaptation in 2025 with the television series 'Heated Rivalry,' based on the first two books. This adaptation brought her work to a broader audience, boosting the visibility and commercial success of her novels. The Toronto Star reported that Reid's books achieved bestseller status among Canadian fiction works coinciding with the streaming release of 'Heated Rivalry.' This mainstream recognition highlights the growing appeal of LGBTQ+ romance narratives and their potential for successful media translation. Reid's career trajectory demonstrates a notable impact on the romance genre and its broader cultural reception.

Reid's approach to writing, particularly for her 'Game Changers' series, is deeply informed by her personal connection to ice hockey and her observations of its culture. She has expressed a desire for her work to be well-received by her readership, emphasizing the importance of delivering satisfying narratives, as seen in her comments regarding the book 'Unrivaled.' The writing and publication process has not been without its challenges; Reid has faced delays in releasing new works due to personal health issues, including her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2023, and a demanding professional schedule. These personal circumstances have impacted her timeline for future publications, such as the postponement of 'Unrivaled' to June 2027.

“Game Changer came from a place of me being angry at hockey culture and how clearly homophobic it was and is, and all the other things that made me really ashamed to be a hockey fan. That whole series attacks the NHL and hockey culture quite a bit.”

“I feel like more than any other book I've written, this one needs to be really good. I hope I'm giving people what they want out of this.”

“it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen”