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kathylee's review against another edition
3.0
《Tough Guy》by Rachel Reid
因为在《long game》里，Ilya&Shane伉俪和Ryan&Fabian伉俪double date，就把《Tough Guy》补了。
和《Game Changer》一样，是hockey player和非球员的故事。但Fabian的人设我实在没有很喜欢。而且里面Fabian和闺蜜们睡衣派对敷面膜聊天的剧情太多了，我仿佛在看gossip girl，这让我无数次放下这本书，最后就快速略读了。
值得一提的是，Ryan有点心理问题，很难登顶，需要人“语音导航”，所以
因为在《long game》里，Ilya&Shane伉俪和Ryan&Fabian伉俪double date，就把《Tough Guy》补了。
和《Game Changer》一样，是hockey player和非球员的故事。但Fabian的人设我实在没有很喜欢。而且里面Fabian和闺蜜们睡衣派对敷面膜聊天的剧情太多了，我仿佛在看gossip girl，这让我无数次放下这本书，最后就快速略读了。
值得一提的是，Ryan有点心理问题，很难登顶，需要人“语音导航”，所以
notruse's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.75
loudeveaux's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
3.5
theoguinto's review against another edition
3.0
Not as big a fan of this one as the previous two books tbh.
I will say that I really enjoyed Fabian and Ryan's characterization.
Fabian being an explicitly fem MC that's friends with other queer people was really refreshing to read, especially in a genre that is typically dominated by masc men. Kip from the first book in the series comes close to mind, and was even mentioned in the book, but even he was closer to the standard masculine persona
Contrasted with Ryan being the traditional manly MC, but who's actually very soft, sweet, and dealing with anxiety and mental pressure. I love how the author writes a vulnerable man, who's trying his best, but has issues with self-confidence, thinking too much, and being anxious. He's incredibly relatable and a great way to subvert the traditional sport guy MC.
Given that, I wasn't a super big fan of how Fabian handled the two times he'd run into friction with Ryan.
The first time being right after
The second time though, I really feel like could've been handled better.
But I don't think the author had done a good enough job establishing that Fabian asking Ryan to stop playing hockey was more for Ryan's sake than Fabian's own bias against hockey.
I didn't feel like he had the right to be upset that Ryan was still playing hockey, especially when that wasn't a secret.
Him leaving after Ryan had clearly demonstrated his lack of self-worth was really selfish, especially given that he knew what Ryan was struggling with.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book. The sex scenes were hot, I loved the author putting in the issues that can come from anti-anxiety medication, and the ending was sweet
Also, Wyatt is like the best guy ever.
I will say that I really enjoyed Fabian and Ryan's characterization.
Fabian being an explicitly fem MC that's friends with other queer people was really refreshing to read, especially in a genre that is typically dominated by masc men. Kip from the first book in the series comes close to mind, and was even mentioned in the book, but even he was closer to the standard masculine persona
Spoiler
at least until the end of the first book where he wore eyelinerContrasted with Ryan being the traditional manly MC, but who's actually very soft, sweet, and dealing with anxiety and mental pressure. I love how the author writes a vulnerable man, who's trying his best, but has issues with self-confidence, thinking too much, and being anxious. He's incredibly relatable and a great way to subvert the traditional sport guy MC.
Given that, I wasn't a super big fan of how Fabian handled the two times he'd run into friction with Ryan.
The first time being right after
Spoiler
Ryan and Fabian kissed in his apartment, and Ryan was fumbling to leave because he was scared and anxious. I would've preferred if he was more understanding, but I understand his being upset. Especially since the guy he was crushing on earlier in his life had kissed him and is now suddenly wanting to leave.The second time though, I really feel like could've been handled better.
Spoiler
This was where Fabian and Ryan had the argument about Ryan not letting his back heal before playing another game. It's been hinted at multiple times that Fabian was uncomfortable about Ryan playing hockey due to his parents and the way it was hurting Ryan.But I don't think the author had done a good enough job establishing that Fabian asking Ryan to stop playing hockey was more for Ryan's sake than Fabian's own bias against hockey.
I didn't feel like he had the right to be upset that Ryan was still playing hockey, especially when that wasn't a secret.
Him leaving after Ryan had clearly demonstrated his lack of self-worth was really selfish, especially given that he knew what Ryan was struggling with.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book. The sex scenes were hot, I loved the author putting in the issues that can come from anti-anxiety medication, and the ending was sweet
Spoiler
but I wish that we'd seen what Ryan had started doing in place of soccerAlso, Wyatt is like the best guy ever.
jacklovestv's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Surprised by how much I loved this one. Found myself identifying with both Ryan and Fabian and I loved their romance. Both of their arcs were delicious.
hellishlyawkward's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet story, but didn't feel the chemistry.
Liked the MCs. Refreshing that they both had the type of sexual performance issues which you don't usually find in romance novels - and loved that it didn’t cause any problems between them, but rather, seemed to make them work well together.
This was definitely a sweet, nicely written story, but it did keep giving me the same vibes as one of my past relationships - like they really really liked each other but the sexual chemistry wasn’t really there. Not sure why I kept thinking that, as they were sexually involved and were said to be hot for each other?
Was nice to see more of Wyatt, and the little appearance from Shane and Ilya
Liked the MCs. Refreshing that they both had the type of sexual performance issues which you don't usually find in romance novels - and loved that it didn’t cause any problems between them, but rather, seemed to make them work well together.
This was definitely a sweet, nicely written story, but it did keep giving me the same vibes as one of my past relationships - like they really really liked each other but the sexual chemistry wasn’t really there. Not sure why I kept thinking that, as they were sexually involved and were said to be hot for each other?
Was nice to see more of Wyatt, and the little appearance from Shane and Ilya
venlasbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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
3.0
gj377's review against another edition
3.0
I have to say, I didn't enjoy this as much as Heated Rivalry, Ryan and Fabian are no Shane and Ilya, you know?
However, if you're looking for a gay romance novel about hockey players, the Game Changers series is fun, and has a lot of heart. There's emotional depth, and themes about mental health which make it more interesting to read. And there's hockey!
Well, not enough hockey in it for me, but I guess that's what watching games is for lolol. A good addition to the series, I enjoyed reading it.
However, if you're looking for a gay romance novel about hockey players, the Game Changers series is fun, and has a lot of heart. There's emotional depth, and themes about mental health which make it more interesting to read. And there's hockey!
Well, not enough hockey in it for me, but I guess that's what watching games is for lolol. A good addition to the series, I enjoyed reading it.