Tough Guy by Rachel Reid follows the journey of Ryan Price, a professional hockey player navigating the complexities of love and identity. Set against the backdrop of the NHL, the story explores themes of vulnerability, acceptance, and the challenges of finding happiness in a demanding career. As Ryan faces personal struggles and develops a deep connection with Fabian, a fellow player, the narrative delves into the intricacies of their relationship and the pressures of the sport. This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ fiction and sports romance, offering a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and love. Readers will appreciate the emotional depth and character development throughout the novel.

Key Points

  • Explores the relationship between Ryan Price and Fabian in a professional hockey setting
  • Addresses themes of identity, vulnerability, and acceptance in LGBTQ+ romance
  • Set in the competitive world of the NHL, highlighting the pressures athletes face
  • Features rich character development and emotional depth throughout the narrative
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Rachel Reid
243 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Accounting
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Rachel Reid
243 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Accounting
395
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Prologue
September 2018
“Are you happy?”
Ryan Price couldn’t tell if Coach Cooper was asking the question of him,
or of the computer the man hadn’t taken his eyes from. The honest answer
was that Ryan couldn’t quite recall what happiness felt like, but that would
be an awkward thing to admit, so instead he just said, “Sure.”
“Great,” Coach said absently. “Glad to hear it. You found a place to live
yet?”
“Still at the hotel, but I’m looking at—”
“I guess you’re the expert in changing cities.” Coach finally turned his
gaze to Ryan, and smiled at him as if he’d just thought of the funniest joke
in the world. “You’ve pretty much got a full bingo card now, right?”
“Yeah.” Ryan didn’t even try to return the smile. “Pretty much.”
Coach leaned back in his chair and folded his muscular arms over his
chest. Bruce Cooper was possibly in better shape than any player on the
Toronto Guardians roster. He’d never played in the NHL himself, but he
kept his body in top form, as if suggesting to his players that he could very
easily tie on skates and replace any of them at any time. “Well, you know
why you’re here. I don’t have to tell you what kind of player you are, and
what we expect from you. You get what I’m saying, I’m sure.” He stopped
smiling, and fixed a very pointed look at Ryan.
Ryan got what he was saying all right. It was the same thing every coach
he’d had since he was seventeen had told him: we need you to beat the shit
out of opponents who threaten our real players.
“Yes, Coach,” Ryan said. He had just finished his first skate with the
Guardians, and it had gone...fine. A few players had shot him curious looks,
but no one had been particularly friendly to him. Ryan’s reputation had
obviously preceded him.
“Protecting Kent is the priority,” Coach said. “He’s got a mouth on him,
but we don’t want him getting hurt. Guys might think twice about coming
for him if they know they’ll have to, you know, Pay the Price.” He grinned.
Ryan cringed. “Yep. Got it.”
“Good,” Coach said cheerfully. “Now, the other thing I wanted to talk
about was your history of not getting along with your teammates.”
Ryan Price ran his tongue along the bottom of his front teeth, scraping off
the residue of the four Tums he had crunched down before he’d entered his
new coach’s office. He wanted to get as much of the antacid into his
stomach as possible for this.
“It’s not that,” Ryan tried to explain. “I mean, it’s not that I don’t get
along with them. I just...keep to myself. I guess.”
Coach frowned. “The Guardians are a team, Ryan. On the ice and off.
Teams are built on trust and camaraderie.”
“I know. I’ll try harder.”
“Great to hear,” Coach said, as if the matter was resolved. Ryan didn’t
expect to form any particularly strong bonds to any of his teammates.
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.
But he would try.
“And, listen.” Coach dropped his voice and leaned forward. “You’re not
gonna, like, freak out on us, right? Like before?”
Ryan’s eyebrows shot up. Wow. That’s direct. “I, uh... I’ve been working
on that.”
Coach narrowed his eyes. “Working on it, like, what? Meditation or yoga
or whatever?”
“No. I mean, a bit. But, like, therapy. And I have a prescription—”
“So you have it under control. Good.” Coach waved his hand, clearly
glad to have the conversation over with. “Let’s get through training camp
and we’ll figure out where you’re gonna fit on this team.”
“Okay, Coach.”
When Coach turned back to his computer, Ryan stood up, nodded, and
left the room. The little chat hadn’t been much different from the one he’d
had with his last coach. Or the coach before that. We want you to be
terrifying on the ice, and normal off of it.
Ryan headed back to the locker room to get ready for the physical testing
the Guardians would be doing that afternoon. In the room, he saw Toronto’s
star player, Dallas Kent, talking to another star player, Troy Barrett. Kent
was short for a hockey player, with blond hair and pale blue eyes. He
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FAQs

What is the main theme of Tough Guy by Rachel Reid?
The main theme of Tough Guy revolves around the exploration of identity and acceptance, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Ryan Price, the protagonist, grapples with his sense of self while navigating a high-pressure environment in the NHL. The story highlights the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty in relationships, showcasing how love can flourish even in the face of societal expectations and personal struggles.
Who are the main characters in Tough Guy?
The primary characters in Tough Guy are Ryan Price, a professional hockey player, and Fabian, his teammate. Ryan is portrayed as a complex individual dealing with the pressures of his career and personal life, while Fabian serves as a supportive figure who challenges Ryan to confront his fears and insecurities. Their evolving relationship forms the emotional core of the story, illustrating the challenges and joys of love in a competitive sports environment.
How does Tough Guy address the concept of masculinity?
Tough Guy critically examines traditional notions of masculinity, particularly in the context of professional sports. Through Ryan's character, the novel challenges the stereotype of the stoic, emotionally detached athlete. Instead, it promotes a more nuanced understanding of masculinity that embraces vulnerability, emotional expression, and the importance of supportive relationships. This exploration resonates with readers, particularly those interested in LGBTQ+ themes and contemporary romance.
What setting does Tough Guy take place in?
The setting of Tough Guy is primarily within the world of professional hockey, specifically the NHL. This backdrop provides a rich context for the story, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport and the unique challenges faced by athletes. The novel captures the intensity of hockey culture while also delving into the personal lives of the characters, allowing readers to see the intersection of their professional and personal struggles.
What can readers expect from the romance in Tough Guy?
Readers can expect a heartfelt and authentic romance in Tough Guy, characterized by emotional depth and realistic portrayals of relationships. The connection between Ryan and Fabian develops gradually, allowing for moments of tension, vulnerability, and intimacy. The novel balances the excitement of a sports narrative with the complexities of love, making it a compelling read for fans of both romance and sports fiction.

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