Heated Rivalry

[Clefable]

Anyone watching this on NowTV?

I may have binged

🥵🥵🥵🥵

Oh my days. I love them in a not normal parasocial way I fear.

however, I have made my peace with that.

has anyone read any Carmen Wilder books?

I've read Still and Blue.
I've only just finished Still this afternoon so it's fresh in my mind - absolutely loved it.
For me Blue was good, but maybe a little bit more cutesy, and a bit of an odd style of writing - took me some time to get used to.

I think Avi and Kyran have ruined me for other books!

@Fatrascal27, I’ve been chasing the dopamine high I got from FTF since February! There are a couple of other Nyla K that I liked (MMF) but I didn’t like her jail series. She has a few FB groups.

@tennissquare if you find anything that compares to FTF then let me know!

I’m trying to not be addicted to pap photos of Connor but 1 of the top YSL people (Emmanuel Tomasini) has posted a shot of Connor taken y’day on his IG story. If brands are re-posting unsolicited photos it’s quite hard to criticise!

Also I think they are good at hiding if they want to. They must know that if they are out and about together then they are going to get photographed. I think it’s a savvy move. Get loads of photos out there now to stop people chasing them down on location once filming starts.

I'm not sure this (in general not specifically this thread) is the fandom for me.

@TheMateofOphelia why is that?

I wouldn’t say I am I am in the fandom as such. I’m far too old! I just dabble really.

@Fatrascal27 I think being old is a huge part of it to be honest. The impact on social media on fandom and the volume of information is part of my unease. I feel months of scrutiny and discussion of where the actors are, who they're with, cast speculation etc will diminish my enjoyment of S2. Not an issue in the early noughties when you'd get a few rumours and a blurry photo of a filming location, if that.

I'm not trying to position myself as superior to others, as that in itself is a negative aspect of fandom, but the intensity of fandom has given me pause for thought.

Yes I get that. I’ve been in fandoms in my younger days. Pre internet mainly but This window into modern fandom via my obsession with HR has been an eye opener. It’s mainly very toxic. Unfortunately while I’m critical of the constant search for information and intrusion into the actor’s lives, I do consume some of that same information. So I’m a hypocrite!

season 1 came out of nowhere and no one knew these actors. Now we know so much and they are superstars. The level of scrutiny on S2 will change it and will be tremendous really. There’s unknown actors out there about to have their lives changed (Troy and Harris).

Just engage as much as you’re comfortable with. I’m back at work so have less time to mess about on X and Threads. I’m looking forward to seeing the actors in other projects and looking forward to season 2. The rest is just noise that I’m trying to ignore.

Branching out from HR into MM romance books has helped and I have mainly been avoiding fan fic. I need to reduce the fixation not feed it!

Any thoughts on the casting news?
I personally don't know either actor, and although they aren't who I pictured at all, I'm very happy to keep an open mind! I'm just excited we're getting more!

Did you also see Shane's Dad (no idea the actors name at this point 🙈) did a cameo and admitted they are filming 12 episodes. Not sure if he was meant to, but what a Hayden Pike moment 🤣

I really, really liked Justice in 'I saw the TV glow', but the role was drastically different from what I expect Harris to be, so hard too say. But I am optimistic.

I presume that by 12 episodes, it means that they are shooting season 2 and 3 at the same time. It makes sense to do so while they have all the actors together (especially as they have become so popular and are probably very much in demand for other projects). Its going to be Role Model and The Long Game, so its a lot to fit in.

But I don’t think season 3 has been officially green-lit yet. Maybe season 2 parts 1 and 2? Or season 2 and a spin-off series of six episodes??

I would have liked to see a bigger-bodied actor as Harris, as per the books, but I do love Justice and I’m sure he will be great!

I read that Justice and Charlie had great chemistry hence them getting the roles. Charlie is exactly how I imagined Troy, Justice not so much but hes a good actor. Can’t wait to see them! I looove Role Model. There are some epic sex scenes in that book.

I'm so looking forward to seeing Season 2

I’ve found the discourse around Harris that’s happening online very interesting. Harris describes himself as “pudgy”, but he’s surrounded by professional athletes. Troy describes him as stocky and with a soft belly. For me, I do not see these descriptors as meaning fat. I often describe myself as a bit pudgy and soft - it just means I don’t do a lot of exercise so I’m not solid with muscle. Harris has a heart condition and carrying extra weight would put additional strain on his heart which he would have been very aware of growing up. I just don’t see him
as a fat person and I don’t believe the evidence in the book bears that out either.
However, I can totally see that some people may have interpreted those descriptors differently and I can understand that this may have led to some of the disappointment online. Some of the vitriol over it though is just bonkers.
Filming starts tomorrow!

There are some people that will argue about anything! I think Justice and Charlie will be fabulous

Me too.

The people making these casting decisions know what they're doing. The way Ilya and Scott are described in the books is pretty different to the actors portraying them, and that worked out perfectly so I'm happy to trust the process. The chemistry between the actors is the most important thing IMO.

I agree, in that I never thought of Harris as being overweight. He would just appear to be heavier when surrounded by ultra fit professional athletes. It'll be nice to have someone without a sixpack :) I don't think I've seen the actors in anything, but I have faith in the casting and I'm sure they'll be awesome. I can't wait <3

Going to re read Role Model in preparation!

I had Jake Borelli in mind for Harris. But I’m happy enough with anyone as long as they can embody the role.

Season 2 filming starts today!