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kaity_b's review against another edition
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!
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
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!
matson's review against another edition
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.
bookschaosnart's review against another edition
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.
ouroboros_00's review against another edition
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: 🌶🌶🌶
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
tc_booksandmore's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
5.0
How does Rachel Reid keep coming up with these guys?
This one is filled with the innocence of teenager first crushes, meeting said crush after a significant length of time apart, figuring out what makes someone happy, friends, and what makes a home.
I feel so much for Ryan and Fabian, and their emotional journeys that they take, as Ryan deals with the toxicity of being an enforcer defenseman for Toronto, having been recently traded (spending so much of his time being transferred from one team to another), being tall and big, but also incredibly sensitive, anxious bundle of nerves, who doesn't like most of his team members, oh and being gay in a league that is not exactly supportive. And Fabian deals with coming out of a toxic relationship and being faced with his former crush, that isn't as over as he thought it was.
Highly recommend this book, and all of this series honestly. I started reading before going to bed, and the next thing I knew it was way late at night and I needed to put it down to sleep.
This one is filled with the innocence of teenager first crushes, meeting said crush after a significant length of time apart, figuring out what makes someone happy, friends, and what makes a home.
I feel so much for Ryan and Fabian, and their emotional journeys that they take, as Ryan deals with the toxicity of being an enforcer defenseman for Toronto, having been recently traded (spending so much of his time being transferred from one team to another), being tall and big, but also incredibly sensitive, anxious bundle of nerves, who doesn't like most of his team members, oh and being gay in a league that is not exactly supportive. And Fabian deals with coming out of a toxic relationship and being faced with his former crush, that isn't as over as he thought it was.
Highly recommend this book, and all of this series honestly. I started reading before going to bed, and the next thing I knew it was way late at night and I needed to put it down to sleep.
francisdee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
4.0
Sweet cute and adorable. I loved Ryan in the few moments we met him in HR, so I was very pleased to see he had an entire book dedicated to his gloriousness! Not to make everything about HR, but it made me so f happy to see Ilya again <3 also, it is nice seeing professionals deciding to put their health and happiness first and understand that a successful career is not necessarily everything that there is in life.