Tough Guy

Game Changers Series, Book 3

By: Rachel Reid

Narrated by: Tor Thom

They 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 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.

©2020 Rachelle Goguen (P)2020 Tantor

Ran out of steam?

Enjoyed the book but the ending was disappointing- or maybe the author tired of her characters? Pity, some subjects that could have been developed further.

Hockey and sweet romance

Ryan is such an easy character to root for. He and Fabian together are just too sweet. For fans of Ilya and Shane, they make an appearance. But I enjoyed Ryan’s story almost as much as theirs!

Tough Guy Troubles ❤️

I’m so happy that I don’t read other peoples reviews before reading / listening to a book. Most comments were to the negative.
However, I loved hearing of Ryan’s difficulties and the way that Fabian was able to be the supporting partner Ryan so needed.
Even though their lives were vastly different, they made a great couple that were able to commingle their lives together and find the happiness they both needed.
Loved Rachel Reid’s inclusiveness of other characters from her previous books to complete these stories.
Looking forward to the next instalment. ❤️

Ryan and Fabian…

Really enjoyed this one. I liked how sweet Ryan was. He was just a really great character that you really rooted for and Fabian was just fabulous, but not diva-ish. These were two pretty easygoing, likable characters. One of my favorite in series.

Awesome characters and different couple dynamic

I really enjoyed this story. The MCs are completely lovable and the opposites attract storyline is a wonderful addition to this series. I would have liked a couple more in depth steam scenes, but the ones that are there are well written. I personally don’t love this narrator (don’t get me wrong, he has a lovely deep voice) he did a fair job, I just wished for more differentiation vocally between the MCs.

Not bright & shining, but hopeful

A much harsher look at competitive sports than most hockey romances, but maybe a little compassion will light a better way. Ryan may be good at hockey but hockey’s not good to Ryan. Fabian’s family is driven by sports, he’s been undervalued and dismissed in favor of the Jr leaguers his family housed. Meeting in their youth, neither knew how the other was struggling.
Fabian has carved out a life- true to himself and proud of his accomplishments, where Ryan still hasn’t found his center. Ryan struggles not only with his sexuality but his role on the team and serious anxiety. Ryan’s consideration and respect for Fabian is something he didn’t know he was missing. Fabian gives Ryan comfort and understanding to be himself, he doesn’t accept hockey which was a tad disappointing

Ryan

I love Ryan! We all have some of his idiosyncrasies! This book has quit a bit more humor and I really enjoyed that!

Fun story, average narration

The narrator has a great voice, but he does this thing at the end of Fabian’s sentence where every comment comes off as a question (or as though Fabian is winded from running up a set of stairs).

If the narrator could change this one issue with inflection, it’d be perfect.

Adorable

Ryan Price is just one of the most endearing and adorable characters I’ve ever read about. Loved his story so much and wish we could have another book about him. Loved it ❤️

Loveable

By far my favorite of the series so far, and not just because of the lack of accent work. The characters are so loveable that you want to root for them at every step, even the missteps.