P.S. You’re Intolerable Summary, Characters and Themes
“P.S. You’re Intolerable” by Julia Wolf is a contemporary romance that blends humor, heartache, and the complexities of relationships.
It follows Catherine Warner, a single, soon-to-be mother who is juggling the pressures of a challenging career and financial instability. When she starts working for the demanding CEO, Elliot Levy, she never expects their relationship to evolve beyond professional. But as Elliot’s hidden kindness shines through, their antagonistic dynamic begins to shift, revealing the unexpected romance brewing beneath their surface-level interactions. With themes of independence, motherhood, and finding love in unlikely places, this book offers a slow-burn romance that’s both heartfelt and relatable.
Summary
Catherine Warner, a single woman expecting her first child, is in a difficult place both financially and emotionally. Her house-flipping project with her ex, Liam, has left her struggling to stay afloat.
Determined to provide for herself and her baby, Catherine lands a job as an executive assistant to Elliot Levy, the cold, controlling CEO of Levy Development. Their first meeting is disastrous—Catherine spills coffee all over Elliot during her interview—but despite the chaos, Elliot sees something in her resilience and hires her.
As Catherine navigates her new role, she faces the immense challenge of working for a boss who is demanding, meticulous, and practically impossible to please. To cope with Elliot’s perfectionist ways and her growing frustrations, Catherine starts writing snarky “P.S.” notes at the bottom of his daily schedule, expressing her private thoughts and complaints.
Although she tries to keep her personal life private, Catherine’s pregnancy becomes harder to hide. Elliot eventually notices her growing belly and confronts her, worried about how her pregnancy might affect her performance. Catherine reassures him that she can still handle her workload.
Meanwhile, Liam—the father of Catherine’s baby—continues to let her down. Initially, he promises to return from Australia to co-parent, but it becomes increasingly clear that he has no intention of fulfilling his promises. His absence and failure to live up to his responsibilities leave Catherine feeling isolated and overwhelmed, but she keeps pressing on.
While her personal life unravels, Catherine’s work ethic impresses Elliot. Despite his gruff demeanor, he begins to subtly show concern for her well-being, upgrading her office chair and ensuring she takes breaks when needed, though he never acknowledges his actions.
As Catherine’s pregnancy progresses, she begins to notice small changes in Elliot. He’s not as cold as he appears.
He starts to take more interest in her well-being, ensuring she’s eating, encouraging her to take time off when necessary, and even going so far as to gently help her with certain tasks. Their professional relationship starts to shift, and their once hostile banter becomes more playful and teasing.
Catherine begins to see a side of Elliot she never thought possible—a side that cares, even if he won’t openly admit it.
However, things take an unexpected turn when Catherine is forced to take some time off due to pregnancy complications.
During her absence, Elliot proves just how much she means to him by missing her presence at work and making it clear that no one else can replace her.
Upon her return, Catherine realizes that Elliot truly values her—not just as an employee, but as a person.
The dynamic between them deepens further when Catherine unexpectedly goes into labor, and Elliot drops everything to be there for her. He stays by her side throughout the process, surprising her with his gentleness and care. When her baby girl is born, Catherine begins to rethink her life and the future she’s been trying to carve out for herself.
Elliot’s actions continue to speak louder than words, and Catherine starts to recognize that her feelings for him have shifted. He’s no longer just the intolerable boss she once thought him to be; he’s someone she genuinely cares for. As she deals with the aftermath of Liam’s abandonment and the pressures of single motherhood, Catherine finds comfort and strength in Elliot’s support.
As their relationship evolves, Elliot continues to show more vulnerability, and his feelings for Catherine become undeniable. He makes it clear that he’s not just interested in her as an employee—he wants to be a part of her life. Catherine, although hesitant at first, begins to see a future with him. With Elliot by her side, she realizes that she doesn’t have to do everything alone.
In the final chapters, Elliot confesses his feelings for Catherine in his blunt, no-nonsense way, but his sincerity is clear. Catherine, who never imagined falling for her grumpy, demanding boss, decides to take a leap of faith.
They embark on a relationship, realizing that despite their differences, they complement each other perfectly. Their love story proves that sometimes, the most unexpected relationships are the ones that change our lives forever.
Characters
Catherine Warner
Catherine begins the story as a financially struggling single woman, desperate for stability as she prepares for motherhood. She works tirelessly, determined to stand on her own despite her chaotic situation.
Initially, she keeps her pregnancy a secret from Elliot, fearing it might jeopardize her job, but her financial struggles and mounting responsibilities weigh heavily on her. Catherine’s arc is one of transformation as she learns to accept help, particularly from Elliot, who gradually proves to be more supportive than she initially anticipated.
She evolves from someone who is deeply self-reliant and emotionally guarded to someone who opens up, learning that it’s okay to rely on others and to be vulnerable. By the end of the book, she has embraced her role as a mother and partner, balancing her career with her new personal life.
Her relationship with Elliot becomes the foundation of her emotional and financial stability, and she realizes that she doesn’t need to carry all the burdens alone.
Elliot Levy
Elliot is introduced as a cold, calculating CEO with a strict, no-nonsense attitude. He values efficiency above all else, and personal emotions are seen as distractions from business.
His dynamic with Catherine starts off rocky, as they clash due to their opposing personalities. However, Elliot’s growth throughout the book is significant.
Despite his gruff exterior, he begins to notice Catherine’s struggles—her exhaustion, her discomfort, and her financial strain—and subtly starts to support her. Whether it’s replacing her office chair, ensuring she eats, or giving her extra time off when needed, his actions speak volumes about his evolving feelings.
His emotional detachment begins to fade as he slowly falls for Catherine, eventually acknowledging his feelings in his own straightforward, no-frills manner. His evolution is not just emotional but personal as well—he learns to balance his career with the needs of a relationship and a family.
By the end of the story, he has transformed from the stoic, indifferent boss to a compassionate partner who is fully integrated into Catherine’s and her daughter’s life.
Liam
Liam’s character arc is one of regression. Initially, he presents himself as the supportive father-to-be, but it soon becomes clear that he is unreliable and avoids responsibility at all costs.
Although he promises to help Catherine and be there for their child, he repeatedly lets her down. His actions and avoidance of commitment become more apparent as the story progresses.
When he leaves for Australia and makes empty promises about returning, it marks the culmination of his irresponsible behavior. He ultimately admits that he won’t be part of the baby’s life because he has met someone else.
This final betrayal solidifies his departure from Catherine’s life. His role in the story is pivotal because it highlights Catherine’s growth as she learns to let go of toxic people and embrace the support of those who truly care about her, especially Elliot.
Davida
Davida initially appears to be a tough, no-nonsense figure in Catherine’s life. She seems distant and unapproachable, offering little warmth or sympathy.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Davida plays an important role in Catherine’s development. Despite her seemingly cold exterior, she provides Catherine with valuable advice and mentorship, pushing her to assert herself both in her career and in her personal life.
Davida becomes a supportive ally, covering for Catherine when needed and offering guidance when Catherine struggles to balance her work and motherhood. She is one of the few constants who stand by Catherine, showing that her seemingly harsh demeanor hides a compassionate and wise mentor underneath.
Raymond
Raymond provides much-needed humor and levity in the story, acting as the comic relief in the workplace. He is flamboyant, dramatic, and often provides a source of support for Catherine through his jokes and light-hearted banter.
However, Raymond’s role is more than just comic relief; he is a friend and emotional anchor for Catherine. His encouragement and humorous approach to life allow Catherine to stay grounded during difficult times.
He often lightens her mood and helps her navigate the emotional turmoil of her situation. His declaration of being one of the “dads” to Catherine’s baby further cements his role as part of her support system.
Raymond’s loyalty and support are an essential part of Catherine’s journey, showing that sometimes friends can offer just as much emotional stability as family.
Themes
Love in Unexpected Places and How the Most Intolerable People Can Become the Ones We Need
In P.S. You’re Intolerable, love emerges in the most unexpected circumstances. The primary theme revolves around how feelings of love can evolve from sources that initially seem intolerable or irritating.
Catherine’s relationship with Elliot starts with irritation and mutual disdain, but over time, the raw undercurrents of support, subtle affection, and understanding transform their dynamic. Their journey demonstrates that love often doesn’t start with grand romantic gestures, but with quiet acts of care, consideration, and change.
As their relationship progresses, it becomes clear that even those who seem most difficult to connect with can ultimately offer the love and stability we need—if only we are open to seeing it. This theme explores how sometimes, the ones we think we can’t stand the most are the ones who surprise us the most with their loyalty and affection, eventually becoming an integral part of our lives.
The Dichotomy of Independence and Reliance
Catherine’s journey is deeply intertwined with the theme of independence, but also with the recognition that true strength lies in knowing when to rely on others. At the beginning of the novel, Catherine prides herself on being self-sufficient and avoids asking for help, even when she’s struggling with both her pregnancy and finances.
She attempts to juggle everything on her own, thinking that asking for help would make her weak. However, as her relationship with Elliot deepens, she begins to see that relying on others doesn’t diminish her independence—it enhances it.
The emotional growth Catherine experiences involves learning that asking for help doesn’t mean sacrificing her autonomy. Instead, she learns to balance both her inner strength and her ability to lean on others when necessary, particularly Elliot.
The Emotional Cost of Ambition and Success
Elliot Levy’s arc is defined by his intense dedication to work and success. As the CEO of Levy Development, Elliot’s focus on ambition and career achievements comes at the expense of his emotional life.
He isolates himself emotionally and maintains a professional, stoic exterior, believing that his success is the sole measure of his worth. However, as the story progresses, Elliot’s hidden vulnerabilities surface, especially as he becomes more involved with Catherine.
The theme explores how the relentless pursuit of success can sometimes cause individuals to lose sight of the relationships that matter most. Elliot’s transformation reflects the realization that no amount of success can replace meaningful connections.
His evolution from a cold, work-focused leader to a caring partner illustrates the emotional cost of ambition, showing that success without emotional fulfillment can leave a person feeling empty. This theme raises a poignant question: Is success truly worth it if it comes at the cost of human connection?
Single Motherhood in a Modern World
The theme of single motherhood is central to Catherine’s story, offering a candid exploration of the challenges faced by a woman who must navigate her career, financial stress, and pregnancy without the support of her partner. Catherine’s journey is one of resilience as she learns to shoulder the burdens of both motherhood and personal survival.
The novel portrays her struggles with a sense of realism, showing not just the emotional toll but also the practical challenges of balancing work and family. As a single mother, Catherine is constantly fighting to maintain her independence and stability, all while her ex, Liam, continues to disappoint her.
This theme emphasizes the emotional and financial resilience required of single mothers, showing how difficult it is to manage it all, yet also showcasing the profound strength they develop. Catherine’s evolution also touches on the idea of redefining what “family” means—she builds her own support system, realizing that family doesn’t always have to be a traditional structure.
The Grumpy-Sunshine Dynamic
At the heart of the romance in P.S. You’re Intolerable is the classic “grumpy-sunshine” trope, where two people with contrasting personalities come together and slowly bring out the best in each other. Elliot, the grumpy, no-nonsense CEO, clashes with Catherine, the sunny and optimistic assistant.
Initially, their relationship is defined by tension, with Elliot’s cold demeanor frustrating Catherine’s more lighthearted nature. However, as the story unfolds, their opposites start to complement one another, leading to mutual growth.
Elliot’s stoicism begins to soften through Catherine’s infectious positivity, while Catherine learns to navigate her challenges with a bit more resilience and toughness, inspired by Elliot’s work ethic. This theme of opposites attracting explores the idea that personal growth often happens when we are challenged by those who are different from us.
It shows how the right kind of partner can push us to be our best selves, even when their approach to life is fundamentally different from ours.
The Struggles and Triumphs of Financial Independence
Catherine’s financial struggles form a key component of her character development, shedding light on the theme of financial independence and the realities of working to make ends meet. Catherine’s efforts to maintain her financial independence—particularly in the wake of her failed house-flipping venture—underscore the difficulty of achieving self-sufficiency in a world where everything feels stacked against you.
This theme reflects the harshness of financial insecurity, and how it can strain relationships and personal well-being. Catherine’s journey also touches on the emotional and psychological impact of living paycheck to paycheck and constantly worrying about the future.
However, as the story progresses, she begins to realize that financial independence isn’t just about avoiding dependence on others; it’s about making decisions that will allow her to thrive both professionally and personally.
This theme highlights the significance of balancing financial security with emotional well-being, as Catherine’s eventual success is tied to both her personal growth and the support she learns to accept from others.