Tough Guy

Game Changers Series, Book 3

De: Rachel Reid

Narrado por: 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

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!

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.

epic friends to lovers

I love this series so much.

This one was a bit more serious than the epic Ilya/Shane book that will live in my heart forever. But it was wonderful all the same.

Gentle giant Ryan Price is an anxiety riddled sweetheart with body image issues, a fear of flying, problems in the bedroom, and trouble connecting to his teammates on account of being traded every year.

Musician Fabian is a sexually confident man who goes dancing and drinking and is surrounded by friends all the time. He knows who he is and what he wants.

These two friends are total opposites. Can they find true love??

I don't think there was as much spice in this one, but not every book has to be packed wall to wall with sex. There was enough.
And this might be the best group of friends I've read in a long while. I love Fabian's friends. And Wyatt is such a support for Ryan.

Tor Thom does a fantastic job as narrator. As always.

Great book; not a great narrator

I loved this story and these characters so much, but Tor Thom's narration is so hard to listen to, it ruins the book for me. I dearly wish that Cooper North, who narrated the last 3 books in this series, could have recorded this one, or could re-record it now. I would buy this book on Audible again if it had a better narrator; until then, I far prefer re-reading it in print to listening to this version.

Green flags all around, wholesome, sweet and feels so good

Love, love, love ❤️. Such a wonderful representation of anxiety disorder. I love a good missed opportunity story that turns into a great love 💕 My Only complaint in this series… I always want more!!! Such a great build up and character development, then they “live happily ever after…” I want another Epilogue!!! Although, I do enjoy these characters popping up in each others books 🥰🥰

Cute

I love the Game Changer series so far. The way the author weaves in important topics like mental health, risk of addiction, etc while giving each book its own unique dynamic is awesome. This one was nice because it revolved around the drama of the MC finding himself vs the drama of "coming out" which seems to be a go-to in a lot of gay romance (understandably).
Also, I tend to not love Tor Thom as a narrator because of his choppy narration style, like each sentence is a question that deserves the same amount of inflection, but he has done a good job on this series.

This hit close to home

I’m currently fanning my eyes trying not to cry again. We all know that doesn’t actually work though lol. As a fellow clinically anxious babe, this is officially my favorite book of the series. I didn’t know I needed the validation about being brave for living my life through it until I read this. I even wrote down a few of the quotes for my own life.

My biggest takeaway, courtesy of Fabian: “It’s okay to use your talent to create happiness rather than wealth. It’s okay to not use your talent at all. Eff anyone who says otherwise.” 5 stars. Hopefully I stop crying soon. Amazing audio too - I highly recommend an immersive read.

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

Fun listen

The focus on mental health was refreshing for a sports themed story. I love Fabian and Ryan, and Fabian's friends were a hoot.