REVIEWED by Jen B.
TITLE: Tough Guy
SERIES: Game Changers #3
AUTHOR: Rachel Reid
PUBLISHER: Carina Press
LENGTH: 262 Pages
RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2020
BLURB:
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.
REVIEW: I absolutely loved the previous book, Heated Rivalry, where we met Ilya and Shane. This story somewhat overlaps their story in that those two are still known throughout the league as being enemies and heated rivals. We get two very different characters and feel with this story.
Ryan “Pay the Price” Price (aka Pricey) is a defenseman and enforcer. He’s a really big guy, so when he’s on skates, he must be huge. But, he is on the team for his fighting skills more so than his hockey skills. This is a major factor throughout this story, as Ryan struggles with major anxiety in addition to not actually enjoy his job. He is good at fighting but hates that it is what is expected of him.
Fabian is the complete opposite of Ryan – he’s a small, twinkish musician who has no trouble expressing himself. The biggest problem is that Fabian’s family fostered Ryan through a hockey program, and is therefore, guilty by association of all the other hockey players who were fostered in his family. Ryan was the complete opposite of the hockey playing son his parents wanted, was not treated all that well by the jock hockey players and is pretty adamant about not dating any hockey players, even though Ryan was always different than the rest.
But, these guys are reunited, and drawn together, they slowly move forward. Fabian learns more about how different Ryan is with his anxiety disorder and how he struggles with his career. Fabian has some similar issues where Ryan’s career is concerned, and aside from a short blip, is there for Ryan when he needs it most.
These guys are really sweet. This doesn’t have near the heat as Heated Rivalry, nor does it have the exciting and entertaining banter. But I enjoyed the differences all the same and wanted to see these guys find happiness together. Fabian has some great friends, and I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing them again. Likewise, it was great to see Ilya and Shane again. Bottom line – I enjoy this series and am looking forward to seeing what is next.
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