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Rachel Reid
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Tough Guy: A Spicy Gay Hockey Romance (Game Changers Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Rachel Reid (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,900 ratings
They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself with Fabian? Opposites attract in this steamy Game Changers romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid.

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to Toronto, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ+ Village. The last thing he expects to find in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s feeling something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

Need more Reid? Don't miss The Shots You Take—a sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance. Available now!

Game Changers
  • Book 1: Game Changer
  • Book 2: Heated Rivalry
  • Book 3: Tough Guy
  • Book 4: Common Goal
  • Book 5: Role Model
  • Book 6: The Long Game
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  1. Book 3 of 6
    Game Changers
  2. Print length
    312 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Carina Press
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    January 13, 2020
  7. File size
    742 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
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  1. “No. You are a defenseman. You will teach them how to stand still and not score goals. Defenseman things.”
    Highlighted by 352 Kindle readers
  2. “What? About the fact that you suddenly look like bearded Captain America instead of, like, the dad in How to Train Your Dragon?”
    Highlighted by 261 Kindle readers
  3. Something about being naturally awkward, shy, clinically anxious, terrified of flying, and, oh yes, gay, didn’t exactly make him a friend magnet in the ol’ locker room.
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From the Publisher

Title Copy saying "USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel Reid"
Image of characters towards the left of the banner, copy on their right
Game Changer
Heated Rivalry
Tough Guy
Common Goal
Role Model
The Long Game
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars 2,935
4.6 out of 5 stars 5,345
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,900
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,753
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,106
4.8 out of 5 stars 3,538
Price $15.19 $12.91 $15.19 $12.90 $12.90 $13.60

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is a sweet, satisfying romance.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“There were so many things that made me love this book […] If you love hockey romance, or are just looking for a good, solid read, absolutely put this on your list.”
—The Novel Approach

“Tough Guy is a sweet, sensual and charming romance, and if you like opposites attract, gentle ginger giants and/or second-chance romances, then I’d urge you to give it a try.”
—All About Romance

About the Author

Rachel Reid has always lived in Nova Scotia, Canada, and will likely continue to do so. She has two boring degrees and two interesting sons. She has been a hockey fan since childhood, but sadly never made it to the NHL herself. She enjoys books about hot men doing hot things, and cool ladies being awesome. You can follow Rachel on Instagram at rachelreidwrites and Twitter @akaRachelReid, and on Goodreads. Her website and blog, where she writes more things, is www.rachelreidwrites.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07WDLS4PJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Carina Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 13, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 742 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1488068911
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Game Changers
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 1,900 ratings

About the author

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Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!

Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players.

Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.

Her Game Changers male/male hockey romance series is published by Carina Press and is available wherever you buy ebooks or audiobooks!

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
1,900 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance novel delightful and well-written, with excellent character development and humor that makes them smile while reading. The book features two adorable, incredibly sweet characters who are comfortable in their own skin, and one customer describes it as a tender journey of acceptance. Customers praise the author's talent, with one noting their deft handling of mental health themes.

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19 customers mention "Romance"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as delightful, with one customer noting how it makes readers feel part of the story.

"...big, aggressive player on the ice but a total softie and a sweetheart in private...." Read more

"...feel anxious and inadequate about (especially Ryan) is one of the most intimate and heartbreaking conversations I've ever seen in a "sex scene" in a..." Read more

"...Their relationship was interesting- I appreciated that Ryan’s issues weren’t magically cured by sex, and that there were realistic issues for them..." Read more

"...follows is a tender journey of acceptance, experimentation, trust, and love. A beautiful read." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer specifically praising the author's portrayal of mental health issues.

"...Loved him for his confidence. Ryan grew the most in the book and I was so happy for him by the end!..." Read more

"...want a story that deals beautifully, sensitively, and empoweringly with mental health issues, this is for you." Read more

"...Ryan was a very endearing character and I rooted for his happy ending...." Read more

"...There is no comparison. Each book in the series has completely different characters and coming from one writer, that is amazingly talented...." Read more

17 customers mention "Adorable"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters adorable and incredibly sweet, particularly noting how Fabian and Ryan are cute together.

"I can feel Ryan’s anxiety radiating off the page. I found it very adorable and actually not annoying...." Read more

"...But Fabian is very femme and very comfortable in his own skin and knows who he is and how he wants to present to the world...." Read more

"...gentle questions so that he can be sure to take care of Ryan is so beautiful and affirming, yet still fun. I truly loved it...." Read more

"...a different tone than the rest but I really enjoyed it, Fabian and Ryan are so cute together...." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and honest, with one customer noting it can be read as a stand-alone story.

"...He is so honest, considerate, and he broke my heart with his gentle soul and put it back together with his courage. He is why this book is 5 stars...." Read more

"...My hard heart exploded. I just love this story, and that the writing would melt me ... critical old me ... was totally unexpected...." Read more

"...I adore this book. You can read it as a stand alone. It’s so, so good!" Read more

"...The writing is divine...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning it made them smile while reading, and another describing it as a heartwarming read.

"...I LOVED him. I thought he was brilliant and funny, and the way he could see right into Ryan's head and heart and knew exactly what to do to support..." Read more

"...Just ... such a sweet, romantic and kind and finding-oneself romance, I just know I will enjoy reading it again. Thanks, Rachel 😊..." Read more

"...These men made me smile while I read their story, and I couldn’t recommend it more!..." Read more

"This was such a heartwarming read, it touched on so many different thing while stealing my heart at the same time.." Read more

7 customers mention "Comfort"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book comforting, with several mentioning it hits all the feels and helps readers feel very comfortable in their own skin, while one customer describes it as a total softie.

"...But Fabian is very femme and very comfortable in his own skin and knows who he is and how he wants to present to the world...." Read more

"...love with Ryan being this big, aggressive player on the ice but a total softie and a sweetheart in private...." Read more

"...Truly a lovely book, and if you want a story that deals beautifully, sensitively, and empoweringly with mental health issues, this is for you." Read more

"...I liked how supportive and accepting Fabian was, and the fact that Ryan never once had an issue being with a small, makeup-wearing, femme guy- in..." Read more

6 customers mention "Heartfelt story"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the heartfelt story of the book, with one review highlighting its tender journey of acceptance and another noting its heartbreaking conversations.

"...about (especially Ryan) is one of the most intimate and heartbreaking conversations I've ever seen in a "sex scene" in a romance novel...." Read more

"...He is so honest, considerate, and he broke my heart with his gentle soul and put it back together with his courage. He is why this book is 5 stars...." Read more

"...What follows is a tender journey of acceptance, experimentation, trust, and love. A beautiful read." Read more

"This book was heartfelt and honest. Ryan made me sad. But I loved that we were following a hockey player that wasn't a superstar...." Read more

5 customers mention "Talent"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's talent, noting their deft handling of the story, with one customer specifically mentioning the great editing.

"...Not a dud in the mix." Read more

"...Fabian is outgoing, confident, talented, and extremely self-assured. He’s attracted to Ryan DESPITE the fact that he’s a hockey player...." Read more

"...different characters and coming from one writer, that is amazingly talented. Book 2 is my favorite in the series, it’s one of my favorite books EVER...." Read more

"...The author did a very deft job with balancing the romance with some of the heavier aspects of the plot...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Madi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ryan & Fabian
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I can feel Ryan’s anxiety radiating off the page. I found it very adorable and actually not annoying.

    Not as much spice as the other ones (though will anyone ever beat Ilya & Shane in that category??? I think not)
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  • jodikayti
    4.0 out of 5 stars another great story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Ryan nearly broke my heart. He has severe anxiety makes him so shy. His meds create performance issues . Running into Fabian who he knew from his billet days changes everything. I loved how Fabian gave him love and courage and support. Finding Ilya and Shane kissing was a hoot!
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  • Durdahawk
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this unlikely duo and how they fought for what they wanted and needed for their love and careers equally.
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  • amf0001
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved both men
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I so felt for Ryan Price. He's just a honey bear you want to cuddle - despite the ferocious videos of him beating people up! (it's during the game and completely legal!)

    And I adored Fabian.

    Both these men are really non sterotypical for a sports m/m book - especially a hockey one! Theya usually seem to be between two super athletic men, and no one is at all femme. But Fabian is very femme and very comfortable in his own skin and knows who he is and how he wants to present to the world. Loved him for his confidence.

    Ryan grew the most in the book and I was so happy for him by the end! He definitely deserved his HEA.

    I love this series and have read all 6 of them by now. I rate the entire series 5 plus stars - all keepers and rereads! Not a dud in the mix.
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  • AnnElm
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected couple
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was another couple that I really love with Ryan being this big, aggressive player on the ice but a total softie and a sweetheart in private. I felt so bad for him with everyone making fun of him and reducing him to a brawler and he really deserved someone like Fabian who is confident, fabulous and a hundred percent on Ryans side.
    And with Ryan being the big, muscular red head and Fabian being the lithe, sexy and androgynous musician I imagine them being a striking couple.
    I was really happy with their happy ending
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Untraditional Sexy Times
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Something that few people have mentioned in their reviews of Tough Guy is the incredibly empowering sex-positive way Rachel Reid handles 2 men with sexual dysfunctions. Ginger giant Ryan Price is dealing with crippling anxiety, panic attacks, extreme social anxiety, self-image/body issues, and inability to orgasm. Fabian Salah is dealing with premature orgasm and a tendency to choose self-centered men who could care less about him. The first sex scene with them when they stop kissing and start sharing all the things that they feel anxious and inadequate about (especially Ryan) is one of the most intimate and heartbreaking conversations I've ever seen in a "sex scene" in a romance novel. And the way that Fabian keeps asking gentle questions so that he can be sure to take care of Ryan is so beautiful and affirming, yet still fun. I truly loved it. Sex can be difficult and scary, and it's so rare to see that handled in a sensitive way.

    Also, I'd like to put in a word here in support of Fabien--lots of reviewers didn't seem to like him as much. I LOVED him. I thought he was brilliant and funny, and the way he could see right into Ryan's head and heart and knew exactly what to do to support and encourage him, make him comfortable and give him everything he desired was just wonderful. And I even understood his reasons for the confrontation near the end. Ryan had been lying to Fabien and hiding his injury pain and wouldn't stand up for himself to his hockey coach. Fabian was right to call him out on it. Of course he could have been more supportive, but Fabien also needed a little distance to see that he truly needed to be with Ryan and that he could come to terms with his deep-seated (and justified) hatred of hockey. And Ryan needed a break to see how self-destructive he was being. They both needed a kick in the pants to move them to the next level in their relationship.

    And I also loved Ryan and wanted to give him a huge hug. Loved his interior dialogue and bravery. They were both brave and they were made for each other. Truly a lovely book, and if you want a story that deals beautifully, sensitively, and empoweringly with mental health issues, this is for you.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Amanda
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Hockey Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This definitely had a different tone than the rest but I really enjoyed it, Fabian and Ryan are so cute together. Fabian being so patient and kind with Ryan and his insecurities was so beautiful.
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  • Joshua
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly hooked on the series
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I have every intention of finishing this whole series by the end of the month. It’s FABULOUS. But you have to read in order as I learned the hard way reading book 6 early. Oops!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Nicole
    5.0 out of 5 stars Queer perspectives
    Reviewed in Australia on January 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The way this series, but particularly this book, represents different types of queer men is amazing!
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  • Andrea
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book
    Reviewed in France on January 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book, maybe even more so than the second one, which was my favorite. I read it in just one day, so it speaks volumes ;)

    Ryan IS such a lovely character, and I couln't get enough of his personality. I was also very pleased with his evolution. As an anxious person myself, Ryan was relatable on so many levels. God, I love him so much I was sad to say goodbye at the end of the book.

    Fabian was also a delight. I love the fact that he was unapologetic about himself, about who he was and what he wanted. Their love story was touching, and they are perfect for each other.

    I also love the fact that the book does not shy away from difficult subjects. Hockey is a tough sport, and even though I love it, there are still many problems plaguing the sport itself, and I found the way the author talked about them very well done. It was really sad at times, but I think it was also necessary.

    Also, the supportive cast was absolutely wonderful. Fabian's friends were so nice, caring and also very funny. Vanessa is such a gem! And as for Ryan, Wyatt was absolutely perfect. The way is friendship with Ryan grew was very well written. I don't want to spoil the book for other readers, but man, I was as gutted as Ryan when Wyatt told him what he had to tell him (twice :<).

    Finally, it was nice to see some familiar faces. I love Ilya and Shane so much! I would also have loved to see Kip and Scott, but since Ilya and Shane are (were?) my favorite, I'm not complaining:)

    I really hope the author will write another book in the series. If so, I will be there for sure ;)

    P.S: I'm not an English native speaker. I hope my review is not too full of mistakes!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Henna R.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great hockey romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Tough Guy is a great hockey romance, and I expected nothing else from Rachel Reid. Ryan is adorable treasure who needs to be protected at all cost!

    And yes, it is thrilling to see tiny glimpses of Ilya and Shane as well. I still need a full book of them again, though.
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  • Snorkeling
    5.0 out of 5 stars Grandios - wie die ganze Reihe
    Reviewed in Germany on November 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Rachel Reid schreibt fantastisch und Tough Guy ist ein enorm starkes Buch.
    Ryan ist groß, kann boxen und wird als Verteidiger von seinen Trainern sehr eindimensional als Enforcer eingesetzt, egal wie gut er technisch wäre. Außen der harte Bursche, ist er innerlich ganz anders und leidet enorm unter seiner Rolle. Als er zufällig Fabian, seinen "billet" Bruder aus Jugendtagen, wiedertrifft, ist das wie ein Strahl Sonne in sein eher trübes Leben. Fabian, der Musiker und aufgewachsen in einer Hockey-verrückten Familie, verbindet genau deshalb mit Hockey nichts Gutes. Wobei Ryan schon damals nicht dem Klischee entsprach. Die beiden zu begleiten und zu sehen, wie Ryan einen Ausweg findet, tut gut.
    Dass hier mal eine der Arbeitsbienen statt der Stars im Mittelpunkt steht, ist großartig. Es gibt nicht nur die umjubelten Stürmerstars und im Vergleich zu den vielen Hockey Romances, die in den letzten paar Jahren erschienen sind, ist der Blick eher realistisch: der Druck, unter dem die Spieler stehen, auch über Verletzungen hinweg zu spielen, die Strapazen auf dem Eis und auf Reisen (Flugangst!) sind wichtige Elemente.
    Das Wichtigste: Reids Schreibstil ist leicht, unangestrengt, unbemerkt großartig. Die Figuren sind sofort dreidimensional, wachsen sehr schnell ans Herz, sie bleiben "reale" Personen, auch wenn sie fiktiv sind.
    Das Gute: wie im echten Leben begegnen sich die Liga-Spieler (sehr positiv: die Teams sind zwar an die echten angelehnt, haben aber andere Namen, die Trennung von realer NHL und fiktiven Stories ist deutlich) in den anderen Titeln der Serie wieder, z.B. bei Summer Camps, Spielen, Ereignissen wie Feiern oder Beerdigungen. In The Long Game etwa begegnen wir Ryan und Fabian kurz wieder und das tut gut!!
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  • Tammy998
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great hockey romance
    Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Couldn't put this book down!
    13 years after NHL player Ryan spent a year boarding with with Fabian's family in Halifax, they run into each other in Toronto. Fabian has spent the intervening time building his career as an indie musician. Ryan's career as an NHL enforcer is grinding away at his mental health.
    Two men who appear to have nothing in common fight for their future.
    Great book, adds the reality of how a hockey career can grind away at the regular players. Great addition to the series, and we see some of the previous characters pop up during the book.
    Wyatt... loooove Wyatt! Need to see more Wyatt in the future.
    Report

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