Game Changers Book 3: Tough Guy by Rachel Reid

 

Game Changers Book 3

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.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220966547-tough-guy

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ryan is tired of his pretty crippling anxiety. He’s tired of constantly being traded. He’s really tired of fighting on the ice because that is what everyone expects of him because of his size. And if he is really honest with himself, he is pretty tired of hockey. But he can’t just simply quit the NHL. No, he’ll do what he has to and he’ll make the best of his new start with his new team in Toronto. But the last thing he expects is to run into Fabian. The boy he had a crush on growing up when he lived with Fabian and his family during a hockey season when he was a teenager. And now all these years later, turns out their chemistry is even stronger and this time they can actually do something about it. Fabian is a musician and if there is one thing he hates, it’s hockey. But when Ryan walks back into his life, lots of feelings come with it. And the more they spend time they spend together and learn about another, the harder it is to resist the connection between them. But it doesn’t make it easy for Fabian to watch Ryan do something it is clear he just doesn’t enjoy. But can he help Ryan realize there is more to his life than that? I was looking forward to Ryan’s story after seeing him in the previous book. I definitely wanted to learn more about him and was so glad he got a book! Overall, this was a great story and I loved getting cameos from other characters we’ve seen before!