The Overtime Kiss Summary, Characters and Themes

The Overtime Kiss by Lauren Blakely is a heartwarming romantic story about Sabrina, a woman whose life is turned upside down by a series of unfortunate events.  After a public betrayal by her fiancé, Sabrina sets out to rebuild her life, only to find herself in unexpected situations and developing a connection with Tyler, a professional hockey player.

As she navigates the complexities of heartbreak, personal growth, and new beginnings, Sabrina learns to embrace the uncertainty of life and the possibility of finding love again.  This book explores themes of self-discovery, love, and second chances, capturing the emotional journey of a woman finding strength in the face of adversity.

Summary

Sabrina’s wedding day is supposed to be the happiest of her life, but everything goes awry when she receives a voicemail from her fiancé, Chad, that reveals he has been cheating on her.  The voicemail, meant for their foster kitten, exposes Chad’s infidelity, and in a bold move, Sabrina decides to broadcast the message during the ceremony.

As the voicemail plays, Sabrina confronts Chad, humiliating him in front of 250 guests.  But instead of the support she expects, Sabrina is chastised by her father, who orders her to apologize for ruining the wedding.

Her parents side with Chad, prioritizing the family’s reputation over her emotions.  Determined to escape their control, Sabrina walks away from the event and her family’s expectations.

Heartbroken and uncertain about her future, Sabrina calls a Lyft and finds herself in the care of Rhonda, a compassionate driver who listens to her vent.  After a long emotional journey, Sabrina ends up at a bar in Cozy Valley, where she meets Tyler, a hockey player she knows from skating lessons with his daughter, Luna.

Tyler listens to her story and offers a comforting presence.  They bond over their shared experiences, and Sabrina finds herself drawn to him despite her emotional turmoil.

The next morning, she wakes up in Tyler’s room, embarrassed but grateful for his kindness.  Tyler, though attracted to Sabrina, knows that she’s not ready for a relationship and decides to keep his distance.

Sabrina returns to her life, trying to rebuild it after the fallout from her ruined wedding.  She faces the challenges of starting over with no home and no relationship.

To make ends meet, she takes up a mascot job for the San Francisco Cougars baseball team while also working on her skating business.  Her financial struggles only add to her frustration, but she remains determined to make a fresh start.

Meanwhile, Tyler wrestles with his feelings for Sabrina but respects her need for space.  He decides not to pursue anything further, focusing on his responsibilities as a parent to Luna and Parker.

Things begin to change when Sabrina is offered a job as a nanny for Tyler’s children.  After some hesitation, she agrees, finding both stability and independence in the new role.

The job also provides her with a place to stay in a garden apartment on Tyler’s property.  Though she still harbors feelings for him, Sabrina tries to keep their relationship professional.

Tyler, however, finds it difficult to ignore the attraction he feels toward her, especially with her being so close in his life.

The tension between them builds as they work together to care for the children.  Tyler’s family, particularly his mother, encourages the arrangement, and despite his best efforts to keep his distance, Tyler’s feelings for Sabrina continue to grow.

The more time they spend together, the stronger the connection becomes, but both are reluctant to acknowledge their emotions, knowing that any romantic involvement would complicate their lives.

One night, Sabrina and Tyler share a more personal moment, and the dynamics between them shift.  They begin to discuss their pasts and feelings, and Sabrina admits that she hoped Tyler would pursue her.

Though both are still wary of complicating things with their responsibilities and past baggage, they decide to take things slowly.  Tyler, despite his initial reluctance, finds himself falling deeper for Sabrina.

As their relationship grows, Sabrina finds herself grappling with new emotions.  She begins to embrace her new life with Tyler’s family and is even offered the chance to take over a skating rink, which she had always dreamed of doing.

Tyler, too, is committed to supporting Sabrina’s dreams, helping her take the steps she needs to find fulfillment and happiness.

Sabrina’s journey isn’t without its struggles, and Tyler’s professional life as a hockey player often brings challenges of its own.  However, the two of them continue to support each other, learning to communicate better and work through their issues.

Tyler’s gesture of buying the rink for Sabrina cements his dedication to her and their future together.  Through ups and downs, they realize that they are better together, and the love they share begins to flourish.

Eventually, Sabrina and Tyler find their way to a new home, symbolizing their shared future and their growing family.  As they settle into their new life, they look forward to the possibilities ahead, knowing they have each other’s support.

Sabrina learns to embrace her place in Tyler’s world, and together, they build a foundation of trust, love, and mutual respect.  With their shared dreams, they step into the future, ready to face whatever challenges life may bring.

Characters

Sabrina

Sabrina is the central figure in The Overtime Kiss, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads after a public betrayal by her fiancé, Chad.  Initially, Sabrina’s life seems to be following the path she envisioned: a wedding at The Luxe Hotel, a future with Chad, and a stable career.

However, Chad’s infidelity completely shatters her plans, setting off a chain of events that forces Sabrina to reevaluate her life and her future.  After the wedding fiasco, Sabrina begins to pick up the pieces of her life, confronting her complicated relationship with her parents and trying to make ends meet through odd jobs like being a mascot.

She feels emotionally adrift, but her journey is about finding independence, healing, and reclaiming her sense of self-worth.  Sabrina’s resilience is shown through her determination to rebuild her life after her engagement crumbles.

Her vulnerability, combined with her defiance toward societal expectations, makes her a relatable and sympathetic character.  Throughout the book, Sabrina’s emotional journey reflects her growing strength and ability to chart her own course, independent of the manipulative forces in her life.

Tyler

Tyler is a professional hockey player and a devoted father who initially appears emotionally distant but gradually reveals a depth of feeling toward Sabrina.  He is navigating his own internal struggles, particularly balancing his demanding career with the challenges of single parenthood.

Tyler’s attraction to Sabrina begins as a slow burn, complicated by his role as her employer.  While he clearly cares for her, he is hesitant to pursue a relationship with her due to the complexities it could bring, especially concerning his children.

Despite his internal conflict, Tyler’s actions demonstrate his genuine care and concern for Sabrina’s well-being, like when he offers her a job as a nanny and later buys her the rink she teaches at.  His relationship with Sabrina evolves from a professional dynamic to one that is more personal, though they both struggle with their feelings.

Tyler’s growth is reflected in his willingness to confront his own fears and insecurities, as well as his efforts to support Sabrina in ways that go beyond their budding romance.  His protective nature toward his family and his support for Sabrina’s dreams highlight his deep affection for her, and his eventual decision to open his heart to her signals the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Chad

Chad serves as the antagonist in The Overtime Kiss, a man whose selfishness and infidelity spark the initial conflict in the story.  While he initially appears to be the perfect partner for Sabrina, his true nature is exposed when his betrayal is publicly revealed.

His voicemail, which Sabrina plays for everyone at her wedding, acts as a catalyst for her transformation.  Chad’s dismissive attitude toward Sabrina’s feelings and his attempts to gaslight her further underscore his character flaws.

His lack of accountability, particularly in trying to downplay the severity of his actions, positions him as a foil to Tyler’s more thoughtful and caring nature.  Though he doesn’t appear much in the story after his betrayal, Chad’s role is essential to Sabrina’s emotional journey, as his actions force her to confront her own worth and redefine her future without him.

Tessa

Tessa, the wedding planner, plays a pivotal yet understated role in Sabrina’s journey.  She is the one who assists Sabrina in orchestrating the public reveal of Chad’s infidelity, standing by her side when the wedding goes off-track.

Though her involvement in the drama is limited, Tessa’s support for Sabrina is significant.  Her character serves as a symbol of the friends who remain loyal and supportive, even when life takes unexpected turns.

Tessa’s quick thinking and willingness to help Sabrina in a moment of crisis highlight her caring and dependable nature, making her a valuable presence during Sabrina’s most vulnerable moments.

Luna

Luna, Tyler’s daughter, acts as a sweet and innocent presence in the story.  Although her role is minor, Luna’s actions reveal her warmth and affection toward Sabrina.

As Tyler’s daughter, she represents a piece of his life that Sabrina becomes increasingly involved with as their relationship develops.  Luna’s belief that Tyler and Sabrina should marry highlights the theme of family and the idea of destiny—she instinctively senses the connection between the two, even before they acknowledge it themselves.

Through Luna, the reader gets a glimpse into the more nurturing side of Tyler’s life and the potential Sabrina has to become a part of that world.

Rhonda

Rhonda, Sabrina’s Lyft driver, serves as a much-needed support figure in the early part of the book.  As Sabrina grapples with the aftermath of her wedding and the emotional fallout from her broken engagement, Rhonda provides a safe space for Sabrina to vent her frustrations.

Rhonda’s grandmotherly compassion offers Sabrina a moment of solace and comfort in the midst of her chaotic life.  Though her role is brief, Rhonda’s kindness serves as a reminder of the power of human connection, even in brief encounters.

Lauren

Lauren, Tyler’s mother, is another character who helps Sabrina find her footing in a new phase of life.  Through Lauren’s suggestion that Sabrina take the nanny job, Sabrina is given an opportunity to rebuild her life in a stable and supportive environment.

Lauren’s maternal instincts and support for Sabrina reflect her belief in Sabrina’s potential and her understanding of the challenges Sabrina is facing.  While she doesn’t play a central role in the story, Lauren’s encouragement and wisdom are key to helping Sabrina adjust to her new role within Tyler’s family.

Themes

Betrayal and the Consequences of Deception

In The Overtime Kiss, betrayal is a central theme that drives much of the plot.  Sabrina’s world shatters when she discovers her fiancé Chad’s infidelity just moments before her wedding.

The act of betrayal is not only deeply personal but also public, as Sabrina exposes Chad’s disloyalty in front of their wedding guests.  This revelation highlights the emotional devastation caused by deceit, not just for the person betrayed but also for their relationships with others.

Sabrina’s decision to humiliate Chad publicly stems from her need for validation and justice, as her feelings of abandonment and heartache push her to make a bold, irreversible decision.  The fallout from this betrayal is profound; Sabrina’s parents, more concerned with the appearance of propriety, side with Chad, further isolating her.

This response shows how betrayal doesn’t just affect the immediate relationship but extends to one’s wider social network, where loyalty and family expectations often clash.  Sabrina’s journey of healing after such a betrayal demonstrates the emotional toll of deception and the process of reclaiming control over one’s life.

The theme of betrayal and its lasting consequences is also mirrored in Tyler’s own emotional struggles, as he must learn to balance his desire for a new relationship with his own insecurities and past mistakes.  The book ultimately portrays how betrayal reshapes not only romantic relationships but family dynamics and personal identity.

Self-Discovery and Independence

Sabrina’s journey is one of self-discovery and independence.  Initially defined by her relationship with Chad, Sabrina begins the process of rebuilding her life after the wedding disaster.

As she reflects on her past, she starts to uncover parts of herself that had been suppressed in favor of pleasing others, such as her parents and her former fiancé.  Sabrina’s decision to leave Chad and later distance herself from her family demonstrates her growing understanding of what she deserves in life.

The precariousness of her financial situation and her struggle to make ends meet with odd jobs like being a mascot for a sports team are representative of her struggle for autonomy.  However, these hardships also push her to become resourceful and independent.

Moving into a small apartment and eventually taking on a job as a nanny for Tyler’s children, Sabrina slowly builds her own stability.  Her work as a skating coach and business owner reflects her determination to forge her own path despite the many obstacles she faces.

Through these challenges, Sabrina learns to prioritize her own well-being and desires, rather than bending to external pressures.  This theme of independence is also seen in her evolving relationship with Tyler, where she remains firm in her decision to maintain personal boundaries and pursue her own happiness, even when emotions and external forces threaten to complicate things.

Emotional Healing and Moving On

The theme of emotional healing is significant as Sabrina attempts to recover from the heartbreak caused by Chad’s betrayal.  Initially, Sabrina is consumed by anger, hurt, and confusion, trying to navigate a world that no longer feels familiar or safe.

The decision to publicly expose Chad’s infidelity is an impulsive act of reclaiming power, but it is also the start of her emotional healing.  She embarks on a journey of self-recovery, finding solace in moments of quiet reflection and conversations with others who offer her support, such as Tyler and her grandmotherly Lyft driver.

Her interactions with Tyler serve as a catalyst for her emotional growth, as she gradually learns to trust again and open up about her vulnerabilities.  Sabrina’s eventual acceptance of her painful past, coupled with her willingness to pursue a future that is independent of Chad, marks a crucial turning point.

Emotional healing in the book is not portrayed as a quick process but rather as a gradual unfolding of self-compassion and acceptance.  Her healing journey is intertwined with moments of joy and connection, particularly her growing relationship with Tyler’s family and her evolving role in their lives.

By the end of the novel, Sabrina’s emotional resilience is evident, as she embraces the potential for a fulfilling future, no longer defined by her past heartbreak but by her newfound strength and independence.

The Complexity of Love and Relationships

The Overtime Kiss delves deeply into the complexities of love and relationships.  Sabrina and Tyler’s evolving relationship, from initial awkwardness to mutual attraction, is layered with emotional baggage and past experiences.

Sabrina’s reluctance to dive into a new relationship after her betrayal by Chad is understandable, as she is still grappling with the trauma of being let down by someone she trusted.  Tyler, on the other hand, has his own set of emotional struggles, particularly concerning his role as a single father and his desire to protect his family from potential heartbreak.

Both characters wrestle with their growing feelings for one another while maintaining boundaries that protect them from further emotional pain.  Their connection is undeniable, but they each approach their developing feelings with caution, as they are acutely aware of the complications that could arise—especially given their professional relationship and the presence of Tyler’s children.

The theme of love here is not idealized; rather, it is depicted as something that requires patience, self-awareness, and compromise.  Tyler’s ultimate gesture of supporting Sabrina’s dream of owning a skating rink is a demonstration of love that is not about grand romantic gestures but about offering support and understanding.

Sabrina’s willingness to accept Tyler’s commitment and move toward a deeper connection represents her growth in learning to trust and love again, but this time with a clearer sense of self.

Family and Its Expectations

The theme of family and the weight of its expectations plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ decisions, particularly Sabrina’s.  Her relationship with her parents is strained, as they prioritize appearances over her emotional well-being, siding with Chad despite his betrayal.

This dynamic highlights the emotional toll that family expectations can place on an individual, particularly when those expectations conflict with personal happiness.  Sabrina’s decision to distance herself from her family is an act of liberation, as she realizes that her parents’ values do not align with her own.

Similarly, Tyler’s relationship with his ex-wife and his role as a single father showcase the complexities of balancing family life with personal desires.  Tyler’s deep commitment to his children and his attempts to keep their lives stable highlight his own internal conflict between pursuing a romantic relationship with Sabrina and fulfilling his responsibilities as a parent.

Both Sabrina and Tyler’s interactions with their families—Sabrina’s estranged relationship with her father and Tyler’s commitment to his children—underscore the idea that family dynamics can shape individual choices, but they do not always define a person’s happiness or sense of self-worth.  By the end of the story, both Sabrina and Tyler have made peace with their families, understanding that while family plays a significant role in their lives, they are ultimately responsible for creating their own paths to fulfillment.