Behind the Net

“I don’t need help focusing on the ice. I’ve refined my life down to the two things that matter—hockey and my mom.”

The first chapter introduces Jamie, one of the two protagonists, by defining the two things that matter most to him. This characterization indicates his sense of responsibility and commitment, but also, true to the romance genre, displays the lack of love in his life—a problem that the course of the novel will remedy.

“I know better, and I know his type. After Zach, I know not to fall for guys like this—famous guys. Guys with an ego. Guys who think they can do whatever they want without consequences.”

The introduction of Pippa as a protagonist emphasizes her past disappointment with her ex-boyfriend Zach, and her reserve about falling in love. There’s a note of irony in her first impressions of Jamie as having an “ego” when in truth he feels tongue-tied and nervous. Her reservations about love will provide Pippa’s internal obstacle toward falling in love again, an important source of tension and conflict in the developing romance.

“Failure is really hard, she always says. Set yourself up for success instead.”

Pippa’s mother is Pippa’s internal voice telling her she should avoid risk and do something practical that will earn her a reliable, steady paycheck. This quote introduces the theme of The Shaping Power of Family Loyalty, as Pippa reflexively uses her mother as a guide. This advice to play it safe offers an alternative