Last Night Was Fun Summary, Characters and Themes

Last Night Was Fun by Holly Michelle is a contemporary romance that explores the complexities of modern relationships, career struggles, and personal growth.  

The protagonist, Emmy Jameson, is a data analyst navigating a male-dominated field while grappling with her personal life. A quirky mix-up with a man, whom she nicknames “Axe Murderer,” sparks an unexpected connection that challenges her preconceived notions about love.  Alongside her budding romance, Emmy faces rivalry at work and the pressure of family expectations. This lighthearted yet thought-provoking novel delves into the balance between ambition, love, and self-discovery.

Summary

Emmy Jameson is a data analyst for a professional baseball team, living a quiet and solitary life.  She is a woman of few words and prefers to avoid the complexities of dating.

Her decision to not date comes after she hears a statistic that many people give out fake phone numbers.  However, Emmy’s life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a text message one Saturday morning from a man named “Axe Murderer,” who mistakenly thinks he’s texting someone named Lacey.

The man, having been given her number at a bar, had been “fake-numbered.”  This leads to a humorous and awkward exchange, and their texting relationship grows over time.

The man, whom she only knows through text, sends her bird-themed puns and gradually develops into someone she enjoys talking to.  Emmy humorously saves him as “Axe Murderer” in her phone, not expecting that their connection will grow beyond a playful texting exchange.

While the relationship progresses, Emmy’s life outside of the texts is far more complicated.  She has a tense relationship with her family, particularly with her mother, who frequently pressures her about her lack of a romantic partner.

Emmy’s younger sister, Piper, is preparing for her wedding, and this adds to the tension, as Emmy is reminded of her own lonely status.

At work, Emmy is one of the few women in a male-dominated field, and this makes her career journey even more difficult.  Emmy competes for a senior analyst position with her colleague, Gabe Olson, who often dismisses her ideas during meetings.

Gabe’s behavior is condescending, and his actions serve as a constant reminder of the challenges she faces as a woman in her industry.  Tensions between Emmy and Gabe intensify as both are chosen as finalists for the promotion.

Despite Gabe’s manipulative tactics, Emmy remains determined to succeed and prove herself.

Throughout the novel, Emmy finds herself torn between her growing feelings for “Axe Murderer” and the pressures of her career.  Meanwhile, her professional life continues to challenge her, especially as she deals with Gabe’s behavior and the need to outperform him to secure the promotion.

Gabe’s constant undermining of her work makes things even harder, but Emmy perseveres in her efforts.  She is determined to prove that data and hard work are more important than Gabe’s reliance on his “gut feelings” and past experience in baseball.

As the story continues, Emmy becomes more conflicted about her feelings for the mysterious “Axe Murderer.”  Their text exchanges become increasingly personal, and Emmy is drawn to his vulnerability and humor.

She begins to contemplate the idea of asking him to be her date for Piper’s wedding, which is scheduled to take place in Mexico.  Although they have never met in person, Emmy feels an unexpected connection with him.

She wrestles with the idea of meeting him face-to-face, fearing that it may ruin the chemistry they’ve shared.

In the midst of this emotional turmoil, Emmy’s life takes a strange turn when Gabe unexpectedly shows up at her door one Saturday morning with breakfast.  He claims to be in the area and brings her chilaquiles as a kind gesture.

Although Emmy is suspicious of his motives, she feels strangely drawn to him and invites him in.  The two share a candid breakfast, where Gabe opens up about his past, including a car accident that ended his career in sports.

This new side of Gabe forces Emmy to reevaluate her view of him, and she begins to see him as more than just a professional rival.  Their awkward conversation turns into something more intimate, leaving Emmy with mixed feelings.

As the story continues, the romantic tension between Emmy and Gabe builds.  After a series of unexpected encounters, including Gabe being part of the crew for Piper’s bachelorette party, Emmy realizes that she is no longer indifferent to him.

Despite the chaos of the party, they share some humorous and awkward moments that bring them closer.  Emmy also finds herself conflicted about her feelings for “Axe Murderer,” especially as their texting relationship grows deeper.

When a message from “Axe Murderer” arrives, asking if they should meet, Emmy feels torn between the fear of ruining their connection and the pressure of her career.

As Piper’s wedding draws near, Emmy is faced with the challenge of balancing her career ambitions with her emotional desires.  With the promotion on the line and her growing feelings for both Gabe and “Axe Murderer,” Emmy seeks advice from her parents.

Her mother, while initially surprised by the news of Emmy’s budding romance with Gabe, offers wisdom about the importance of following her heart.  Emmy also reveals that her job in baseball is a way for her to stay close to the memory of her late brother, Josh, who passed away due to addiction.

This emotional revelation helps her parents understand the weight of her career decisions.

Emmy’s emotional journey reaches a turning point when she decides to meet Gabe at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.  They have an honest and emotional conversation about their feelings, and Gabe admits that he values their relationship more than his career.

Emmy realizes that she has to let go of the promotion if she wants to build a future with Gabe.  In the end, both Emmy and Gabe make the sacrifice of choosing each other over career advancement.

They embrace, reaffirming their commitment to each other.

In the final moments of the story, Emmy gains clarity about her life and future.  She realizes that she can have both love and a fulfilling career, as long as she makes choices that align with her heart.

The novel concludes on a hopeful note, with Emmy having found the balance between love, family, and professional success.

Characters

Emmy Jameson

Emmy Jameson is a focused and ambitious woman working as a data analyst for a baseball team, a career she has dedicated herself to.  She is independent and purposeful, deliberately avoiding romantic entanglements.

Her lack of interest in dating stems from a past relationship that ended on a painful note, with her ex-boyfriend Jacob giving her an ultimatum to choose between him and her career.  Despite her strong career aspirations, Emmy is human and has emotional vulnerabilities, which surface as she grows closer to “Axe Murderer”—a man she’s only known through text.

Emmy’s character is defined by her determination to succeed in a male-dominated environment, where she is often overlooked or undermined, especially by her colleague Gabe Olson.  However, her ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and ambition makes her a relatable and complex character.

As the story progresses, Emmy begins to confront her conflicting emotions, both professionally and personally, and learns the importance of taking risks, opening up to love, and finding a balance between career and personal life.

Gabe Olson

Gabe Olson starts off as Emmy’s rival at work—arrogant, dismissive, and competitive, especially as both vie for a senior analyst position.  However, as the story unfolds, Gabe reveals deeper layers to his character, showing vulnerability and a more human side.

A former baseball player whose career ended due to a tragic accident, Gabe carries the emotional weight of his past with him.  This background changes the way Emmy perceives him, transitioning from a work adversary to someone she feels a growing connection with.

Gabe’s gestures, like bringing Emmy breakfast and admitting his past, soften the hard exterior he initially projected.  While their relationship evolves from one of professional rivalry to personal warmth, Gabe is still deeply conflicted about the balance between his career and his budding relationship with Emmy.

The tension between his career goals and his emotions comes to a head when both face a difficult decision: to choose between their relationship and a significant promotion.  Gabe’s ability to show vulnerability, his support for Emmy, and his willingness to make sacrifices for love make him a multifaceted character who is ultimately seeking not just professional success but also genuine human connection.

Piper Jameson

Piper Jameson, Emmy’s younger sister, plays a significant role in shaping the emotional landscape of the story.  While she is planning her own wedding, Piper serves as a source of emotional support for Emmy, even though she sometimes unintentionally adds to her sister’s stress.

Her meddling in Emmy’s personal life, like suggesting that Emmy invite Gabe to the wedding, highlights the contrast between the sisters’ approaches to love and relationships.  Piper’s carefree attitude toward love and commitment stands in stark contrast to Emmy’s cautious and reserved approach, especially after her past heartbreak.

Although she sometimes complicates things for Emmy, Piper’s unconditional support and understanding ultimately help her sister navigate the complexities of love, career, and family.  Her presence in the story adds a lighter, more playful dynamic, and she serves as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds and support systems.

Jacob

Jacob is Emmy’s estranged ex-boyfriend, and his presence in the story is primarily felt through the memories and unresolved emotions that continue to haunt her.  Jacob’s ultimatum, forcing Emmy to choose between him and her career, is a pivotal moment in Emmy’s past, one that shaped her decision to prioritize her professional ambitions over romantic relationships.

While he no longer plays an active role in her life, Jacob’s influence lingers, reminding Emmy of the sacrifices she has made in the name of her career.  His character serves as a foil to Gabe, as both men represent different types of romantic relationships in Emmy’s life—one filled with emotional manipulation and the other with genuine connection and growth.

Themes

Career vs. Personal Life

In Last Night Was Fun, Emmy’s journey reflects the delicate balance between career aspirations and personal relationships.  Her career as a data analyst for a baseball team defines much of her life, but it also serves as a source of tension.

The professional challenges she faces, particularly the dynamics with her male colleagues, highlight her struggles as a woman in a male-dominated environment.  Emmy’s dedication to her job is evident when she competes with Gabe for a promotion, a rivalry that constantly tests her resolve.

However, as the narrative progresses, her personal life begins to pull at her, especially as her interactions with “Axe Murderer” become more meaningful.  The tension between career ambition and the desire for love becomes even more pronounced when Emmy is faced with a decision that forces her to choose between the promotion and her budding relationship with Gabe.

The emotional conflict she experiences reveals how difficult it can be to prioritize one aspect of life over the other, especially when both are deeply important.  In her case, this theme is resolved when Emmy, after much introspection and guidance from her family, chooses love, realizing that following her heart doesn’t mean sacrificing her professional ambitions entirely.

This shift in Emmy’s character illustrates the possibility of finding a harmonious balance between the personal and professional spheres, though it requires sacrifice and a deep understanding of one’s true desires.

Gender and Workplace Dynamics

Emmy’s experiences as a woman in a male-dominated workplace serve as a crucial theme in Last Night Was Fun.  Her struggle to be taken seriously in her professional environment—competing for a senior position against a colleague like Gabe, who undermines her at every turn—reflects the ongoing challenges women face in various industries.

Despite her qualifications and knowledge, Emmy is constantly dismissed or spoken over by Gabe, who relies on his past experiences in baseball to downplay her data-driven analysis.  This creates a clear power imbalance, leaving Emmy to navigate a complex web of professionalism and gender-based bias.

As the story progresses, her internal growth and determination to prove herself become central to the narrative.  Emmy’s journey involves not only proving her professional competence but also asserting her right to be heard in a space that continually marginalizes her.

Her eventual success—fighting for the promotion she deserves while maintaining her integrity—underscores the theme of resilience in the face of gender bias.  The novel sheds light on how women in male-dominated fields often have to work harder to prove themselves, but also suggests that persistence, along with the support of peers and family, can help break through these barriers.

Modern Dating and Communication

The digital age’s impact on romance and human connections is another significant theme explored in Last Night Was Fun.  Emmy’s initial decision to avoid romantic entanglements stems from a statistic she hears about people giving out fake phone numbers, which leads her to a place of emotional detachment.

Yet, the unexpected texting relationship with “Axe Murderer” sparks a transformation in her.  The anonymity and distance created by texting offer a unique space for her to explore a connection without the immediate pressures of in-person interactions.

Over time, the messages exchanged with “Axe Murderer” evolve into something deeper, revealing that modern communication—through digital platforms—can foster meaningful connections that might be challenging to develop face-to-face, especially for those who are wary of vulnerability.  This theme plays out as Emmy’s initial wariness toward dating shifts, demonstrating how technology can both complicate and simplify romantic connections.

The blend of humor, personal revelation, and vulnerability shared through text provides a safe space for Emmy to explore feelings she otherwise might have suppressed.  Ultimately, the novel highlights how digital platforms can facilitate genuine relationships, but also emphasizes the complexities that arise when people attempt to transition these virtual connections into real-life encounters, as seen when Emmy contemplates meeting Axe Murderer in person.

Emotional Growth and Self-Discovery

Emmy’s journey of emotional growth is central to Last Night Was Fun, as she learns to navigate her own desires, vulnerabilities, and ambitions.  Initially, Emmy is emotionally closed off, using her career as a shield to avoid confronting her deeper feelings about love and relationships.

Her interactions with Gabe and “Axe Murderer” force her to open up and reconsider her approach to love, forcing her to confront the emotional baggage she has been carrying, especially regarding her past relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Jacob.  As the story unfolds, Emmy’s personal growth becomes increasingly evident.

Her decision to open up to Gabe, despite their professional rivalry, marks a key turning point.  She moves beyond her fear of vulnerability and begins to realize that her emotional needs—her desire for connection and love—are just as important as her professional goals.

This self-discovery is especially clear in the way she grapples with the decision between career advancement and her growing feelings for Gabe.  Her choice to prioritize love over ambition ultimately represents her emotional maturity, as she understands that happiness comes from within and that being true to herself is the most fulfilling path.

Throughout the novel, Emmy learns to embrace both her professional and personal sides, understanding that emotional fulfillment is not just about romantic love but also about making decisions that align with her true self.