HEATED RIVALRY, book two in the Game Changers series, was one of my favourite reads of this year. It came as a complete surprise considering the romance and tone of book one which, while far from bad, was just nothing like the follow up. As a result I was trying to lower my expectations for book three and went in to this one just hoping it ranked somewhere in the middle. And, for the most part, I got my wish.

<b>Ryan inwardly cringed at how rude he must have seemed. He wished he could just wear a sign that said <I>I’m sorry. I am terrible at socializing. Please don’t take it personally.</I></b>

There are a few elements in this installment that make it stand out — but I don’t want to spoil the nitty gritty of it all — but more or less the majority of my enjoyment came from Ryan. This soft cinnamon roll was dealing with so much, while also thinking so little of himself, and yet despite how contrary to his personality it was, he was always expected to be a fighter. The tough guy (heyyyoooo). He was a bundle of contradictions and I enjoyed how Reid explored that.

Opposite him is a non-hockey player but who comes from a long line of hockey supporters and, when he was young, his family often billeted players, too. But Fabian has no interest in the sport or the typically homophobic alphajerkholes who play it. Except there was that one exception from thirteen years ago..

.. who happens to be Ryan.

This was one of the cuter reunion romances, though not quite a second-chance, and while Fabian didn’t always wow me on page, I did like him. Though I’ll admit I thought he was most enjoyable when amongst his friend group.. who were hilarious. I’m such a sucker for a friend group.

“<I>Price! Thank god you are here. This goblin is bothering me.</I>”
“<b>Eat my nuts, Rozanov<b>!“
“<I>No fucking thank you.</I>“
“<I><b>Sorry! Sorry. I shouldn’t laugh.</I></b>“
“<u>Don’t encourage Rozanov.</u>”
“<I><b>I think I might love him.</I></b>“

The romance between these two, the intimacy involved, is one of the things that stands out to me. Beyond just Ryan, full stop. Adding to the fun were cameos by a certain Russian player and, I mean, any page with Ilya is a page you’re going to love.

So, yes, this definitely wasn’t a new favourite but I did enjoy this read. I do want to say, though, that these endings give me actual whiplash. They are the most abrupt and I don’t understand why. As a result, and because of my overall love for the series and this author, I don’t want them to end. Please will there be more. I ain’t too proud to beg.

I am enjoying this series, and this newest entry features Ryan Price, a pro hockey enforcer who increasingly no longer has either the desire or the stamina to continue playing his role. When he unexpectedly encounters Fabian Salah (musician, decidedly not a hockey fan, and someone he knew in high school), new possibilities open up providing both of them can overcome their differences in light of the chemistry developing between them. This M/M sports romance hits all the right notes.

Sensitive, alluring, and heartfelt!

In this third novel in the Game Changers series, Tough Guy, Reid gives us a slightly more emotional tale about the shy, troubled, anxious Ryan who is struggling to come to terms with a life and career that no longer makes him happy, and the fun-loving, talented Fabian who lives boldly and loves fully.

The prose is smooth and seductive. The characters are open, honest, and committed. And the plot is an alluring, pensive tale of longing, desire, angst, doubt, anxiety, compassion, support, friendship, love, and hockey.

Overall, Tough Guy is a deliciously steamy, heartwarming novel about two unique, seemingly incompatible men who finally find the solace, sensitivity, tolerance, tenderness, and intimacy they need in each other.

Thank you to Carina Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.