Bachelorette Night Gone Awry

Eloise's bachelorette party is nothing like she imagined. Instead of a relaxing spa weekend, she finds herself in a noisy nightclub, feeling out of place among her fiancé's friends and her own mismatched bridal party. When her bridesmaid Penelope gets drunk, Eloise is forced into the role of caretaker. Amidst the chaos, she meets Conor, a charming stranger who helps her get Penelope safely back to their hotel. This unexpected encounter, filled with witty banter and a surprising sense of comfort, plants the first seeds of doubt about her upcoming wedding and the life she's about to choose.

The Fixer and the Bride

Conor, a professional hockey player, proves he's more than just a flirtatious stranger. He helps Eloise navigate the aftermath of her disastrous night, showing genuine care and a knack for "fixing" problems. Their late-night conversation in the hotel room is intimate and honest, as Conor discovers Eloise's untouched "30 before 30" bucket list. The list becomes a symbol of all the things Eloise has set aside for others. Conor's encouragement and empathy make her question the path she's on, and for the first time, she wonders if she's living for herself or simply pleasing everyone else.

Stargazing and Confessions

Conor and Eloise sneak out for a spontaneous stargazing adventure, crossing off an item from her list. The quiet intimacy of the lakeshore, away from expectations and obligations, allows them to open up about their fears, family baggage, and dreams. Eloise confesses her doubts about her fiancé, Tristan, and her struggle with people-pleasing. Conor shares his own scars from a broken family and his skepticism about relationships. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both are wary of crossing a line. The night ends with a promise to live more authentically, but the emotional connection lingers, complicating everything.

Wedding Jitters and Doubts

As her wedding day approaches, Eloise is haunted by the memory of her night with Conor and the realization that she's never truly put herself first. Attempts to share her bucket list and desires with Tristan are met with indifference or mockery, highlighting the emotional distance between them. Tristan's focus on appearances and social status, rather than Eloise's happiness, becomes painfully clear. Eloise's anxiety grows, and she feels increasingly trapped by family expectations and the weight of her father's legacy. The contrast between Tristan's world and the genuine connection she felt with Conor becomes impossible to ignore.

The Altar Interruption

On her wedding day, Eloise stands at the altar, paralyzed by doubt. Just as she's about to go through with the ceremony, Conor bursts into the church and publicly objects. The dramatic interruption throws the event into chaos, exposing the cracks in Eloise's relationship with Tristan and her own uncertainty. Instead of anger, Eloise feels relief and gratitude. She realizes she can't marry someone who doesn't truly see or value her. With the help of friends, she escapes the aftermath, leaving behind the life she thought she was supposed to want.

Aftermath and Escape

Fleeing the wedding, Eloise is whisked away by her closest friends, who help her process the fallout and reclaim her agency. The experience is both liberating and terrifying, as she confronts the reality of disappointing her family and breaking social norms. With humor and solidarity, her friends encourage her to destroy the symbols of her old life—her wedding dress, the "Somerset" sign, and her engagement ring. Eloise's decision to walk away from Tristan is met with mixed reactions, but she finally feels the weight of others' expectations lifting, making space for her own desires.

Roommates and New Beginnings

With nowhere else to go, Eloise accepts Conor's offer to move in as his roommate. Their arrangement is meant to be platonic, giving Eloise time to heal and rediscover herself. The dynamic is awkward but filled with playful banter and growing affection. Conor's support is steadfast, but he respects Eloise's need for independence and self-discovery. As they settle into their new living situation, both are forced to confront their feelings and the possibility of something more. The bucket list becomes a roadmap for Eloise's journey toward self-fulfillment, with Conor as her unexpected partner.

Crossing Off the List

Living together, Eloise and Conor begin tackling her bucket list, from baking a cake from scratch to smoking a cigarette and reading a book for pleasure. Each experience is a step toward reclaiming her identity and agency. Their shared adventures are filled with laughter, vulnerability, and the slow burn of mutual attraction. Conor's encouragement helps Eloise see her own worth, while Eloise's presence challenges Conor to imagine a future beyond hockey and casual flings. The list becomes a symbol of hope and possibility, drawing them closer together.

Chemistry and Restraint

The chemistry between Eloise and Conor intensifies, but both are determined not to rush into a relationship. Eloise needs time to heal from her broken engagement, and Conor is wary of being a rebound. Their restraint is tested by close quarters, late-night conversations, and moments of physical closeness. When they finally give in to their feelings, it's passionate and deeply emotional, marking a turning point in their relationship. The experience is transformative for both, as they realize that love can be both exhilarating and healing.

Facing the Past

As Eloise and Conor grow closer, they must confront unresolved issues from their pasts. Eloise faces her family's disappointment and the pressure to conform, while Conor deals with the reappearance of a stalker from his days in Florida. The stalker's escalating behavior threatens their safety and happiness, forcing them to seek help and rely on each other. The ordeal tests their trust and commitment, but also solidifies their partnership. Through honesty and mutual support, they learn to face challenges together, rather than alone.

Social Media and Stalkers

The realities of dating a professional athlete come crashing down as Eloise becomes the target of online harassment and invasive fans. Social media amplifies the drama, making it difficult to maintain boundaries and privacy. The stalker's actions escalate, culminating in a violent confrontation that lands Eloise in the hospital. The experience is harrowing, but it also brings clarity. Eloise and Conor realize that their love is worth fighting for, even in the face of adversity. They take steps to protect themselves and each other, refusing to let fear dictate their lives.

Family, Friends, and Forgiveness

With the immediate danger behind them, Eloise and Conor focus on repairing relationships and building a life together. Eloise confronts her grandparents, choosing her own happiness over their approval. Conor apologizes for his mistakes, and together they establish a partnership based on trust and equality. Their friends and found family rally around them, offering support and encouragement. Eloise pursues a new career as a stylist, while Conor balances his hockey career with his commitment to their relationship. The couple learns that love is not about perfection, but about showing up for each other, flaws and all.

Love, Trust, and Moving Forward

After surviving so much together, Conor proposes to Eloise in a moment of vulnerability and joy. They marry in a simple, heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by those who truly care for them. The bucket list, once a symbol of missed opportunities, becomes a testament to their growth and shared dreams. Together, they continue to cross off items, embracing life's adventures as a team. Their story is not about fairy-tale perfection, but about choosing each other every day, building a love that is resilient, passionate, and real.

Happily Ever After

In the aftermath of their wedding, Eloise and Conor settle into married life, still learning and growing together. They support each other's ambitions, face challenges with humor and grace, and never stop seeking new experiences. The lessons of their journey—about self-worth, courage, and the importance of living authentically—shape their future. Surrounded by friends, family, and a community that accepts them for who they are, Eloise and Conor find happiness not in grand gestures, but in the everyday moments of love and partnership. Their story is a celebration of second chances, chosen family, and the transformative power of saying yes to yourself.

Characters

Eloise Corbin

Eloise is a woman who has spent her life trying to meet the expectations of others—her wealthy, status-conscious family, her emotionally distant fiancé, and a society that values appearances over authenticity. Her journey begins with a disastrous bachelorette party and a chance encounter with Conor, which sparks a period of intense self-reflection. Eloise's struggle is deeply psychological: she battles anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of disappointing those she loves. Through her "30 before 30" bucket list, she gradually reclaims her agency, learning to prioritize her own happiness. Her relationship with Conor is both a catalyst and a safe haven, allowing her to explore vulnerability, desire, and true partnership. Eloise's arc is one of empowerment, as she moves from passive acquiescence to active self-determination, ultimately choosing a life—and a love—that is wholly her own.

Conor Nilsen

Conor is a professional hockey player known for his reliability on the ice and his tendency to "fix" problems off it. Beneath his confident, sometimes cocky exterior lies a man shaped by family dysfunction, betrayal, and a deep-seated fear of emotional vulnerability. Conor's initial reluctance to pursue a relationship with Eloise stems from his belief that he's not cut out for lasting love, a belief rooted in his parents' failed marriage and his own history of casual flings. However, Eloise's authenticity and courage challenge him to open up and imagine a different future. Conor's journey is about learning to trust—not just Eloise, but himself. He must confront his own demons, including a persistent stalker and the pressures of fame, to become the partner Eloise deserves. His growth is marked by humility, accountability, and a willingness to fight for love, even when it scares him.

Tristan Somerset

Tristan represents the world Eloise is expected to inhabit: wealthy, polished, and emotionally distant. He is more concerned with appearances and social standing than with genuine connection. Tristan's inability to see or value Eloise's true self is a source of deep pain for her, and his dismissive attitude toward her dreams and desires highlights the toxic dynamics of their relationship. Psychologically, Tristan is a product of his environment—conditioned to prioritize legacy and reputation over intimacy. His role in the story is to embody the life Eloise must leave behind in order to find happiness.

Penelope

Penelope is Eloise's college roommate and bridesmaid, whose wild, party-loving nature contrasts sharply with Eloise's more reserved personality. Her drunken antics at the bachelorette party serve as a catalyst for Eloise's encounter with Conor. Penelope's presence underscores Eloise's sense of isolation and the ways in which her life has drifted from those around her. She is a symbol of the friendships and identities Eloise must reevaluate as she seeks her own path.

Jade

Jade is Eloise's anchor throughout the story, offering unwavering support and tough love when needed. As someone who has navigated her own complicated romantic history, Jade understands the importance of choosing happiness over obligation. She encourages Eloise to be honest with herself and to pursue what she truly wants, even when it means breaking with tradition. Jade's role is both practical and emotional, helping Eloise escape her wedding and rebuild her life.

Kyleigh

Kyleigh is Conor's sister and a successful wedding dress designer. Her relationship with Rowan, another hockey player, serves as a model of healthy partnership and mutual respect. Kyleigh's pragmatic advice and creative spirit help Eloise envision new possibilities for her own life, including a career as a stylist. She is a bridge between Eloise's old world and her new one, offering both empathy and inspiration.

Tweetie (Sorenson)

Tweetie is Conor's teammate and friend, known for his humor and playboy reputation. Beneath his bravado lies a man grappling with loneliness and unresolved heartbreak. Tweetie's reluctance to settle down and his warnings about the pitfalls of fame provide a counterpoint to Conor's journey. His character highlights the psychological toll of professional sports and the importance of vulnerability and connection.

Lila

Lila is a former one-night stand of Conor's who becomes dangerously fixated on him. Her escalating behavior—from online harassment to physical violence—serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of fame and the vulnerability of public figures. Lila's actions force Conor and Eloise to confront their fears and rely on each other for safety and support. Psychologically, Lila represents the consequences of untreated mental illness and the destructive power of obsession.

Henry and Rowan

Henry and Rowan are Conor's closest friends and teammates, each in committed relationships with women who challenge and support them. Their presence in the story offers a vision of what partnership can look like when built on trust, respect, and mutual growth. They provide both comic relief and sage advice, helping Conor navigate the complexities of love and fame.

Eloise's Grandparents

Eloise's grandparents embody the expectations and pressures of her old life. Their insistence on status, wealth, and appearances is a source of conflict and pain for Eloise. Their inability to accept Conor or Eloise's choices forces her to choose between familial approval and personal happiness. Psychologically, they represent the internalized voices of doubt and conformity that Eloise must overcome.

Plot Devices

The Bucket List

Eloise's "30 before 30" bucket list is the central plot device, symbolizing her suppressed desires and the life she's never allowed herself to live. The list provides structure to the narrative, with each item representing a step toward autonomy and fulfillment. As Eloise and Conor tackle the list together, it becomes a vehicle for intimacy, vulnerability, and growth. The list also serves as a source of conflict, highlighting the differences between Eloise's true self and the expectations imposed on her by others.

The Wedding Interruption

Conor's public objection at Eloise's wedding is a classic romantic trope, reimagined here as both a rescue and a challenge. The interruption forces Eloise to confront her doubts and make a definitive choice about her future. It also sets off a chain reaction of events—family fallout, social scandal, and personal reckoning—that propel the story forward. The scene is foreshadowed by Eloise's growing anxiety and Conor's internal struggle, building tension until the climactic moment.

Roommates-to-Lovers

The decision for Eloise and Conor to become roommates creates a space for their relationship to develop organically. The close quarters heighten sexual tension and emotional intimacy, while also providing opportunities for conflict and miscommunication. The trope is used to explore themes of trust, boundaries, and the importance of timing in relationships.

Stalker Subplot

The reappearance of Conor's stalker, Lila, introduces suspense and danger into the narrative. Her escalating behavior tests the couple's resilience and forces them to rely on each other. The subplot also serves as a commentary on the dark side of fame and the psychological impact of public scrutiny. Foreshadowing and red herrings are used to build tension, culminating in a violent confrontation that brings the story's themes of trust and partnership to the forefront.

Social Media and Public Image

The pervasive influence of social media is woven throughout the story, amplifying both the romance and the conflict. Online harassment, public judgment, and the pressure to curate a perfect image create additional hurdles for Eloise and Conor. The narrative structure incorporates text messages, comments, and viral moments to reflect the realities of contemporary relationships.

Found Family and Friendship

The ensemble cast of friends and teammates provides emotional ballast for the protagonists. Their interventions, advice, and solidarity are crucial to Eloise and Conor's journey. The found family dynamic is contrasted with the limitations of biological family, highlighting the importance of chosen relationships in personal transformation.

Analysis

"Mr. Swoony" is a contemporary romance that deftly explores the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. At its core, the novel is about the courage to choose oneself—to break free from the roles and narratives imposed by family, tradition, and public opinion. Eloise's journey from people-pleaser to self-advocate is both relatable and inspiring, offering a nuanced portrayal of the psychological barriers that keep us from pursuing happiness. Conor's arc, meanwhile, interrogates the myth of the emotionally unavailable man, revealing the vulnerability and longing beneath the surface. The use of the bucket list as a narrative device is particularly effective, providing both structure and symbolism for the protagonists' growth. The novel also engages with timely issues—such as the impact of social media, the dangers of fame, and the complexities of modern relationships—without sacrificing emotional depth or humor. Ultimately, "Mr. Swoony" is a celebration of second chances, authentic connection, and the transformative power of love. It reminds readers that happiness is not found in grand gestures or perfect plans, but in the messy, courageous act of living—and loving—on one's own terms.

Last updated: January 8, 2026