Recent Release Review: Tough Guy by Rachel Reid

25 January of 2020 by ButtonsMom2003

Reviewer's Rating: 5

5.0Overall score

I want more books in this series!

Tough Guy By Rachel Reid

Genre: Contemporary, Sports, Romance, Hockey, GLBTQ, MM

Released: January 13, 2020

Publisher: Carina Press

Series: Game Changers, Book 3

Length: 262 pages

Synopsis

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

Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003

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.