Book Reviews

Book Blurb

They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon 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 it’s clear 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 starting to feel 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.

Book Review

In a tale of second chances, this third volume in the ‘Game Changers’ series focuses on two men who are made for each other but have already missed their chance of being together in the past. An almost-kiss just wasn’t enough to build on. When they meet again, it seems Fate is even more against them, but they are both more mature than they were in high school, so maybe things will work out for them this time around? The author sure made me wait for it though!

 

Ryan Price is a pro hockey defenseman and very intent for his career to work out now that he has been traded to the Toronto Guardians. His job with the team is dictated by his physical characteristics (tall, muscled) – his coach makes pretty clear that “we need you to beat the shit out of opponents who threaten our real players”. Ryan’s role as enforcer is diametrically opposed to who he really is, and debilitating anxiety attacks are the result. But he is also very clear that he is gay and not famous enough to fear being recognized off the ice, so getting to know the Toronto LGBTQ village is high on his agenda. While he knows he will probably have to hang up his skates for good if he comes out, he does not exactly hide who he is in his personal life. He calls it “being quietly out” and that is a good description.

 

Fabian is a musician who is determined to be able to make a living making music, but he isn’t quite there yet. He likes to wear eyeliner and nail polish and doesn’t really care about people who have a problem with that. Fabian hates hockey, it is the first statement about him in the book, and it was interesting to find out where this antipathy originated. Running into Ryan at the store where he works the makeup counter is a huge surprise. And when Ryan turns up at one of the venues where Fabian plays? It does not fit with the jock-image Fabian has of the man who stayed with his family when they were in high school and throws him for a loop.

 

Ryan, who is socially awkward to put it carefully, and Fabian, who loves to perform music and enjoys going out, are not an obvious fit. But beneath the surface, as both men slowly discover, there is a lot going on that makes them an excellent fit. Not that either man is willing to admit it quickly, but as they both reveal hidden characteristics it becomes unavoidable.

 

If you like hockey romances where opposites attract, if second chance stories are your thing, and if you’re looking for a romance where the sparks fly both physically and emotionally, then you will probably like this novel. I definitely enjoyed it a lot.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and audio
Length	Novel, 262 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	13-January-2020
Price	$4.99 ebook, $12.76 paperback, $18.37 audiobook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Guy-Game-Changers-Book-ebook/dp/B07WDLS4PJ