From Burlesque to Bestseller
Rachel Reid’s journey to literary stardom took an intriguing turn in the latest episode of comedian Nicole Byer’s podcast “Why Won’t You Date Me?” There, the author of the groundbreaking Heated Rivalry series shared colorful anecdotes from her past, including her unexpected beginnings in a burlesque troupe in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Reid’s path to success was far from conventional. She met her husband, Matt, while performing in a burlesque show; their initial connection sparked by her sports-themed comedy acts. Known by her burlesque stage name “Misconduct,” Reid combined her love for sports with her passion for performance, foreshadowing the steamy hockey romance novels that would later captivate audiences worldwide.
During her burlesque days, Reid’s act involved borrowing hockey attire that, unfortunately, carried a less-than-pleasant scent. Despite the aromatic challenges, Reid’s sports-themed performances, complete with comedic twists, laid the foundation for the narratives she would later craft in her bestselling books.
Years after her burlesque days, Reid drew upon these saucy experiences to produce her hockey romance series. With titles like Game Changer and Heated Rivalry, Reid’s books initially gained modest attention before the premiere of an HBO Max series in November 2025 thrust them into the limelight, captivating fans with the onscreen chemistry between fictional stars Shane and Ilya.
Today, as Reid’s books continue to fly off shelves and the HBO Max series garners an impressive 10 million viewers per episode, it’s clear that her life has been transformed by her literary success. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of a third book in the saga of Shane and Ilya in 2027, it’s safe to say that Reid’s journey from burlesque performer to bestselling author is just getting started.
In a world where unexpected beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes, Rachel Reid’s evolution from burlesque to bestseller serves as a testament to the power of embracing one’s unconventional path and infusing it into their creative endeavors.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.