Pucking Wild Summary, Characters and Themes
Pucking Wild by Emily Rath is an emotionally charged reverse age-gap romance set in the world of professional hockey.
At its core, the story follows Tess Owens, a 33-year-old woman rebuilding her life after surviving emotional abuse, and Ryan Langley, a 22-year-old NHL star forward navigating recovery, fame, and his own emotional scars. When Tess flees to Jacksonville and finds herself unexpectedly living with Ryan, their undeniable chemistry evolves into a slow-burning, tender love story full of vulnerability, humor, and healing. With found family, public pressure, and personal growth at the forefront, this novel is about second chances—and choosing wild love anyway.
Summary
Tess Owens never expected to restart her life at 33, let alone in Florida, surrounded by a professional hockey team and emotional landmines from her past.
After fleeing an abusive marriage and surviving a humiliating viral scandal, she finds refuge with her best friend Rachel, a woman who lives unconventionally—married to three men and unafraid of joy. It’s in this chaotic but healing environment that Tess meets Ryan Langley, a 22-year-old NHL forward recovering from an injury and navigating the pressures of fame, expectations, and his own insecurities, including a lifelong struggle with dyslexia.
Their first encounter?
A soccer ball to the face, a naked misunderstanding, and a kiss that neither of them can quite forget. When circumstances lead to them becoming temporary roommates, the emotional tension builds as quickly as their banter.
Tess sets boundaries, wary of falling into old patterns.
Ryan, surprisingly grounded and mature beyond his years, respects her space but doesn’t hide his growing feelings.
As Tess throws herself into launching a dance and wellness brand, Ryan becomes both her biggest distraction and strongest support.
But real life creeps in. Tess’s controlling ex, Troy, tries to ruin her reputation and her new business. The media swarms when her relationship with Ryan becomes public, painting her as a scandalous older woman and a gold-digger.
Ryan steps in, publicly defending her while facing backlash from his own team and family.
Despite it all, their bond deepens—marked by slow-burning intimacy, vulnerable late-night talks, and shared dreams.
When Troy’s manipulations escalate into legal attacks, Tess finally confronts him in court and reclaims her narrative.
Ryan, helpless in the courtroom, supports her the only way he can: by being there, fully. Their love becomes a force not just for healing but for advocacy. Together, they launch an awareness campaign that touches the lives of abuse survivors and neurodivergent fans alike.
Ryan even opens up about his dyslexia on national television, shattering stereotypes with Tess at his side.
Through panic attacks, courtroom battles, media takedowns, and tender post-game celebrations, the couple learns that love isn’t about avoiding the storm—it’s about finding shelter in each other.
Ryan proposes with a flash mob (and a Taylor Swift song, obviously), dropping to one knee in front of their friends and fans. Tess, once unsure if she could love again, says yes with her whole heart.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Tess builds a dance therapy studio to support survivors and at-risk youth. Ryan carves out space in his career for purpose beyond the rink. Together, they find balance between their personal and professional lives, proving that healthy love isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
In a quiet, barefoot beach ceremony, surrounded by their found family, they marry. Rachel officiates. The waves crash softly in the background. No drama. Just joy.
In the final pages, Tess reflects on how love—messy, unexpected, wild—was never part of her plan. But sometimes, the most beautiful chapters begin where the old ones end. And sometimes, going pucking wild is exactly what it takes to come home to yourself.
Characters
Tess Owens
Tess is a complex and dynamic character who undergoes significant emotional and personal growth throughout the novel. Initially, she is introduced as a woman escaping a toxic, abusive marriage, trying to rebuild her life.
Her journey towards independence is central to the plot, as she seeks to reclaim control over her life, both professionally and emotionally. Tess is strong-willed, but her past trauma makes her wary of intimacy and trust.
Her interactions with Ryan allow her to confront her insecurities and fears, ultimately embracing vulnerability. Tess is not only defined by her romantic relationship but also by her entrepreneurial spirit, as she works to launch her dance and wellness business.
As the story progresses, Tess becomes an embodiment of empowerment, finding her voice and learning to stand up for herself in both personal and professional contexts. Her relationship with Ryan is transformational, allowing her to find healing and emotional strength.
Ryan Langley
Ryan is the male lead, a 22-year-old NHL star with a deep sensitivity and maturity that contrasts with his youthful exterior. He enters the story recovering from a physical injury, but it’s his emotional wounds that become more prominent.
Ryan struggles with dyslexia, which has affected his self-esteem and his relationship with his demanding agent. His kindness, patience, and genuine care for Tess make him a standout character.
Despite the age difference between him and Tess, Ryan shows a level of emotional maturity far beyond his years. He is protective of Tess, yet he respects her boundaries and is committed to helping her grow at her own pace.
As the story develops, Ryan becomes more than just the athlete he appears to be; he is a partner who champions Tess’s independence and supports her emotionally through her challenges. His love for Tess is steadfast, and his advocacy for mental health and dyslexia creates a deeper connection between the couple and with the world around them.
Rachel
Rachel is Tess’s best friend and an important support system throughout the novel. She represents the kind of unconditional love and friendship that is necessary for Tess’s healing.
Rachel’s open-minded and free-spirited nature contrasts with Tess’s more cautious approach to life, especially when it comes to relationships. Rachel’s wedding, where she marries three partners, serves as a pivotal moment for Tess, illustrating the idea of non-traditional relationships and encouraging Tess to rethink her own beliefs about love.
Rachel not only stands by Tess but also pushes her to embrace happiness, no matter how unconventional it may seem. As the novel progresses, Rachel’s relationship with Tess becomes one of mutual growth, with Rachel reinforcing Tess’s worth and reminding her that she deserves to be loved and cherished.
Troy
Troy, Tess’s ex-husband is the antagonist of the story, representing the toxic and manipulative forces in Tess’s life. His abusive behavior, both emotional and legal, creates significant obstacles for Tess as she attempts to rebuild her life.
Troy’s attempts to regain control over Tess’s finances and personal life after their separation highlight his ongoing manipulation. His actions are a constant reminder of Tess’s painful past, and his presence in the story provides much of the external conflict Tess must overcome.
The legal battles and emotional turmoil caused by Troy force Tess to confront her fears, ultimately leading her to a place of empowerment where she can break free from his control.
Themes
Emotional Healing and Recovery
In Pucking Wild, Tess Owens’ journey is a deeply personal exploration of healing from emotional trauma, particularly the scars left by her abusive marriage. Tess’s path toward reclaiming her autonomy and self-worth is fraught with setbacks and moments of doubt, yet it is also marked by empowering milestones that illustrate her growth.
Initially, Tess is defined by the aftermath of a toxic relationship, with her emotional landscape shaped by fear, guilt, and insecurity. However, as the story progresses, her journey evolves into one of profound self-discovery. The narrative reveals how Tess learns to navigate the difficult terrain of self-forgiveness, particularly as she faces legal battles and media scrutiny from her past.
Her metamorphosis is not just personal but also involves reclaiming her identity outside of the relationship with her ex-husband. Ultimately, the emotional healing theme explores how vulnerability, coupled with self-empowerment, leads to an organic recovery, where Tess no longer views herself as a victim but as a survivor, equipped to define her own future.
Redefining Love Beyond Traditional Norms and Expectations
A recurring theme in Pucking Wild is the way love is portrayed as something that transcends traditional societal expectations, especially when it comes to the age-gap relationship between Tess and Ryan. Their romance is a defiance of conventional judgments, with external forces constantly questioning their bond due to their differences in age, social status, and personal history.
Yet, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their love is not hindered by these external pressures. Instead, the relationship evolves into a powerful symbol of how love can redefine itself, becoming a source of healing and support. Ryan’s respect for Tess’s boundaries, his emotional openness, and his understanding of her trauma showcase a relationship based on deep emotional intimacy, rather than superficial attraction.
Similarly, Tess’s gradual acceptance of her feelings for Ryan challenges her own preconceptions about love, especially in the wake of her previous experiences with toxic relationships. This theme underlines how love, in its most genuine form, is about mutual growth, vulnerability, and the willingness to support each other despite the odds.
The Impact of External Pressures and Media Scrutiny on Personal Relationships
Throughout Pucking Wild, Tess and Ryan’s relationship faces significant challenges stemming from the media and public scrutiny. Initially, Tess is unsure of how to handle the sudden attention that comes with being associated with a famous athlete, especially considering her past trauma.
The media’s tendency to sensationalize their relationship, often reducing it to an age-gap controversy, creates a strain on their connection. Despite these external pressures, both Tess and Ryan demonstrate resilience in protecting their relationship. Ryan’s vocal defense of Tess and his decision to prioritize her well-being over his career reveal the lengths he is willing to go to safeguard their love.
Tess, on the other hand, grapples with feelings of shame and insecurity, feeling as though she is being reduced to a stereotype. The theme explores the complexities of navigating a relationship in the public eye, where personal boundaries are constantly tested, and trust is essential to overcoming the noise.
The couple’s ability to weather the storm of public opinion ultimately reinforces the idea that true love requires protecting what matters most, even when external forces seek to tear it down.
Breaking Free from Past Traumas and Rebuilding Personal Identity
The theme of breaking free from past traumas and rebuilding one’s personal identity is intricately explored through both Tess and Ryan’s individual journeys. For Tess, her evolution is largely about disentangling her sense of self from the emotional and legal manipulation of her abusive ex-husband.
Her efforts to reclaim her independence are not solely about escaping the past but also about re-establishing her own identity. The tension between her past and present is palpable as she struggles with the fear of falling into old patterns of emotional dependency.
Tess’s eventual decision to launch her business, stand up for herself in court, and embrace a relationship with Ryan demonstrates her deliberate efforts to rewrite her own story. Similarly, Ryan’s struggles with his dyslexia and the pressure from his career provide a backdrop for his growth.
As he opens up about his insecurities, the narrative explores how individuals must confront and overcome their personal challenges to build a sense of self that is not defined by external expectations or limiting beliefs. This theme highlights the importance of self-empowerment and personal reinvention in the face of adversity, where true freedom comes from within.
The Role of Chosen Family and Community in Personal Transformation
The idea of chosen family and the role it plays in personal transformation is a pivotal theme in Pucking Wild. While Tess begins the story isolated and emotionally scarred, she gradually finds a supportive network in Rachel, Ryan, and his teammates.
The Rays hockey team, initially a group of strangers, becomes a surrogate family that provides Tess with the unconditional love and support she had lacked in her previous relationships. This theme emphasizes how emotional growth and healing are often facilitated by the people we choose to surround ourselves with, rather than biological ties.
Tess’s relationships with Rachel and the Rays represent a safe haven, where she is allowed to be vulnerable and supported without judgment. As she learns to trust these new connections, Tess’s journey of transformation becomes intertwined with the strength of her chosen family.
The narrative reinforces the importance of finding community in times of crisis and shows how these relationships can be just as transformative as romantic love. Through her bond with Ryan, Tess realizes that family is not defined by blood but by the shared experience of love, understanding, and mutual respect.
Navigating the Intersection of Public Persona and Private Lives
Another intricate theme in Pucking Wild revolves around the tension between the public personas of both Tess and Ryan and their private lives. Ryan, a professional athlete, is constantly under the microscope, with his every move scrutinized by the media and fans. Tess, in contrast, is navigating the complexities of rebuilding her life after a public scandal and abusive marriage.
The story delves into the pressure they both face to present a polished image to the world while also protecting their private selves. Ryan’s struggle to manage his image while supporting Tess’s personal growth highlights the difficulties of maintaining a relationship in the public eye.
Tess, on the other hand, is forced to confront the harsh reality of being judged based on her past and her association with Ryan. The theme explores how the weight of public expectations can strain relationships, especially when the line between private struggles and public perception becomes blurred.
Yet, as the narrative progresses, both characters learn to navigate this intersection, using their platforms to advocate for causes that matter to them while also learning to prioritize their love over external judgment. This theme underscores the challenges of balancing personal authenticity with the pressures of living in the public spotlight, ultimately illustrating how true strength comes from being genuine, regardless of how the world perceives you.