Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Declan is joined by Jenn from The Book Refuge to dive into Tough Guy, the third book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, and it’s quite the change of pace after Heated Rivalry.

This time, we’re talking Ryan Price and Fabian Salah, two characters who couldn’t seem more different, but who might be exactly what the other needs. We unpack Ryan’s anxiety and complicated relationship with hockey, Fabian’s unapologetic confidence and queerness, and why their much slower journey towards intimacy makes their relationship feel so different from Shane and Ilya’s.

We also get into the book’s exploration of toxic masculinity and hockey culture, the importance of friendship and support, Ryan’s experiences with performance anxiety, and the way Rachel Reid writes intimacy without making sex the end goal.

Plus, we ask whether Fabian is always quite as understanding as he thinks he is, discuss why Wyatt might secretly be one of the best characters in the series, and inevitably find several excuses to talk about Shane and Ilya again.

Is Tough Guy actually the best-written Game Changers book so far? 

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 20th September 2026.

Find Jenn:
Instagram: thebookrefuge18
Youtube: TheBookRefuge
Patreon: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Fthebookrefuge%3Futm_campaign%3Dcreatorshare_creator&e=AUDcHdy3h2tYt5j5YUAD8Re3PXU1crwrEij1q-82r98fN984taClIYwUaMLBoe1PQnXUsfy1kbJQXvs4wTt0GnLYX0NObFyxW6nlNS1UcBO3-FyOMD1ZLVw6643uo0WL8EueRlFiJe3shYKbyw

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCC

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod
Write to us: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/S22mVMWG5JA

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

00:00 Introduction to Tough Guy and the Series
02:15 Character Dynamics and Emotional Connections
05:18 Themes of Mental Health and Anxiety
08:09 Exploring Hockey Culture and Masculinity
10:03 Ryan and Fabian: A New Kind of Relationship
13:05 The Role of Support Systems in Mental Health
16:08 Fabian: The Antithesis of Traditional Masculinity
19:04 Concluding Thoughts on Character Growth and Relationships
26:59 Exploring Representation in MM Romance
30:10 Feminine Characters and Their Importance
34:44 Diversity in Character Types
38:00 The Complexity of Relationships
41:41 Character Flaws and Growth
47:50 Missed Opportunities for Character Development
52:27 Character Development and Relationship Dynamics
55:00 Exploring Career Choices and Personal Growth
58:38 Navigating Sexual Performance Anxiety
01:06:51 The Complexity of Identity and Relationships

Declan and Silvan are joined by author Alex Cross, creator of Echoes of Us, Becoming Us, When We Ignite and From Our Ashes.

Alex takes us right back to the beginning of her writing journey, from growing up as a chronic daydreamer and discovering fanfiction, to writing her first novel on her phone while nap-trapped with her daughter. We talk about the leap from fanfiction to publishing, learning the industry as she went, and why releasing Echoes of Us was such an unexpectedly emotional experience.

Of course, we get into Atticus and Noah. Alex opens up about creating the complicated relationship at the heart of Echoes of Us and Becoming Us, why forgiveness and second chances provoke such strong reactions from readers, and her decision to portray addiction, recovery and grief with all of their messiness. She also shares just how deeply she inhabits her characters while writing, and why sometimes stepping back out of their world can be harder than expected.

We also talk about the huge role music plays in her writing, the songs that define Atty and Noah, finding the perfect voices for the audiobooks, her love of dark romance, and the characters who have completely ignored her plans and seemingly written themselves.

Alex gives us an early glimpse at what’s coming next, Between Here y alla, her upcoming Spanglish MM romance featuring a Colombian main character, Latin culture, plenty of Bad Bunny and a story she describes as a very, very long book.

Plus, somehow we end up discussing brownies, Basque cheesecake, ‘la chancla’ and why being a professional chef doesn’t necessarily mean you want to cook at home.

Spoiler warning: This episode contains significant discussion of Echoes of Us and Becoming Us, including major plot points.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 13th September 2026.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCC

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod
Write to us: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

Find Alex on:
Her website: www.alexcrossauthor.com/
instagram: alexcrossauthor
Tiktok: alexcrossauthor

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/long-game-a-heated-rivalry-podcast/id1863459680?i=1000786733601

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: 

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Alex Cross: The Journey to Writing
02:37 The Impact of Dyslexia and ADHD on Writing
05:54 Transitioning from Fanfiction to Original Works
08:29 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Publishing
11:39 Character Development and Reader Reactions
14:37 Exploring Themes of Forgiveness and Healing
17:28 Content Warnings and Revisions
20:41 The Importance of Realism in Writing
23:20 Mental Health and Writing Process
32:41 The Emotional Toll of Writing
36:12 Method Acting in Writing
40:52 Balancing Writing and Family Life
45:15 Reader Interpretations and Author Intentions
50:24 The Realism of Addiction and Recovery
56:45 Resilience in Character Development
58:36 Character Connections and Personal Reflections
01:04:32 The Role of Music in Storytelling
01:13:40 The Audiobook Experience
01:15:45 Exploring New Genres
01:17:53 The Dark Romance Trend
01:21:31 Teasing the Next Book
01:26:34 Cultural Representation in Writing
01:35:30 Engaging with Fans on Social Media
01:39:53 Using Platforms for Advocacy
01:41:55 Where to Find Alex Cross

Just when you thought we we were finished with Heated Rivalry, Rachel Reid has one more dinner waiting for us.

In Part 14, Declan and Silvan dive into the bonus chapter, My Dinner with Hayden, as Shane and Ilya attempt something arguably more challenging than professional hockey, namely hosting Hayden and Jackie for a civilised dinner party.

We unpack the tension between Ilya and Hayden, Ilya’s surprising talent as a host, and whether this fan-favourite bonus chapter actually adds anything to the story. We also take a closer look at Hayden’s reaction to discovering Shane and Ilya’s relationship, the pressure Shane feels to keep their love hidden, and why Ilya seems increasingly ready to stop hiding altogether.

And, of course, we need to talk about the sex scene, including a few lines that gave us the ick, what the chapter says about trust and safer sex, and why its final moments might actually provide a more fitting ending to Heated Rivalry than the original final chapter.

Plus, we discuss the women of the Game Changers universe, the missed opportunity with Jackie, and where we’re heading next as we finally say goodbye to Heated Rivalry (for now) and prepare to meet Ryan and Fabian in Tough Guy.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 6th September 2026.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LongGamePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCC

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod
Write to us: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/0peXxjKP0pg

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast on mental health and wellbeing here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to 'My Dinner with Hayden'
01:52 Exploring the Timeline Confusion
04:56 Character Dynamics and Dinner Party Tensions
07:50 The Role of Female Characters
10:56 Hayden's Perspective on Shane's Coming Out
13:33 The Weight of Secrecy in Relationships
16:43 Contradictions in Character Development
31:07 Ilya's Readiness vs. Shane's Fear
33:41 The Complexity of Love and Career
37:33 Metamorphosis: Ilya's Transformation
37:56 Exploring the Sex Scene
43:49 The Shift in Safe Sex Practices
48:58 Contrasting Endings: A Reflection on Growth
52:19 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Series

Declan and Silvan make it to the end of Heated Rivalry, but does Shane and Ilya’s story get the ending it deserves?

In Part 13, we dive into Chapter 27 and the epilogue, as Shane and Ilya begin to imagine what a future together might actually look like. We explore Ilya’s changing idea of “home,” the significance of Shane finally letting him further into his life, a semi-proposal disguised as a joke, and why the possibility of keeping their relationship secret for another ten years already feels impossible.

We also compare the book’s ending with the TV adaptation, including what the show adds to Shane’s relationship with his family and if the final chapter left us wanting something more. Does the epilogue provide the emotional payoff the book needs? And is Heated Rivalry really a complete story, or does it only fully work when viewed alongside The Long Game? We are definitely not finished with Shane and Ilya, or the Game Changers series.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 30th August 2026.

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCC

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod
Write to us: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/C7Y2Qtgn2dc

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

chapters
00:00 Introduction to Heated Rivalry and Chapter 27 Overview
02:14 Exploring the Emotional Core of the Story
05:09 Themes of Home and Belonging
07:48 The Symbolism of Water and Vodka
09:42 Humor and Affection in Relationships
12:27 Reflections on the Book's Conclusion and Epilogue
22:17 The Role of the Epilogue in Storytelling
23:40 Emotional Arcs and Character Development
25:18 The Importance of Character Perspectives
28:52 Public Perception and Relationship Dynamics
30:40 The Challenges of Keeping Secrets in Relationships
33:18 Future Aspirations and Relationship Goals
37:08 Contrasting Endings: Satisfaction and Expectations
41:21 The Role of Charity in Character Development
44:10 Concluding Thoughts on the Book and Future Directions

Declan and Silvan finally reached that chapter.

In Part 12 of our Heated Rivalry deep dive, we tackle Chapter 26, and despite our best intentions, manage to spend an entire episode on just one chapter.

We start with the newly announced Season 2 casting and the conversation surrounding Harris, body representation and the expectations fans bring to adaptations. Then it’s back to the cottage, where Shane and Ilya are happier, more open and more in love than we’ve seen them before. Right up until David catches them together on the dock.

We unpack how differently this pivotal moment plays out in the book and TV series, why the adaptation gives Shane’s reaction so much more emotional weight, and what it means for him to have his choice about coming out suddenly taken away. We also look at Shane’s parents’ reaction, Ilya being introduced as his “lover”, the importance of Scott Hunter’s story, and the beautifully understated moment when Shane finally gets to call Ilya his boyfriend.

We discuss Rachel Reid’s growth as a writer, whether Ilya fell in love first, Shane’s relationship with control, queer relationships moving fast, why you should never abandon your friends for a new partner, and whether Declan should read The Count of Monte Cristo live on TikTok.

One chapter. One hour. We regret nothing.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 23rd August 2026.

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCC

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod
Write to us: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/3ls4YLinsgE

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

Chapters
00:00 Casting Controversies and Expectations
06:17 Character Development and Writing Style
17:38 Comparative Analysis of Prose and Characterization
24:04 Contrasting Lifestyles: Ilya vs. Shane
25:27 Exploring Voyeurism and Risk in Relationships
27:56 The Sweetness of Love: Building Emotional Connections
29:38 The Impact of Being Caught: A Turning Point
31:07 Passive Protagonists: The Need for Action in Relationships
33:23 The Struggle for Control: Coming Out and Acceptance
34:41 Humor vs. Tension: Different Reactions to Stress
37:50 Validation and Growth: The Importance of Support
39:45 Parental Perspectives: How Families View Relationships
43:15 Character Perception: Ilya Through the Eyes of Others
46:14 Naming Relationships: The Significance of 'Lovers'
49:19 The Nature of Love and Attraction
51:45 Character Dynamics and Relationships
54:58 Parental Perspectives and Emotional Awareness
57:56 The Importance of Communication
01:02:16 Navigating Change and Personal Growth
01:05:32 Inspiration and Bravery in Relationships
01:07:44 The Rush of New Love
01:10:19 Support and Understanding in Relationships