Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Silvan is joined by special guest Jenn from The Book Refuge for a deep dive into the passionate world of Heated Rivalry fandom, fan fiction, and the phenomenon of AO3.

Jenn shares her journey into fan fiction culture, including how Heated Rivalry became one of the biggest fandoms on AO3. We unpack why these characters inspire such devotion, what makes romance adaptations so emotionally powerful when done well and why fandom spaces can feel both deeply creative and deeply personal.

Together we explore what AO3 actually is and how it works, why Heated Rivalry lends itself so perfectly to fan fiction, the blurred lines between authorship, creativity, and community and the legal and ethical complexities surrounding fan works.

If you are a longtime AO3 reader or someone hearing the term for the first time, this episode is a fascinating exploration of why people become so attached to fictional characters why Shane and Ilya continue to resonate so deeply with fans around the world.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 31st May.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup
00:40 Exploring Heated Rivalry and Fan Fiction
03:41 Diving into the Fan Fiction World
06:28 The Impact of Adaptations on Romance
09:42 The Role of AO3 in Fan Fiction
12:29 The Significance of Romance in Storytelling
28:30 Exploring the World of Fan Fiction
30:21 The Legal Landscape of Fan Fiction
37:18 The Gift Economy of Fan Fiction
42:11 The Allure of Heated Rivalry Fan Fiction
46:35 Understanding Tags in Fan Fiction
58:03 The Impact of Wolfbird and Opal Apparition
01:00:33 The Popularity of Fan Fiction
01:02:25 The Impact of Unfinished Works
01:05:17 The Drama Surrounding Fan Fiction Authors
01:07:02 Navigating Fandom and Parasocial Relationships
01:11:03 The Role of Fiction in Understanding Diverse Experiences
01:13:51 Creating a Safe Space in Online Communities
01:14:00 Handling Criticism as a Content Creator
01:15:37 Exploring Diverse Romance in Literature
01:21:00 The Journey into MM Romance

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 Jenn:
Instagram: thebookrefuge18
Youtube: TheBookRefuge

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod
Write to us: [email protected]

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

References for material Jenn spoke about today:
Series of YT videos by Jill Bearup: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj4N-R1RQxAs2v9G09lNy4oyAnGBBUtW3&si=d1osuTsCvf_6ykw8 

An Exhaustive Defense of Fan Fiction: https://youtu.be/wvP_BLMgYBg?si=NoOIu5jxUh3AtigJ 

Ao3’s Mission Statement: https://archiveofourown.org/about 
Ao3’s FAQ Page: https://archiveofourown.org/faq/about-the-archive?language_id=en#whatisao3 

Slash Fiction (Wiki): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slash_fiction#:~:text=It%20is%20commonly%20believed%20that,Spock%22)%20were%20used%20interchangeably 

Reddit Thread about Opal Apparition: https://www.reddit.com/r/heatedrivalryfanfics/comments/1sbnnuz/this_has_actually_made_me_feel_physically_sick/

Declan and Silvan dive into Part 3 the Heated Rivalry book review. We finally reach one of the most emotionally charged turning points in Shane and Ilya’s relationship and we had a lot to say about it.

From the aquarium scenes with Hayden and the subtle hints about Shane’s fears around family, to the infamous penthouse chapter, ginger ale, tuna melts, and one devastating use of first names, we unpack how Rachel Reid uses intimacy, domesticity, and even sex itself as storytelling devices. 

We explore how these chapters shift Shane and Ilya from “hookups” into something far more vulnerable, and why Shane’s panic feels so heartbreaking once you understand what’s really going on underneath it all.

We also discuss queer identity, denial, internalised shame, reclaiming slurs, chosen futures, and how the TV adaptation changes and deepens the emotional beats from the book. 

Plus, Declan goes on an anti-pickle rant, we accidentally term the phrase “tuna spit,” and we somehow end up talking about Shakespeare in the middle of all of it.

This episode covers chapters 12 onward and sets the stage for one of the most painful stretches of the book.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 24th May at 10am (GMT).

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Heated Rivalry Podcast
00:28 Exploring Character Development in Chapters 12-15
05:26 The Complexity of Family Dynamics
09:28 The Pressure of Traditional Expectations
12:35 Navigating Identity and Relationships
16:44 The Impact of Language and Labels
24:58 Shane's Sensitivity and Foreshadowing
27:18 The Complexity of Parenthood and Relationships
31:53 Navigating Long-Term Hookup Dynamics
35:40 Sexual Dynamics and Power Play
47:30 The Shift Towards Intimacy
54:02 Confronting Domesticity and Vulnerability
57:34 Conflicted Emotions and Inner Turmoil
58:23 Denial and Acceptance in Relationships
01:00:24 Character Depth: Ilya's Backstory
01:03:50 Intimacy vs. Physicality in Relationships
01:06:46 The Significance of Names in Connection
01:10:18 Emotional Climax and Vulnerability
01:14:04 Conflict and Pacing in Storytelling
01:19:25 Building Intimacy Over Time

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: [email protected]

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/tjtQNj3qXr8

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

In part two of our Heated Rivalry book review series, Declan and Silvan dive deeper into the emotional chaos, yearning, and tension that turns Shane and Ilya’s relationship from a physical rivalry into something far more dangerous. What started as criticism in part one quickly becomes obsession as the pair unpack chapters 9–11 of and realise this is where the story truly finds its rhythm.

We discuss Ryan Price’s introduction and the early exploration of anxiety and mental health and Ilya’s protective instincts and the complicated relationship he has with his father. 

We explore why Ilya might be the most psychologically complex character in the series, how trauma and perfectionism shape his behaviour, and why the TV adaptation deepened certain emotional beats even further.

Our conversation also unpacks the infamous Vegas scene, the shifting power dynamics between Shane and Ilya, and the subtle ways intimacy is portrayed differently in the books versus the TV show. 

Plus, we discuss Rachel Reid’s bonus Ilya POV chapter, why it completely changes the tone of the Vegas encounter, and how it reveals just how heartbreakingly in love Ilya already is.

Along the way, there’s discussion of Hudson and Connor’s rising fame, future season predictions for the show, emotional communication failures, improvised TV moments that made fans lose their minds, and why the “we didn’t even kiss” text still hurts.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 17th May at 10am (GMT).

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: [email protected]

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

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

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/Bm92FVXKCHI

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Part Two
01:35 Character Development and Emotional Depth
02:34 Introduction of Ryan Price
04:17 Ilya's Protective Nature
08:37 The Impact of Fame on Characters
11:45 Predictions for Future Seasons
14:35 Character Dynamics and Relationships
17:34 The Evolution of Ilya's Character
20:25 Realism in Character Roles
22:39 Shane's Commitment and Actions
25:33 Yuna's Role in the Story
28:55 Sexual Tension and Writing Quality
31:14 Comparing Book and Show Intimacy
37:53 Pressure of the Olympics on Ilya
39:08 The Weight of Leadership
42:13 Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles
47:32 The Complexity of Relationships
48:59 The Pain of Separation
56:36 The Power of Perspective
59:01 Control and Power Dynamics
01:06:17 The Significance of the Extra Chapter

In this episode of the podcast, Declan and Silvan dive into the Heated Rivalry book. Covering the first eight chapters, we begin a multi-part deep dive into how the original story compares to the TV adaptation, and whether the book lives up to the hype.

Coming to the story from two very different perspectives, Declan as a longtime reader and Silvan as a first-time book reader shaped by the show, our conversation explores first impressions, biases, and the challenge of separating beloved on-screen portrayals from the source material. 

We unpack the book’s bold opening, its heavy focus on physical intimacy, and whether the pacing works when read as a standalone versus part of a larger duology. Along the way, we explore key differences in characterisation

Our discussion also gets into adaptation choices: what the TV show adds, what it elevates, and what gets lost in translation. Expect thoughtful critique, a bit of gay panic analysis, and plenty of debate about writing choices, tropes, and what makes this story resonate so strongly with fans.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 10th May at 10am (GMT).

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: [email protected]

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

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

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/YIKoVyKK7ms

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Heated Rivalry
03:08 Comparing Heated Rivalry and Game Changer
05:46 Character Analysis: Ilya and Shane
08:31 Differences in Character Portrayal
11:23 Pacing and Emotional Depth
14:47 Sexual Dynamics and Their Purpose
16:53 Prologue and Story Structure
20:13 Time Jumps and Character Development
27:58 Realism in Relationships
31:04 Sound and Storytelling in Adaptation
34:24 Creative Adaptation and Elevation of Material
37:38 Character Perspectives and Narration
39:25 Main Character Dynamics
42:49 Character Arcs and Stakes
47:09 Tropes and Character Descriptions
50:06 Easter Eggs and References
51:18 Character Interactions and Humor
53:31 Exploring Anxiety Through Visual Mediums
54:34 The Dynamics of Sexual Encounters
57:24 Power Dynamics in Relationships
57:32 Navigating Gay Panic and Sexual Awakening
59:53 Emotional Distance and Intimacy
01:02:08 The Complexity of Sexual Experiences
01:03:27 Character Development and Emotional Depth
01:07:16 The Significance of Awards and Recognition
01:11:20 Characterization and Emotional Context
01:12:13 Comparative Analysis of Writing Styles

Declan and Silvan are joined by Lizzy from the Self aware podcast in  Part 2 of this special discussion on masculinity and sport in Heated Rivalry. In this episode, we explore the emotional cost of elite athletic culture through the lens of Shane, Ilya and Scott.

Building on last week’s episode, the conversation moves beyond performance and into identity, intimacy, and emotional survival. We question why physical closeness between male athletes encouraged, while emotional vulnerability feels almost impossible. We explore why can Shane and Ilya fight, joke, and touch each other with ease and yet struggle to actually say how they feel.

Drawing on her experience coaching young male athletes, Lizzy breaks down how sport teaches men to process emotion through aggression, competition, and physicality, while often neglecting emotional awareness altogether. Together, we discuss everything from performance anxiety and coping strategies to toxic competitiveness, role models, therapy in sport, and the psychological differences between Shane’s controlled overthinking and Ilya’s instinct-driven intensity.

The next episode of the podcast will be published on Sunday 3rd May at 10am (GMT).

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: [email protected]

Find Lizzy:
The shelf aware podcast
Instagram: @ shelfawarepodcast and @ lizzyb_reads

Find Declan: 
Instagram: declan712
Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:
Instagram: Silvates
Tiktok: silvates1

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

Listen to the Podcast on:
Apple podcast: 

Spotify podcast: 

Amazon podcast: 

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/GcAc7RKrBSM

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Masculinity in Sport
01:28 Physical vs. Emotional Connection in Athletes
04:21 The Importance of Mental Health in Sports
07:29 Role Models and Vulnerability in Athletics
10:31 Coaching Responsibilities and Mental Health Support
13:33 The Impact of Psychological Support on Performance
16:37 Emotional States and Athletic Performance
19:18 Coping Strategies for Athletes
22:16 The Balance of Instinct and Preparation in Sports
25:33 Aggression and Performance Expectations in Hockey
38:51 The Nature of Competition in Sports
44:00 Cultural Influences on Aggression in Sports
48:51 The Balance of Winning and Team Dynamics
54:00 The Role of Coaches and Mentorship in Sports
58:58 The Impact of Role Models in Sports
59:38 Reevaluating Success in Athletic Environments