“This is a sweet, satisfying romance.” —Publishers Weekly, starred reviewThey have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects … city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.
Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.
Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.
Game Changers
Book 1: Game Changer
Book 2: Heated Rivalry
Book 3: Tough Guy
Book 4: Common Goal
Book 5: Role Model
more
Tough Guy is the third book in the Game Changers series but works perfectly well as a standalone. I love when each book in a series is a unique experience and that is certainly true with this collection. In many ways, Tough Guy is even angstier and heavier than Heated Rivalry as it addresses some difficult but relevant subjects including severe anxiety, self-esteem problems, sexual performance issues, suicide, addiction, and the toll professional sports can take on athletes. I devoured this book, really liked the couple, and was eager for their happily-ever-after, and yet I couldn’t help but feel as though something was missing.
Rarely do we get such different sorts of characters as in the Game Changers series and that was especially true with the main characters in Tough Guy. I loved that Ryan wasn’t your typical professional hockey player, not to mention who you would expect as an enforcer. His soft, vulnerable side was utterly charming, and I really liked that the author wrote about a main character who struggles with anxiety in a very real, palpable way. I also loved that he was paired with a femme, confident man who embraced all sides of himself and encouraged Ryan to try the same. Beyond that, it was awesome to have sexual anxieties and issues addressed in a romance without it losing any of the steam. Instead, this honest portrayal of Ryan and Fabian in the bedroom made the scenes that much more impactful. In so many ways, Tough Guy broke the mold on sports romances, and I absolutely loved that.
What I didn’t get was Fabian’s hatred for hockey that spilled over into him being unsupportive when Ryan needed it most, to the point that he refused to try and understand or listen to Ryan’s struggles. I get not loving every aspect of your partner’s life, I get not liking sports, but Fabian’s lack of investment in anything hockey when it came to Ryan rankled. Additionally, Tough Guy was really light on hockey. While that may be a positive for some readers, as a sports romance fan and a fan of hockey in general, I missed it. Overall, I really liked Tough Guy and that it set itself apart from most sports romances in so many wonderful ways, but when I pick up this trope, I want the sports elements. That said, this author will undoubtedly remain on my must-read list and I’d certainly recommend the title and series.
*Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*
Uh wow, why did I wait so long to pick up a Rachel Reid book?! Tough Guy was a M/M read that I absolutely devoured in nearly one sitting! This was seriously such a cute read and I couldn’t stop grinning at Ryan and Fabian.
When it comes to M/M romance, I’m fairly new to them, so I’d say this was my first opposites attract. I loved that we had a hockey player and a musician. They were so different, but they fit together perfectly.
I appreciated that Reid really dove into dealing with anxiety when it came to Ryan. It was one of his constants and we see his struggles and how he manages it. I liked (for once) that it wasn’t swept under the rug. And Fabian, bless his heart, he was just so patient and understanding. Plus, he wanted to show Ryan what it’s like to feel good. Ahhhh, these two, love them to pieces.
Once I finished, I had no idea this was book 3 in a series, so I’m elated that there’s two more books that I can binge read.
Such a great first time read and it definitely won’t be my last!
Rachel Reid
Tough Guy by Rachel Reid is a sweet, slightly angsty, m/m second chance romance. Ryan Price is a pro hockey star the standard bearer of everything up and coming musician Fabian loathes. Fabian has his reasons of course but the big guy is that almost first kiss from long ago. Ryan is blown away by the beautiful and talented Fabian. Watching these two get together and grow had me laughing and sighing. You don’t have to understand hockey to enjoy this story. Although this is part of a series this story stands on its own very well. That being said I am going to get the two earlier stories as well.
Sensitive, alluring, and heartfelt!
In this third novel in the Game Changers series, Tough Guy, Reid gives us a slightly more emotional tale about the shy, troubled, anxious Ryan who is struggling to come to terms with a life and career that no longer makes him happy, and the fun-loving, talented Fabian who lives boldly and loves fully.
The prose is smooth and seductive. The characters are open, honest, and committed. And the plot is an alluring, pensive tale of longing, desire, angst, doubt, anxiety, compassion, support, friendship, love, and hockey.
Overall, Tough Guy is a deliciously steamy, heartwarming novel about two unique, seemingly incompatible men who finally find the solace, sensitivity, tolerance, tenderness, and intimacy they need in each other.
Ryan is such a sweet teddy bear. Interesting take to have a hockey romance where the hockey player doesn’t love his job, gets traded a lot, and has pretty bad anxiety. Then his love interest is a man he knew years before, Fabian. Fabian is fabulous, wears makeup, is a musician with a tightknit group of friends.
This is slow burn and low on drama. There is angst in the form of Ryan’s stress but that’s mostly it. I will say their one big fight was resolved with a decision that surprised me. I’ve enjoyed this series, each book gives a completely different feel than the others.
Four and a Half Stars
I am a huge fan of sport romance novels so when the chance to read an ARC of this book presented itself I jumped at the chance. Not only is it a fantastic hockey romance, it’s also a phenomenal M/M romance. Ryan is a gentle giant suffering from anxiety and body issues off the ice; on the ice he is the team’s enforcer, the fighter. Troubled by many things, he is suffering and doesn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. Fabian is a talented musician, he is comfortable with his sexuality and is surrounded by great friends. Ryan and Fabian are not strangers to one another having known each other in their late teen years. When they see each other after more than a decade the sparks fly and their attraction is undeniable. What comes next is a beautiful love story centered around mutual respect, understanding, patience and love. A fantastic read that you should TBR right away.
3.5 stars
Tough Guy brings us a gentle giant in hockey pads. Ryan Price is the intimidating giant of a man whose job is to beat up the opposition. His job is to fight and win and with his strength and training it isn’t hard. What’s hard is living with himself after!
This sweet, sensitive man is miserable, lonely, and in need of some serious TLC. I would volunteer but Ryan and I bat for the same team. (He isn’t interested in what I have to offer…sigh) A chance meeting with an old friend and former crush has this story hearing up. Friends to lovers…formerly unrequited…take your pick of ways to describe the sweet reunion for these two men.
It seems even the tough guy has a soft spot!