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

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

Declan and Silvan are joined by one of the most talked-about voices in MM romance.

In this special interview, we're joined by bestselling author Scarlett Drake to discuss the phenomenal success of Oleander, her haunting queer reimagining of Great Expectations.

Scarlett shares the twelve-year journey that took her from posting fanfiction on Wattpad to becoming one of the genre's most celebrated independent authors, and how self-publishing changed her life.

We take a deep dive into Oleander, exploring the inspiration behind the novel, its gothic atmosphere, the symbolism of the title, and the complex relationship between Jude and Cas. Scarlett opens up about writing morally complicated characters, depicting trauma responsibly, and why she believes Cass deserves empathy despite his flaws. We also discuss readers' divided reactions to the ending, the challenges of adapting classic stories for a modern queer audience, and the lasting influence of The Song of Achilles and A Little Life.

Scarlett also gives us an exciting first look at her next project: a dark, gothic MM retelling of a popular classic. We chat about her writing process, visualising scenes like films, balancing creativity with a day job, and her advice for aspiring authors hoping to publish their own stories.

There may be some spoilers when discussing the characters, so join us for a insightful conversation with Scarlett.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 16th August 2026.

Find Scarlett:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettedrake?utm_source=qr

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scarlettedrake?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Scarlett-Drake/author/B09C6HH6FC?_encoding=UTF8&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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/Z73ROmlKrlU

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

Declan and Silvan break down the Heated Rivalry book review in part 11. We dive into one of the most talked-about chapters and it is every bit as steamy as its reputation suggests.

We explore how Rachel Reid balances intimacy with emotional depth, discussing why these scenes feel so much more than just spice. From playful video game rivalry and unforgettable chemistry to conversations about consent, vulnerability and communication, we unpack what makes this chapter such a turning point for Shane and Ilya.

We also compare the book with the TV adaptation, looking at the emotional weight behind Ilya's fears, Shane's growing certainty, and the subtle differences that completely change how key moments land. Along the way, we discuss masculinity, queer relationships, hookup culture, and why Rachel Reid's writing continues to evolve as the novel progresses.

We reach one of the most emotional milestones in the entire story as Shane and Ilya finally say the words readers have been waiting years to hear. We break down the meaning behind their confession, the heartbreaking conversation about Ilya's mother, and why this chapter perfectly captures the blend of humour, tenderness and emotional honesty.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 9th 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:

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 Book Review

01:27 Exploring Emotional and Physical Intimacy

04:58 The Importance of Shared Interests in Relationships

08:22 The Evolution of Writing in Heated Rivalry

12:11 Consent and Communication in Intimate Relationships

16:11 The Dynamics of Hookup Culture

19:12 Character Depth and Self-Perception

21:17 Navigating Emotional Vulnerability

25:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

30:12 The Butterfly Effect in Drafting Decisions

34:41 Family Dynamics and Their Impact

38:33 Testing Boundaries in Relationships

45:01 Confessions of Love and Vulnerability

52:02 Humor and Intimacy in Relationships

53:06 Creating Meaningful Connections Through Charity

Declan and Silvan are at The Cottage in Part 10 of our Heated Rivalry book review.

We unpack one of the funniest chapters in the novel, from eight burgers and "stupid Canadian wolfbird" to the effortless comedy Rachel Reid gives Ilya throughout these scenes. Beneath the laughter lies one of the book's most important emotional turning points.

We explore Shane's hesitation about coming out, what it means for Ilya to feel like a secret and how Rachel Reid captures the complicated balance between love, fear and vulnerability. We also compare these moments with Jacob Tierney's television adaptation, discussing why certain scenes feel even more powerful on screen and how subtle changes in body language transform the emotional impact.

The conversation also dives into Ilya's lifelong role as a caretaker, the heartbreaking story of his mother, and why we found ourselves wanting even more of his perspective during these pivotal moments. Along the way, we debate whether Heated Rivalry is ultimately Shane's story or whether Ilya deserves more narrative space.

Plus, we share our thoughts after our first Belfast listener meetup and thank everyone who came along to make it such a memorable day.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 2nd 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:

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 the Cottage Chapter

02:31 Humor and Levity in the Story

05:10 Adaptation Insights: Book vs. TV Show

08:11 Creative Trust in Adaptations

09:25 Superhero Fatigue and Audience Expectations

09:44 The Need for Quality LGBTQ+ Stories

10:34 Character Dynamics: Shane and Ilya

10:46 Exploring Shane's Internal Struggles

13:44 The Impact of Micro-Rejections

16:29 Ilya's Caretaking Role and Its Consequences

24:33 The Caretaker Role of Ilya

27:13 Contrasting Upbringings: Ilya vs. Shane

30:15 Character Development: The Evolution of Shane

35:00 Emotional Intimacy vs. Physical Connection

39:18 Navigating Grief and Vulnerability

43:55 The Balance of Humor and Seriousness

47:58 The Writer's Responsibility: Depth in Storytelling

57:29 Community Connection: Reflections on the Meetup