Tough Guy: Now Streaming on Crave and HBO Max

This third book in the Game Changers series is my favorite so far. I enjoyed the first two books in the series but finished both with mixed feelings. Rachel Reid does write some great characters, but the romance came up short for me in the first two books. This one gave me both with Ryan and Fabian in a friends to lovers romance that has plenty of feels. I really liked the outlandish Fabian. He's larger than life at times, and he's just such a fun character to read. Then we have Ryan, who is a gentle giant until he hits the ice and has to be the fighter, the Tough Guy. I absolutely loved Ryan. He's not without his problems, most of which stem from low self-esteem and anxiety, but he's just that much more lovable because of those things. He's one of those characters that tug at the heartstrings and make me want good things for them. This pair would seem incompatible on the surface, but they are just so good together. There is plenty of steam between Ryan and Fabian, maybe even a bit too much given how much page time is dedicated to that side of the relationship, but at the same time, it works for this couple. I was glad to see that the author dedicated some time to the actual building of this relationship, and I loved seeing Ryan slowly come out of his shell both in the romance and in his everyday life. I've liked all three couples in this series, but I have to say that Ryan and Fabian make up my favorite couple so far. This has been an entertaining series, and I like that we get to revisit some past characters while the book still works as a standalone. I'll be interested to see what Rachel Reid does next.

After reading the first 2 books in this series I couldn't wait to read the third. I was so disappointed in this book. I can't get into it. Ryan is a cool guy the other character not so much.

I think Ryan and Fabian are one of my favourite couples in this series. their emotional turmoil is so relatable, loving a partner but wanting to change things about them (for the better, their better). I also adore the clumsiness and awkward serial encounters, it speaks to my raging introvert personality. I also love the idea of Ryan protecting Fabian...while Fabian is totally able to protect himself...so he gets the choice, protect or be protected. Love, love, love these two, thank you Rachel for bringing them to life.