Scan barcode
A review by imme_van_gorp
Tough Guy by Rachel Reid
3.5
➛First read: May 2022 | ★3.5 stars
➛Second read: April 2023 | ★3.5 stars
This was so cute, adorable, wholesome and even a little bit touching.
Ryan is the literal embodiment of a gentle giant. He is so sweet and shy that it was incredibly easy to love him. That's why it was also rather regretful to see that he has such low self-esteem, a constant feeling of anxiety and a clear case of depression. Ryan is just a big ball of nerves and insecurities, and my heart broke for how he has gone 13 years in the NFL without anyone giving him the love and attention he clearly deserved.
Fabian, on the other hand, was basically the complete opposite: he was confident, happy, fun, flamboyant, and just generally satisfied with life (except for his dating habits). Like Ryan, I found it very easy to like him. He just seemed like he was so well put together and was simply a great person to be around, and I love that. Especially considering he had such a tough time growing up with his ‘masculine’ hockey loving family, which made it extra beautiful to see how he came out the other end feeling so happy with himself and his life!
Ryan and Fabian's relationship was one I genuinely found extremely sweet. Fabian was so good for Ryan, but I also appreciated that it wasn't like he 'cured' Ryan. As long as Ryan was in that horrible environment of being a NFL enforcer, there was no way he would ever be truly happy, and even then, Ryan's issues are likely also just a part of who he is.
I can understand why dating someone like Ryan would be hard, and although I can see why some people might be a little bit annoyed by some of Fabian's actions (such as the break-up scene), I felt it was understandable, and the best thing for Fabian to do for himself. You can't live your life for someone else, and even if both of them were miserable apart, it makes sense for Fabian to not want to be around such self-destructive behaviour.
Nonetheless, Fabian was generally like a bright light in Ryan's extremely dark life, and my heart swooned every time it was obvious how much Ryan adored Fabian. Fabian encouraged Ryan to open up, do new things, experience joy, and be the sweet and gentle guy he was deep inside beneath that tough exterior. It was so lovely.
Another thing I really appreciated in this book (aside from the mental health portrayal and sweet relationship dynamic) were the genuine friendships between Ryan and Wyatt but also Fabian and his group of friends. Both were such authentic displays of friendship, and I found it heart-warming to read. I loved those parts so much.
I am sure this book could have done some things differently to make it even better, but all in all I thought this was incredibly cute and very enjoyable!
➛Second read: April 2023 | ★3.5 stars
This was so cute, adorable, wholesome and even a little bit touching.
Ryan is the literal embodiment of a gentle giant. He is so sweet and shy that it was incredibly easy to love him. That's why it was also rather regretful to see that he has such low self-esteem, a constant feeling of anxiety and a clear case of depression. Ryan is just a big ball of nerves and insecurities, and my heart broke for how he has gone 13 years in the NFL without anyone giving him the love and attention he clearly deserved.
Fabian, on the other hand, was basically the complete opposite: he was confident, happy, fun, flamboyant, and just generally satisfied with life (except for his dating habits). Like Ryan, I found it very easy to like him. He just seemed like he was so well put together and was simply a great person to be around, and I love that. Especially considering he had such a tough time growing up with his ‘masculine’ hockey loving family, which made it extra beautiful to see how he came out the other end feeling so happy with himself and his life!
Ryan and Fabian's relationship was one I genuinely found extremely sweet. Fabian was so good for Ryan, but I also appreciated that it wasn't like he 'cured' Ryan. As long as Ryan was in that horrible environment of being a NFL enforcer, there was no way he would ever be truly happy, and even then, Ryan's issues are likely also just a part of who he is.
I can understand why dating someone like Ryan would be hard, and although I can see why some people might be a little bit annoyed by some of Fabian's actions (such as the break-up scene), I felt it was understandable, and the best thing for Fabian to do for himself. You can't live your life for someone else, and even if both of them were miserable apart, it makes sense for Fabian to not want to be around such self-destructive behaviour.
Nonetheless, Fabian was generally like a bright light in Ryan's extremely dark life, and my heart swooned every time it was obvious how much Ryan adored Fabian. Fabian encouraged Ryan to open up, do new things, experience joy, and be the sweet and gentle guy he was deep inside beneath that tough exterior. It was so lovely.
Another thing I really appreciated in this book (aside from the mental health portrayal and sweet relationship dynamic) were the genuine friendships between Ryan and Wyatt but also Fabian and his group of friends. Both were such authentic displays of friendship, and I found it heart-warming to read. I loved those parts so much.
I am sure this book could have done some things differently to make it even better, but all in all I thought this was incredibly cute and very enjoyable!