Books that inspired 'Heated Rivalry' are $2—read before episode 4

The Rise of Library Wait Times Due to Popular TV Adaptations

It’s a familiar scenario: a book is adapted into a TV series, and suddenly, library wait times are through the roof. This phenomenon has been seen with numerous adaptations, but one recent example has taken things to a new level. The show Heated Rivalry, based on Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, has caused significant delays in accessing the books that inspired it.

At the Brooklyn Public Library, using the Libby app, the wait for the first season of Heated Rivalry is already 22 weeks — almost six months. That’s a long time to wait for just three episodes out of a six-episode season. The sequel, The Long Game, isn’t much better, with a 20-week wait. Even the latest episode, which is based on the book Game Changer, has a 23-week wait at the same library.

For those hoping to find physical copies of the books, the situation isn’t any better. The paperback version of Heated Rivalry and every other book in the series is currently out of stock on Amazon. So what options do fans have?

Two Affordable Alternatives to Access the Books

Fans of Heated Rivalry have two alternative methods to access the books, both of which cost at most $3.

The first option involves taking advantage of Audible’s limited-time deal. For just $0.99 per month for three months, you get three credits that can be used on any book in the Audible catalog. This includes Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer audiobooks.

If you’re more of a traditional reader, there are also e-book deals available. One particularly good option is the Game Changers Collection, Vol. 1 by Rachel Reid. This Kindle edition collects the first three books of the series into one e-book — Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and Tough Guy — all for less than $1 per book. Even if you don’t own a Kindle, you can read this collection by downloading the Kindle app on your smartphone or tablet.

Additional Options for Fans of the Series

For those who can’t get enough of the characters Shane and Ilya after finishing Heated Rivalry, there’s more to explore. Rachel Reid wrote a sequel that continues their story. You can purchase the e-book of The Long Game for $8.99 on Amazon. Alternatively, you can buy a second collected edition that includes books four and five — Common Goal and Role Model — along with The Long Game.

These options make it easier for fans to keep up with the story without waiting for physical copies to become available. Whether you prefer audiobooks, e-books, or physical copies, there are ways to enjoy the Game Changers series without long waits.

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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, a Commerce Streaming Reporter for HAWXTECH.NET, the New York Post, and Page Six. Angela keeps readers updated on cord-cutter-friendly deals, how to watch your favorite sports teams and movies on each streaming service, and the best in tech, like soundbars to enhance your viewing experience. She not only tests and compares the services, devices, and merchandise she writes about but is also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, and pop culture.

Prior to joining HAWXTECH.NET and the New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews. For more content like this, check out the HAWXTECH.NET Shopping section.

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