The author of the hit novel Heated Rivalry has revealed that the success of its television adaptation has led to vital new medical support for her Parkinson’s disease. Rachel Reid, 45, said the attention generated by the series helped her connect with a world-leading Parkinson’s specialist, offering hope at a time when she had struggled to access appropriate care. Reid was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the summer of 2023, around the same time discussions began about adapting her popular Game Changers book series for the screen.
Publicity Opens Unexpected Doors
Speaking in a recent interview, Reid explained that a Parkinson’s expert contacted her after learning about her diagnosis during publicity for the show. The moment came after director Jacob Tierney mentioned her condition in a televised interview.
“For whatever reason, the interviewer asked about my Parkinson’s,” Reid said. “The next day, one of the top Parkinson’s experts in the world reached out and asked if he could help me.”
The outreach led to an appointment with a neurologist, something Reid said had previously been out of reach.
“I live in a very small place, and I’ve been on a five-year waiting list,” she said. “This could genuinely change things for me because I’m not getting the treatment I should be getting.”
Life-Changing Adjustments
Reid said the specialist had already helped adjust her medication, significantly improving her quality of life.
“He told me how to change my medication so I could sleep,” she said. “I had never slept through the night before. That alone has made a huge difference, especially for writing.”
She added that the ability to rest properly has allowed her to focus more effectively on creative work, even as she adapts to the challenges of the condition.
Writing With Parkinson’s
The author said Parkinson’s has affected her ability to write in traditional ways.
“I can barely control a mouse,” she said. “I can’t type for very long, and it’s hard to sit in a chair for extended periods.”
Reid is now exploring alternative methods, including voice-to-text software, though she admits it does not yet feel natural.
“I need to figure out something,” she said. “It’s taking me much longer to write now, but I’m not ready to stop.”
From Page to Screen
Reid published the first instalment of her Game Changers series in 2018, followed by five further books. The television adaptation of Heated Rivalry launched in North America in late November and quickly became one of the most talked-about new shows of the season.
The series follows rival ice hockey players Shane and Ilya, whose fierce professional competition gives way to a secret romantic relationship. The show is set to premiere in the UK on Sky and streaming service Now on 10 January. For Reid, the success of the adaptation has brought an unexpected benefit beyond critical acclaim.
“Something amazing has come out of all this attention,” she said. “It’s given me access to help I never thought I’d get.”
