Riding the High Summary, Characters and Themes

Riding the High by Paisley Hope is a romance novel that takes readers on an emotional journey of love, personal growth, and unexpected twists.  The story revolves around the complicated relationship between Ginger Danforth, a barmaid and high school teacher, and Cole Ashby, a charming yet emotionally distant man who is struggling with his own personal issues.

The two share a longstanding friendship that slowly transitions into something deeper as they grapple with their feelings for one another.  Through humor, vulnerability, and moments of intense passion, their connection grows, setting the stage for a series of events that test their relationship. The novel explores themes of family, loyalty, and the courage it takes to confront love and commitment.

Summary

The story opens with Ginger Danforth, a barmaid and high school teacher, who finds herself in a playful rivalry with Cole Ashby, a cocky Yankees fan.  Their back-and-forth banter reveals a complex friendship that has been ongoing for years.

Ginger is both frustrated and attracted to Cole, who has a knack for getting under her skin.  Despite their differences, they share an undeniable connection.

Cole is separated from his wife, Gemma, and expresses his frustration over their failing marriage.  Ginger offers a sympathetic ear, though their relationship remains purely platonic.

As they spend more time together, their friendship grows, and it becomes evident that they have unresolved feelings for one another, despite both trying to deny it.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Cole’s issues with his marriage are deeper than he initially let on.  He is dedicated to his daughter, Mabel, but struggles with Gemma’s indifference toward their child.

Meanwhile, Ginger contends with her own personal struggles, including the high expectations placed on her by her father and the emotional toll of balancing her dual roles as a teacher and bartender.  The tension between Cole and Ginger is palpable, but neither is willing to confront the growing attraction between them.

Throughout their interactions, their playful banter is tinged with unspoken emotions, and moments of vulnerability begin to emerge.  The more time they spend together, the more their connection intensifies.

Although Ginger tries to maintain boundaries, she finds herself laughing and enjoying Cole’s company more than she would like.  Similarly, Cole can’t seem to shake his feelings for Ginger, even as he deals with his own complicated emotions regarding his marriage and responsibilities as a father.

In Chapter Six, the story takes a turn when Cole and his friends travel to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway.  The lavish trip contrasts with Cole’s usually modest lifestyle, and the group, which includes former NHL players, is joined by Ginger.

Despite years of friendship, Cole is struck by Ginger’s magnetic beauty and carefree nature, and the attraction between them becomes more difficult to ignore.  Tension builds as Ginger’s flirtations with the other men in the group, particularly Chris Bell, make Cole feel protective and possessive, emotions he hasn’t fully processed until now.

The weekend in Vegas becomes a pivotal moment, as both Cole and Ginger struggle to navigate their feelings for each other.

Their time in Vegas serves as a turning point, forcing both of them to confront the undeniable chemistry that has always simmered beneath the surface of their friendship.  After a passionate moment shared in Cole’s truck, the nature of their relationship shifts, and they begin to acknowledge their attraction to one another.

However, both are hesitant to move forward, fearing the consequences it might have on their long-standing friendship.

As their relationship develops, they are faced with internal and external pressures.  Cole is torn between his desire for Ginger and his fear of ruining their bond, while Ginger grapples with her feelings of independence and her growing affection for him.

Their physical chemistry is undeniable, but they struggle to balance their emotional needs with the fear of disrupting their lives.  The tension between them continues to build, and their interactions become more intense and charged with longing.

Throughout the narrative, their relationship deepens, and they navigate the complexities of love and friendship.  Ginger becomes more involved in Cole’s life, helping him with the challenges of fatherhood and facing the realities of their unorthodox situation.

As their connection grows, they also face external pressures, including Cole’s dealings with Brent, who attempts to blackmail him using the secret of his marriage to Ginger.  This situation forces Cole to confront not only his feelings for Ginger but also the harsh realities of his role as sheriff.

Amidst these challenges, Cole proposes to Ginger in a heartfelt and emotional gesture, symbolizing their commitment to each other and their growing family.  This public proposal marks a new chapter in their relationship, solidifying their bond and signaling the beginning of a new phase in their lives.

Mabel, Cole’s daughter, is thrilled by the news, cementing their status as a family.

As the story progresses, Cole and Ginger continue to build their life together, navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, romance, and the unexpected changes that come with it.  They embrace their growing family, with Ginger becoming an integral part of Mabel’s life, while also dealing with external pressures from both their families and the community.

The couple’s bond deepens, and the final chapters offer a sense of closure as they move forward with plans for a future together, celebrating milestones and cherishing their newfound happiness.

The central theme of the novel revolves around the importance of love, loyalty, and family.  Despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, Cole and Ginger’s journey is a testament to the power of second chances and the unexpected paths that lead to true happiness.

Through their emotional growth, they learn to embrace their imperfections and build a life full of love, support, and commitment.  Their story is a celebration of the transformative power of love, the strength of family, and the beauty of taking risks for the ones you love.

Characters

Cole Ashby

Cole Ashby is a complex character whose development throughout Riding the High plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative.  Initially introduced as a charming and confident man, Cole is a sheriff who appears to have everything under control.

However, beneath the surface, he is deeply affected by his unresolved emotions regarding his marriage and his responsibilities as a father.  His past relationships, particularly with his estranged wife Gemma, weigh heavily on him as he tries to move forward in his life.

Despite his struggles, he remains dedicated to his daughter, Mabel, and does his best to navigate the difficult balance between his role as a father and his emerging feelings for Ginger.  Cole’s internal conflict is amplified as his friendship with Ginger turns into something more, and he grapples with the fear of losing their bond if they allow their romantic feelings to take over.

His protective instincts toward Ginger reveal a vulnerability that he has kept hidden for years.  Cole’s growth throughout the story reflects his journey from emotional turmoil to a place where he can embrace love and commitment, particularly in his relationship with Ginger and his desire to build a family with her.

Ginger Danforth

Ginger Danforth is a strong, independent woman who balances multiple roles in her life, including that of a barmaid and a high school teacher.  Her complex relationship with Cole is central to the narrative, as her emotions toward him evolve from frustration to deep affection.

Initially, Ginger tries to resist her attraction to Cole, especially considering their long-standing friendship, but she finds herself drawn to him despite her best efforts.  As the story progresses, Ginger’s internal struggles become more apparent, especially as she navigates the tension between her desire for independence and the growing connection she feels with Cole.

She is also dealing with the high expectations set by her father, which adds an additional layer of complexity to her character.  Ginger’s relationship with Cole challenges her beliefs about love and friendship, and as she falls deeper for him, she must confront the possibility that she might be ready to embrace a life with him, even with the risks that it entails.

Her playful and carefree nature hides her deeper emotional struggles, and her journey is one of self-discovery as she learns to trust in her feelings and the possibility of a future with Cole.

Mabel Ashby

Mabel Ashby, Cole’s daughter, plays a significant role in the emotional development of both Cole and Ginger throughout Riding the High.  As a child, Mabel is perceptive and caring, forming a strong attachment to Ginger, who becomes a maternal figure in her life.

Mabel’s concern about Ginger’s potential departure at the end of the summer highlights the depth of her bond with her and further emphasizes the familial theme of the narrative.  Her presence in the story acts as a catalyst for Cole’s emotional growth, as he begins to realize how important it is for him to create a stable family environment for Mabel.

Mabel’s happiness and her acceptance of Ginger into their family play a key role in the couple’s decision to move forward with their relationship.  Her emotional intelligence and her ability to navigate the complexities of family dynamics demonstrate a wisdom beyond her years, making her a vital part of the narrative’s exploration of love, commitment, and the importance of building strong familial ties.

Nash

Nash is introduced as a former NHL player and one of Cole’s close friends.  He is described as humble despite his wealth, and his personality offers a contrast to Cole’s more outwardly confident demeanor.

Nash’s role in the story extends beyond his friendship with Cole, as he facilitates the group’s trip to Vegas, which serves as a significant turning point for Cole and Ginger’s relationship.  While Nash’s presence in the narrative is somewhat secondary to the main emotional arc, his friendship with Cole provides necessary support and levity.

Nash’s fiancée, CeCe, also plays a role in the dynamic of the group, helping to create a sense of camaraderie and offering a backdrop to the central romantic tension between Cole and Ginger.

CeCe

CeCe is Nash’s fiancée and a character who adds depth to the social circle surrounding Cole and Ginger.  Though her role is not as central as some of the other characters, her interactions with Nash and the rest of the group serve to highlight the contrast between Cole’s relationship with Ginger and the more stable, established partnership between Nash and CeCe.

CeCe’s presence in the story underscores the complexities of relationships, particularly in the way that they evolve over time.  As the story progresses, CeCe’s influence becomes more apparent in shaping the dynamics between the characters, particularly in how she supports Nash and plays a role in creating a sense of normalcy in the group’s otherwise chaotic interactions.

Brent

Brent emerges as a key antagonist in the later stages of the story, bringing external conflict into the otherwise character-driven narrative.  He serves as a foil to Cole, attempting to blackmail him with knowledge of his secret marriage to Ginger.

His actions push Cole to confront the pressures he faces as sheriff, as well as the potential fallout from his relationship with Ginger.  Brent’s manipulations are integral in driving Cole to take decisive action, ultimately forcing Brent to back down.

Through this conflict, the narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of personal decisions, all of which play a role in shaping the characters’ futures.  Brent’s actions serve as a catalyst for the characters to solidify their bonds and take a stand against external forces that threaten their happiness.

Chris Bell and Cory Kane

Chris Bell and Cory Kane are former hockey players who accompany Cole and the others on their trip to Vegas.  While their roles are largely supportive, they contribute to the social dynamics of the group, adding to the playful and chaotic atmosphere of the trip.

Chris’s flirtations with Ginger add tension to her interactions with Cole, highlighting the complex and sometimes jealous nature of their relationship.  Both Chris and Cory help to fill out the social landscape of the story, providing moments of levity and contrast to the more serious emotional developments between the main characters.

Though their impact on the storyline is more peripheral, they serve to highlight the evolving nature of Cole and Ginger’s friendship and growing romantic tension.

Themes

Love and Romance

The theme of love and romance is deeply embedded in the evolving relationship between Cole and Ginger.  What begins as a playful and competitive dynamic between two friends, rooted in years of banter, soon transforms into a more complex emotional connection.

Both characters have long avoided confronting their feelings for one another, unsure of how to navigate the depths of their attraction without risking their longstanding friendship.  The story subtly builds the romantic tension between them, using moments of jealousy, vulnerability, and emotional support to showcase the growing affection they share.

Their interactions, while often filled with humor and lighthearted teasing, reveal deeper emotional layers, as both characters struggle with the idea of transitioning from friends to lovers.  Despite the complications that arise, including Ginger’s hesitance and Cole’s unresolved issues with his past relationships, their undeniable chemistry ultimately leads them to explore their feelings for each other in a more intimate way.

The narrative explores how love can develop unexpectedly, breaking down walls built by past experiences and fears, and shows the characters’ journey of emotional growth as they learn to navigate the complexities of love, vulnerability, and intimacy.

Friendship and Loyalty

The bond of friendship plays a central role in the relationship between Cole and Ginger, forming the foundation of their evolving romantic connection.  Despite their mutual attraction, both characters value the friendship they have cultivated over the years and are hesitant to jeopardize it by acknowledging their deeper feelings.

This internal conflict highlights the complexity of balancing love and friendship, particularly when both individuals have long histories together.  The story underscores the tension between maintaining a close, platonic relationship and acknowledging the potential for something more.

Furthermore, their interactions are laced with moments of loyalty, as they provide emotional support to one another during times of personal struggle.  Cole’s unspoken protective instincts toward Ginger, especially when it comes to her interactions with other men, demonstrate a loyalty that transcends mere friendship.

Similarly, Ginger’s willingness to listen to Cole’s problems and offer advice shows her dedication to him as a friend, even as their relationship becomes more complicated.  The theme of loyalty also extends to the way both characters support one another through the challenges of their personal lives, from dealing with family pressures to confronting past traumas.

Ultimately, their friendship forms the bedrock upon which their romantic relationship is built, showing that true love can arise from a deep and enduring friendship.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Throughout the narrative, both Cole and Ginger undergo significant self-discovery and personal growth as they navigate their evolving relationship.  For Cole, his journey involves reconciling his feelings for Ginger with his responsibilities as a father and a man dealing with the aftermath of a failed marriage.

His struggle with jealousy, his sense of protectiveness over Ginger, and his desire for something more reveal a man who is learning to confront his emotions and desires, which he had long suppressed.  His internal battle between wanting to remain composed and allowing himself to be vulnerable adds depth to his character, showing how personal growth often comes through uncomfortable emotional revelations.

On the other hand, Ginger’s journey is centered on her internal struggle to balance her desire for independence with her growing feelings for Cole.  She is cautious about falling for him, as she has long prided herself on maintaining emotional distance.

Her evolution throughout the story reveals a woman who learns to embrace her vulnerability, confront her emotional barriers, and ultimately choose love despite her fears of losing control.  Both characters are forced to reckon with their pasts, their insecurities, and their fears, which enables them to grow emotionally and personally.

Their relationship becomes a catalyst for this self-discovery, pushing them to evolve into more self-aware and open individuals, capable of embracing the love they deserve.

Family and Commitment

Family plays a pivotal role in the narrative, particularly in shaping the decisions and emotional journeys of both Cole and Ginger.  Cole’s relationship with his daughter, Mabel, serves as a key element in his personal growth and his evolving feelings for Ginger.

His dedication to Mabel is evident, as he navigates the challenges of raising her as a single father while also dealing with the emotional complexities of his past marriage.  This sense of responsibility and protectiveness extends to Ginger, as he grapples with the idea of bringing her into his family life.

His internal conflict between his feelings for her and his desire to shield her from the complications of his family life is a recurring theme.  Ginger, on the other hand, is confronted with the idea of becoming part of a family that she never anticipated.

As her relationship with Cole deepens, she faces the pressure of potentially taking on the role of a stepmother and navigating the emotional intricacies of blending families.  The theme of family also extends to the broader community, with references to local events and the expectations placed on the characters by those around them.

As Cole and Ginger move toward a committed relationship, they both must confront the implications of their choices and the responsibilities that come with forming a family unit.  The narrative ultimately explores how love and commitment within a family can provide a sense of stability, support, and belonging, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges.

Jealousy and Possessiveness

Jealousy and possessiveness emerge as central themes in the relationship between Cole and Ginger, particularly as their emotional connection intensifies.  Despite their history as friends, the underlying tension of unspoken feelings for one another becomes more apparent as they navigate their interactions.

Cole’s jealousy, particularly when he observes Ginger’s flirtations with other men, reveals his internal struggle to come to terms with his growing affection for her.  His desire to maintain a sense of composure is continually challenged by his protective instincts and feelings of possessiveness.

Ginger, too, experiences moments of jealousy, though her emotional responses are more subdued.  Her awareness of the effect Cole has on her, coupled with her own insecurities about their evolving relationship, contributes to her internal conflict.

This theme of jealousy adds layers of complexity to their connection, as both characters wrestle with their emotions and the fear of losing one another.  Jealousy, in this context, is not just about possessiveness but also a reflection of the deep emotional investment each character has in the other.

As they confront these feelings, they are forced to acknowledge the depth of their attraction and the vulnerability that comes with it.  The theme of jealousy ultimately highlights the challenges of navigating a relationship built on years of friendship and unspoken desires, making the eventual resolution of their feelings all the more significant.

Second Chances and Redemption

The theme of second chances and redemption resonates throughout the narrative, particularly in the context of Cole’s relationship with Ginger and his journey of emotional healing.  Both characters have faced personal struggles and disappointments in their lives, which they must overcome in order to build a future together.

Cole’s past marriage and the fallout from it have left emotional scars that he must address before he can fully open himself up to Ginger.  His journey of redemption involves confronting his mistakes, learning to forgive himself, and allowing himself to be vulnerable in order to experience true love.

Ginger, too, faces her own personal challenges, particularly in terms of her emotional barriers and fear of commitment.  Her eventual willingness to embrace a relationship with Cole marks her own redemption, as she learns to trust in love again despite her past experiences.

The narrative explores the idea that second chances are not just about finding love but about finding the courage to heal from past wounds, grow as individuals, and embrace the possibility of happiness.  The characters’ willingness to take risks and build a life together, despite their pasts, reflects the transformative power of love and the potential for redemption through emotional growth and connection.