Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 5 - A Problem You Can Solve

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 8 - I’m coming to the Cottage

Declan and Silvan dive into Part 8 of the Heated Rivalry book review. We explore how Rachel Reid uses crisis as the catalyst for emotional growth in Shane’s injury. We compare the novel with the TV adaptation, unpack why Shane and Ilya react so differently in each version, and discuss the psychology behind fear, avoidance, and the moment Ilya realises he cannot walk away. As always, we go off on a few tangents, like why third-act breakups frustrate us, whether redemption after cheating can ever work in romance, and how therapists naturally gravitate towards different characters. We also reflect on why finding the right therapist matters, how sensory memories shape our emotions, and why Shane's relationship with hockey changes as his life evolves. We finally reach one of the most iconic moments in the series, Scott and Kip's iconic kiss. We talk about why this scene carries so much emotional weight, what it means for Shane and Ilya's future, and why a single act of courage can create hope for everyone who follows. Vote for the podcast at the British Podcasting Awards - Listener’s choice here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting?fbclid=IwcGRvZgNmZGlkFlCkmoMrnAekl9q_Oiq5pW6ccq4aTDBleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqzYyDxIeMXNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6krBNj0vQ0HQJgGsYBmJQII6iHsj-9a3oWRYbYE6c90gTbrJOT84ROk3cl7g_aem_Iv3xITo7m3Dit1c_OhL32w&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=120249403576740433&utm_content=120249403588300433&utm_term=120249403577610433&utm_campaign=120249403576740433 [https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting?fbclid=IwcGRvZgNmZGlkFlCkmoMrnAekl9q_Oiq5pW6ccq4aTDBleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqzYyDxIeMXNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6krBNj0vQ0HQJgGsYBmJQII6iHsj-9a3oWRYbYE6c90gTbrJOT84ROk3cl7g_aem_Iv3xITo7m3Dit1c_OhL32w&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=120249403576740433&utm_content=120249403588300433&utm_term=120249403577610433&utm_campaign=120249403576740433] The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 19th July 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 [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 [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/gN7qrF8-by8 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 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heated Rivalry Podcast 01:44 Character Development and Emotional Conflicts 06:47 Plot Devices in MM Romance 10:43 The Impact of Cheating in Romance 15:51 Shane's Injury: Book vs. TV Show 18:41 Therapeutic Perspectives on Characters 25:50 Concluding Thoughts on Relationships and Conflict 26:16 The Complexity of Relationships 30:44 Catalysts for Change 34:38 Growth Through Time 38:25 The Power of Touch 46:12 Doubts and Fears 54:26 Hope and Sacrifice

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 7 - Shane’s glasses and the skype call

Declan and Silvan go deeper into our Heated Rivalry deep dive in Part 7. We unpack one of the novel's most intimate and emotionally revealing chapters. What begins with a simple Skype call quickly becomes something far more significant, as Shane and Ilya move beyond physical attraction into a longing for domesticity, comfort, and a shared everyday life. We explore why Shane's glasses become such an unexpectedly powerful symbol, the psychology behind long-distance relationships, love languages, and the growing emotional vulnerability between two men who are trying desperately not to fall in love. We also compare Rachel Reid's novel with the TV adaptation, discussing Ilya's relationship with his father, complicated grief, and why the show adds new emotional layers to his character. We debate whether Shane's past experiences with other men strengthen or weaken the story, examine the subtle dom/sub dynamic developing between the pair, and ask what it really means to crave someone's presence more than their body. The conversation drifts into pop culture, internet boyfriends, glasses becoming unexpectedly attractive, and why being someone's weighted blanket might just be the ultimate love language. This is the quiet calm before everything changes. Request our meet up details on 19th July in Belfast here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgNJIFlK10E3J7vjhrvgP6t6UFhcBfS0lqNVHyaTRFWL57XA/viewform?usp=publish-editor The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 12th July 2026. Listen to the Grief episode from Silvan’s Podcast he references:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495?i=1000611164149 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495?i=1000611164149] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/57DNPWy7iSvLKeeWcmJrsd [https://open.spotify.com/episode/57DNPWy7iSvLKeeWcmJrsd] 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 [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 [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:  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 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Event Announcement 01:01 Chapter 20: The Significance of Glasses 10:54 Ilya's Family Obligations and Grief 18:34 Intimacy and Vulnerability in Relationships 28:06 Exploring Control and Trust in Relationships 29:40 Navigating Long-Distance Relationships 32:55 The Complexity of Emotional Connections 35:10 Understanding Love Languages 43:24 Character Backstories and Their Impact 49:01 The Realities of Romance vs. Fiction 54:13 The Sweetness of Longing and Love #podcast #podcastclips #heatedrivalryedit #silvates #connorstorrie #hudsonwilliams #shortsfeed #shortreels #silvates #mmromance #mlm #heatedrivalry  #gamechangernovel #heatedrivalrybook #bookclub

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 6 - Coming out

Declan and Silvan unpack Part 6 of the Heated Rivalry novel. Here, Shane finally says the words he's spent years avoiding, and everything between him and Ilya begins to change. We examine one of the novel's biggest emotional turning points as Shane comes out to Ilya, leading to a conversation that's surprisingly understated and deeply significant. We explore why Rachel Reid's character writing feels so authentic, how the TV adaptation chooses what to keep (and what to reinvent), and why this moment marks a new stage in Shane and Ilya's relationship. We also dive into Ilya's devastating family story, discussing the quiet reveal of his mother's death, his father's Alzheimer's, and how grief, trauma and emotional masking shape the person he becomes. Along the way we compare the novel with the TV series, debate Jacob Tierney's adaptation choices, and explain why Connor Storrie's unforgettable Russian monologue may be one of the show's finest moments. Request our meet up details on 19th July in Belfast here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgNJIFlK10E3J7vjhrvgP6t6UFhcBfS0lqNVHyaTRFWL57XA/viewform?usp=publish-editor The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 5th July 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 [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 [longgamepod2481@gmail.com] Find Declan:  Instagram: declan712 Tiktok: declanmccallion1 Find Silvan: Instagram: Silvates Tiktok: silvates1 Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/JadlJGRj9JQ 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 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chapter 17 01:40 Shane's Coming Out Moment 09:24 Character Dynamics and Adaptation 14:25 Exploring Emotional Responses 24:18 The Impact of Grief and Loss 39:18 Navigating Grief and Emotional Defense Mechanisms 41:19 Shifting Tones: From Heavy to Light 42:10 Exploring Intimacy and Vulnerability 44:28 Understanding Complex Relationships 47:11 Proactive Communication in Relationships 49:35 The Complexity of Family Dynamics 51:15 The Absence of Monologues: A Narrative Choice 54:17 The Emotional Weight of Unexpressed Feelings 58:51 Cultural Identity and Language Barriers 01:02:42 The Struggle for Love and Acceptance 01:04:33 Intimacy Through Shared Spaces 01:08:37 The Obsession with Winning vs. Love 01:11:43 The Fear of Losing Someone 01:14:24 Taking Action in Relationships 01:14:43 Missed Opportunities in Narrative

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 5 - A Problem You Can Solve

In Part 5 of our Heated Rivalry book club series, Silvan is joined by special guest Alicia, long-time listener and book club member. Together, we unpack Shane’s honest conversation with Rose and the realisation that the future he imagined for himself may not be the one he truly wants. Our discussion explores the differences between the book and the TV adaptation, from Rose’s role in Shane’s journey of self-discovery to the introduction of Svetlana and the ways both versions of the story handle friendship, family, and identity. Silvan and Alicia also dive into the subtle emotional beats of Ilya’s perspective, examining the heartbreak, longing, and misunderstandings that shape the reunion in Tampa. Along the way, Alicia brings a unique perspective as a Spanish reader who chose to read the novels in English, leading to a fascinating conversation about language, translation, immigration, and how cultural identity shapes both Shane and Ilya’s experiences.  Find Alicia on instagram: mividaennaranja  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 [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 [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/t9KnTDF_W0c [https://youtu.be/t9KnTDF_W0c] 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 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697] Chapters 00:00 Guest Introduction and Community Engagement 01:36 Discovery of Heated Rivalry 03:28 Discussion of Chapter 15 and Character Impressions 07:13 Sexual Dynamics in the Story 12:42 Character Development and Representation 18:06 Women in Hockey and Their Knowledge 22:57 Exploring Problem-Solving Perspectives 24:46 Character Dynamics and Misunderstandings 25:43 Inner Monologues and Relationship Realizations 28:57 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Repression 32:06 Language and Cultural Adaptation 39:01 Elia's Language Journey 40:30 Cultural Displacement and Identity 44:19 The Immigrant Experience 47:44 Language and Emotional Expression 50:39 Reflections on Representation in Media

Next Door Director Caroline Plyler on Queer Storytelling & Vertical Filmmaking

Declan and Silvan sit down with Caroline Plyler, director of the hit vertical romance Next Door, to discuss her journey from actor and script supervisor to first-time director. Caroline shares how her own experiences  shaped the story, why she wanted to create the "queer Disney Channel movie we never got," and what it has been like seeing audiences around the world connect with Kit and River's love story. We explore the rise of vertical filmmaking, how platforms like Candy Jar are changing the way stories are discovered, and why Caroline believes mobile-first storytelling is here to stay. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at directing Next Door, working with first-time leads, collaborating with cast and crew, and the realities of making a film for today's social-media generation. We discuss queer representation in media, the importance of joyful LGBTQ+ stories, Caroline's love of Sophia Coppola, the books she'd love to adapt, and her advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry. Next Door is available now on Candy Jar. Fine Caroline on Instagram and Tiktok: carolinegrayplyler Find CandyJar on Instagram and Tiktok: watchcandyjar 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 [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 [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/NqD-jMfkq7g 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 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Next Door and Its Impact 02:41 Caroline's Directorial Debut and Personal Connection 06:01 The Unique Appeal of Next Door 10:20 Creating a Wholesome Queer Narrative 12:03 The Importance of Diverse Queer Representation 15:18 Audience Reactions and Surprises 16:59 Caroline's Journey to Directing 20:01 The Role of Script Supervision 25:24 The Importance of Preparation in Filmmaking 35:16 Preparation and Respect for the Crew 36:06 Directorial Styles and Preferences 38:06 Inspirations from Iconic Directors 39:39 The Journey with Candy Jar Productions 42:00 Resonating with the Story of Nextdoor 46:28 Creating a Lighthearted Queer Romance 48:52 Vertical Storytelling: A New Format 54:27 The Impact of Second Screen Watching 01:03:04 The Future of Vertical Storytelling 01:04:32 Opportunities with Candy Jar Productions 01:06:49 The Impact of Fan Creations 01:09:08 Adapting Queer Stories 01:16:01 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers 01:19:42 Quickfire Questions with Caroline 01:24:30 The Heart of 'Next Door'