Reviews

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid

acesarrows's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a sweet read, and would have easily been a 4 star had there been more of Fabian and Ryan's relationship. I wanted to see the two of them really grow together and be partners. I felt the end was abrupt and would have really liked to see how Ryan actually went about
Spoilerleaving hockey. I would have enjoyed seeing him tell his coach and his teammates, or even a conversation with his agent. Basically, once Ryan made up his mind the book ended, and I would have liked seeing more of Ryan post-hockey, not just in the epilogue.

bettyswan_reader's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

🌶🌶🌶

kaity_b's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5-4 stars

Ryan, omg what a sweetheart. All i wanted to do was hug him! and Fabian was a good sassy partner for him. I do think that Fabian could have been a little more open to helping Ryan especially at the end, but overall this book was way more enjoyable than i thought. Also that little thing with Ilya and Shane at the end ;)

Now debating on reading the next book, probably will since I really enjoy Rachel Reids writing! it is very addictive and hooks you in from the first word!

summerpy's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love this whole series soo much!

kaila2464's review against another edition

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3.0

3 stars

matson's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This had a lot of factors that you don't normally see in romance. Mental health rep, acknowledgment that pro sports can be toxic, sexual issues that don't get magically resolved by the new partner. It was a quiet, relatively calm book, but still made my heart hurt for Ryan. Tor Thom did a pretty good job narrating. 

gaymathnerd's review against another edition

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4.75

Great anxiety rep!!!! 

bookschaosnart's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this take on the less talked about aspect of sports and how toxic it can be especially to those whose jobs it is to perform each day and night. Taking those aspects and still turning that background into a romance is a difficult task but it was well executed in Tough Guy. I loved how this wasn't the traditional mlm romance and how the characters allowed themselves and their partner to be vulnerable.. It could also be considered a second chance trope considering the characters originally met when Ryan lived with Fabian's family as many hockey players do as they try to make it to the pros. This is definitely an excellent addition to this series and it could probably be considered a stand alone if you haven't read the previous two already.

cxcarlislevilas's review against another edition

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emotional

4.0

ouroboros_00's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.75

Probably my least favorite of the series... which makes me sad because I think the mental health representation is super important and it was so great to see a match up between a more masc/femme presenting couple. That said, this was just a bit boring for some reason? I don't know if I just wasn't compelled by the central tension or if I just didn't connect with the characters as much... not sure.

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶