“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
Professional hockey is a game that demands a lot of its players, mentally and physically. The money is great, but Ryan has been traded over and over, moving from city to city without putting down roots or making friends. He’s a decent defenseman, and would like to play that way, but ever since he was a teen and his body showed he was going to be six-seven and imposing, he’s been put in the role of enforcer. That means his job is to threaten, and fight with, the tough guys on other teams. To put the fear of himself into anyone who might mess with his teams’ real stars. For a gentle guy with anxiety issues, he has to become someone else on the ice, and that takes a big toll.
Fabian grew up in a hockey-mad household as a small, slender, music-loving, femme gay guy. His parents didn’t reject him, but they never understood him, and he felt that the Juniors players they billeted every year were replacements for him – real, masculine, hockey guys for his parents to go to games for, and cheer on. He broke away from home, made a career as a solo musician, and after ten years in Toronto with good friends behind him, he’s close to his big break.
Then one night, one of those hockey substitute-sons comes in to the pharmacy where Fabian has his day job. It’s a moment of conflicting emotions, because out of all those guys he hated, there was one who was kind, and never seemed to look down on him. Ryan was something special then, and he’s impressive now. Fabian still loathes hockey, but he’s glad to see Ryan again, especially, suggestively, in the middle of the gayest neighborhood in Toronto. Because they once almost had a moment…
I really liked that this book features a femme gay guy who is secure in his fabulousness and a big guy with anxieties and image issues. I also loved that the sex is tentative and imperfect and not the immediate bonding factor between them. Ryan’s issues with self-doubt and self-image have made sex, and even jerking off, difficult for him, and having an orgasm isn’t his main goal when he and Fabian get together.
Ryan stole my heart from the beginning, and I loved both Fabian’s strengths and his flaws. The story is fairly slow and quiet, focused on character not hockey action or plot. Since great characters are what make a book work for me, I have zero complaints about that. I also appreciated that these are very different people from the MCs of “Heated Rivalry” (which I loved) and appealing in different ways. I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.
This is my second Rachel Reid book and I can safely say I’m a huge fan. I’m heading right into Amazon as soon as I’m done to buy the rest of the books in this series. So I guess that’s a good way to start the review!
I absolutely loved the dichotomy between these two MCs. It’s such a great Yin and yang and it makes for a compelling story. The sensitive and heart tugging way Ryan’s struggles are portrayed is so well done. Fabian is such a polar opposite and the way that he is able to see the real Ryan is heart warming. I truly appreciated portrayals that are different from the norm and I loved that Fabian is Lebanese both because it’s an ethnicity I rarely see in m/m romance and because it is part of my own heritage.
The portrayal of aspects of hockey that are not the bright and shiny side was also welcome. I kind of wish the coach (and GM since I have to assume he was on board with the plan) got some sort of comeuppance for his one dimensional perspective. And I wish there was more detail on Ryan’s exit. That whole story element was pretty vague.
Overall it was a very good read and I can’t wait to get more in this world.
To be honest, I didn’t feel this book.
Rachel Reid is a fantastic author, and there’s nothing at all to complain about writing-wise. But I just wasn’t in the mood for a massive hockey hunk with anxiety, crippling shyness and … perfomance issues. Also, Heated Rivalry was so fabulous, Tough Guy simply can’t compete with that.
A sweet story of first crushes and opposites-attract.
Ryan…an enforcer, big, burly, quiet, introverted, anxiety-ridden, low self-esteem, depressed
Fabian…femme, fabulous, musician, outgoing, attention-loving, hates hockey
They could not be more different but have admired each other from their first encounters as teens and they slowly pick it back up in the present. But they have issues to work through. Ryan especially struggles due to his anxiety and the effects of the meds, trying to figure out what he wants to do with his future, and trying to get out of a dark place. He has a hard time believing anyone would be interested in him and does have a lot of negative self-talk. Fabian is sunshine dragging him into the light and more social settings. They both have some sexual and intimacy challenges and I loved how it was handled. They have great chemistry, a connection, and their differences complemented each other. I loved seeing the changes in them individually and together.
Wow. I was blown away by this book. I’m not shy to admit that I love a M/M Hockey romance, but Rachel Reid really surprised me with her unique and beautifully written characters in Tough Guy. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, no doubt. But something about these characters vulnerabilities, adoration, and understanding of each other left me with warm and fuzzies.
I really like this book. Least favorite in the series to date, but still a great addition. I loved Ryan’s character and really loved that he was such a big teddy bear. I did think Fabian was a bit annoying at times, and felt Ryan deserved better. But, since he loves him, I will love him too. Narration was bomb on this one as well!
This third book in the Game Changers series is my favorite so far. I enjoyed the first two books in the series but finished both with mixed feelings. Rachel Reid does write some great characters, but the romance came up short for me in the first two books. This one gave me both with Ryan and Fabian in a friends to lovers romance that has plenty of feels. I really liked the outlandish Fabian. He’s larger than life at times, and he’s just such a fun character to read. Then we have Ryan, who is a gentle giant until he hits the ice and has to be the fighter, the Tough Guy. I absolutely loved Ryan. He’s not without his problems, most of which stem from low self-esteem and anxiety, but he’s just that much more lovable because of those things. He’s one of those characters that tug at the heartstrings and make me want good things for them. This pair would seem incompatible on the surface, but they are just so good together. There is plenty of steam between Ryan and Fabian, maybe even a bit too much given how much page time is dedicated to that side of the relationship, but at the same time, it works for this couple. I was glad to see that the author dedicated some time to the actual building of this relationship, and I loved seeing Ryan slowly come out of his shell both in the romance and in his everyday life. I’ve liked all three couples in this series, but I have to say that Ryan and Fabian make up my favorite couple so far. This has been an entertaining series, and I like that we get to revisit some past characters while the book still works as a standalone. I’ll be interested to see what Rachel Reid does next.
Tough Guy is part of the Game Changers series and it can be read as a standalone. I would highly recommend reading the two books prior as it gives context to the world this book takes place in.
Tough Guy was a different departure from the others in the series. I liked both Ryan and Fabian. They had some real chemistry although it was rather understated. I didn’t get a raw intensity from them. Fabian was very confident in his life and what he does, where Ryan is going through an inner struggle with his. He doesn’t like what he’s been hired to do, but feels grateful for the position so many others would covet.
Overall, a nice story with likeable characters. I have really enjoyed this series and look forward to many more to come.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. The review and rating are my opinion.
I want more books in this series!
Have you ever wanted to read a book really badly but didn’t read it because you didn’t want it to be over? Well, that was me with Tough Guy. I really, really wanted to read this, and have had a copy since mid-December 2019, but kept putting off reading it because I knew it would be an emotional read but also because I knew I wouldn’t want it to end. According to Rachel Reid’s website, she is planning more books in this series and I am so happy to learn that.
This story was a bit different from the first two in this series but I loved it just as much. NHL player, Ryan, doesn’t like what he’s become. He hates fighting and hates that he is expected to fight on the ice, that fighting is what he’s been hired for. Fabian couldn’t be more opposite from Ryan. He’s a musician and loves to wear makeup and he never imagined that he would be Ryan’s type.
This book wasn’t as hot and heavy with the sexy time as the others and that was integral to the story. Ryan has a lot of nervous issues and takes medication. Medication that affects a lot of things, including his ability to have an orgasm, which in turn can end up making him more anxious.
When Ryan runs into Fabian near his new home in Toronto, he once again feels the connection to him that he felt back when they were teenagers. Fabian is exactly the kind of man Ryan is attracted to, much to Fabian’s surprise.
I loved the slow-burn of Ryan and Fabian exploring their attraction to each other. I also loved how caring Fabian was and how understanding of Ryan’s various issues. Everything about this book just kept me glued to my e-reader once I started it.
I wish I had the right words to say how much I loved this book and the whole series. If you like MM hockey romance you really should give Rachel Reid’s books a chance.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
While, for me, this was the weakest book of the series, it was still a good reading experience.
Ryan and Fabian
Ryan feels a bit awkward. He has very low self-esteem and starting something with Fabian is out of the question. After thirteen years they meet each other by accident and Fabian is interested in Ryan. Only Ryan can’t give him more. He has issues.
“We are not a good match.”
“Not at all. Want to make out?”
“Yeah. Bedroom?”
“Yes please.”
A wonderful story with lovable characters. Ryan was quite problematic and tried so hard to achieve right and open up. Fabian was an excellently personality and he was a violinist and singer image that!
With a rough and hard life as an NFL player, Ryan has a very risky life.
Fabian can’t handle the hard sides of Ryan’s sports life.
I loved this well developed story! It was good balanced, had well developed characters, and great environments. Engagingly written story!
4.25 Stars!
This was my first Rachel Reid book, I know, I know, I live under a rock, LOL, and while it’s book 3 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I will definitely be going back to read the first two books, though, because I really liked this one and I’m very intrigued about this ‘verse and some of the couples who made cameos here.
Ryan is a giant ginger teddy bear, who happens to be a feared defenseman in the Toronto Guardians lineup. After being traded several times, he’s determined to make some changes in his life, and one of those changes is embracing his sexuality, even if he’s not flaunting it. I absolutely loved him and his friendship with Wyatt was a high point in the story for me.
Now, Fabian, judgmental, selfish Fabian, was much too difficult to like for me. Maybe he’s not completely bad, but I thought Ryan was too good for him and deserved a whole lot more. They had chemistry and they had been each other’s crushes when they were teenagers, and if Fabian had let go of his prejudices against hockey players or at least realized Ryan wasn’t like the other players Fabian had met before, and been more supportive of Ryan when he needed Fabian and made the grand gesture in the end, perhaps my opinion about him would’ve changed. As it was, his attitude dampened my enjoyment of the story a bit.
Still, this was a very good read and even if I grumbled a lot about Fabian, Ryan certainly made it worthwhile and I was thoroughly invested in him getting his HEA. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t my requirement. ***
A wonderful continuation of this series, I love how each book shows the diversity of the LGBTQ community. The characters were so sweet and accepting of each other. I hope there is another book in this series.
This book is totally different from Heated Rivalry but the author does it so well. This is dual POV and can be read as a standalone.
We met Ryan in the previous book and I really wanted to know more about him. And Ryan is adorable. I love him. He needs to be protected at all times. Fabian and Ryan are total opposites but they fit together perfectly. Fabian made Ryan more confident, made him forget his worries and just have fun.
Nothing can top my love for Ilya and Shane and I was so happy when they had a cameo. I love how Ryan and Fabian were so open with each other, especially regarding sex. Also Fabian’s friends are fantastic. Totally recommend this book!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Rachel Reid hits it in the net with Tough Guy (Game Changers, #3). In this story, NHL defenseman Ryan Price is traded to the Toronto Guardians. He moves to Toronto’s LGBTQ Village where he bumps into his teenage crush, Fabian Salah. This story is suitable for adult readers.
I like Ryan’s character. When we are introduced to him, he is not happy. He suffers from anxiety. I love how he bumps into Fabian. Fabian is an admirable character. He is confident and a talented musician. Despite being unhappy with his upbringing, he is a cheerful person with great friends. He is a positive influence on Ryan (who Fabian thought was straight). The two are very different from each other, but they fit. I like how Ryan and Fabian initially met. It is understandable why Fabian does not like hockey players. That created some interesting hurdles in the story.
Rachel Reid does a great job with this novel. I appreciate how she ties the first two books from the series into this story. It is creative considering the characters are on different teams. She does an admiral job covering compelling topics. I recommend this book to people who enjoy sports second chance romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
3.5 stars!
Content Note: suicide, addiction, some homophobic language between players
I loved the depiction and rep of anxiety in the main MC, Ryan. His story and arc and personality captured me instantly, and I was absorbed in his personal journey more than any other aspect in the story. Because I wasn’t feeling the romance, I left Rachel Reid’s Tough Guy feeling a little meh.
Ryan’s traded from team-to-team, and the only time he gets on the ice is spent fighting as the Enforcer. His personal life feels just as rocky. He’s shy, dealing with anxiety and lack of self esteem, as well as difficulties during sex. Meeting up with an old friend–and crush–is unexpected.
I enjoyed Fabian as a person, if not them together. Fabian is confident, a musician, sexually adventurous, but he has a nasty habit of picking the wrong guy. Enter the right guy, but he’s a hockey player. Fabian hates hockey and all the homophobia that seems exist in the sport.
But of course, Fabian, is drawn to Ryan’s soft smile and gentle hands. The opening chapters were some of my favorite, though the last half flagged for me. To be honest, I didn’t feel the chemistry or romance between Fabian and Ryan.
The black moment as well just felt…lackluster. I want to feel the anguish, but I never truly understood why Fabian couldn’t be with Ryan. It felt more like surface tension loosely keeping them apart rather than an actual barrier. I didn’t feel, either, like they were destined for each other.
May I say, however, that I LOVED Fabian’s friends? They were hilarious, and I wanted more.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It’s light on the hockey, but it really dives into mental health in the sports world, and I like this inside look into the not-so-glamorous. Watching Ryan find his footing with his triumphs as much as his stumbles cemented my love for his character, even if this story didn’t satisfy on the romance.
I am a huge fan of this series and the second book,Heated Rivalry is definitely one of my all times faves. I have fallen head over heels on love with Ilya and I don’t think I will be recovering anytime soon. I don’t even want to !!
So, of course, there was never any question about me reading this third book in the series, which by the way can be read as a stand-alone. I don’t know why you would want to do that since I just told you about Ilya and his awesomeness… but you could.
Now as much as I enjoyed this one, it just wasn’t the same. I knew that before I even started it that it would be. All these three books are pretty different from one another. This one was a bit heavier on the hurt/comfort/emotional side.
Now it isn’t that this book wasn’t good, it is just that the second book left such a huge impression on me, that my expectations for this one were maybe a bit too high. I know that isn’t fair because they are completely different books…but I can’t help how I felt either.
Ryan and Fabian were definitely sweet together…and did I mention HOT… they were definitely HOT as well 😉
Also, there are some awesome appearances from my all-time favorite Russian hottie !!
So even though this book did not surpass the previous one (it is gonna be hard to top anyway) I did still enjoy reading it and I am very curious what is gonna be next from this author 😉
This is the third book in the Game Changers series. It is a MM contemporary hockey romance. In the story the development of the characters wonderful. The characters are funny, neurotic and lovable and as the reader I was routing for them to succeed. The pace was outstanding, I had a hard time putting the book down. Though this is the third in the series, I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.
What I love about Rachel Reid’s stories are that they are about more than the male-male relationship and more than about hockey. This story delves into each person’s ability to be comfortable in their own skin, be their own person, live their best lives. Fabian lives out and proud. He is exacly who he is meant to be and is quick to accept every as well…except for hockey players. No worries, he might have a reason for that which you’ll need to learn for yourself. Ryan Price knows nothing but hockey. It is all he has ever known and because of his size, is automatically assumed to be the tough, confident guy. Nothing is further from the truth. He should be living the dream instead of dreading each time he’ll have to be on the ice. Can these two learn to accept each other’s faults and learn to live their own dreams and truths?
Gosh I loved this story! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
It’s a heartfelt MM romance with one of the sweetest heroes ever. Ryan is a giant hockey player and I have to say I absolutely adored him. His quirks, his shyness and his soft inside the “fighter” outside made me fall for him in a big way.
Fabian is just what he needs to find himself, his confidence and a love story he deserves. I loved that he was a beautiful gay man who owned his flamboyance and it was a nice change from the usual MM I read where both guys are manly men. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy them too but I love seeing everyone having their story told.
I smiled hard in this one & I also got teary in scenes. It’s a beautiful story and a fantastic read with a fresh twist on not judging a book by its cover. Definitely recommend.