Offside by Avery Keelan Summary, Characters and Themes

Offside by Avery Keelan is a contemporary romance that explores love, trust, and personal growth against the backdrop of the world of hockey.  The story follows Bailey, a young woman navigating the emotional aftermath of a painful breakup with her boyfriend Luke, a hockey player.

As she struggles with her heartbreak, Bailey finds herself drawn to Chase Carter, a player from a rival team.  Amidst unexpected circumstances, Bailey and Chase’s relationship grows, filled with challenges, doubts, and moments of connection. Their journey is one of self-discovery, dealing with past mistakes, and ultimately finding love amidst turmoil.

Summary

Bailey James is celebrating her 21st birthday at an upscale restaurant with her boyfriend, Luke, who is a hockey player.  While she feels out of place in the fancy setting, Luke confidently orders wine and casually discusses their future.

But instead of the commitment Bailey expects, Luke drops a bombshell—he wants to break up.  He explains that he needs to focus on his career in the NHL and that their relationship is no longer a priority.

Devastated by his words, Bailey storms out of the restaurant, ending their relationship in public humiliation.

The next morning, Bailey struggles to accept the breakup.  She barely manages to eat breakfast when her roommate, Amelia, asks about the night before.

Bailey explains that Luke broke up with her, but she doesn’t want sympathy.  She spends the day distracted, working on school assignments, trying to block out the pain.

That evening, despite her emotional turmoil, she attends a hockey game to cheer for her brother Derek, who plays for the Bulldogs.  But the game ends in a crushing defeat for the Bulldogs, and Bailey watches Luke play poorly, distracted by their recent breakup.

After the game, Bailey runs into Chase Carter, a player from the rival team, the Falcons.  Chase has a reputation as an instigator on the ice and a ladies’ man off it.

Bailey isn’t particularly fond of him, but they share an undeniable attraction.  At a nightclub later that evening, Bailey finds herself flirting with Chase despite herself.

Although she is still reeling from the breakup with Luke, Chase’s attention feels comforting.  They dance and drink together, and despite her reservations, Bailey begins to enjoy the attention.

While at the bar, Bailey receives a text from Luke, apologizing for their breakup and asking to remain friends.  Bailey tells him she needs time but is shaken when she sees a gossip site post revealing that Luke has already moved on.

Hurt by this, Bailey confronts Luke via text, but his response seems insincere.  Chase, ever the charmer, continues to flirt with Bailey, and despite her anger at Luke, she can’t help but be drawn to him.

At the end of the night, Chase offers to walk Bailey home, and she agrees, though she isn’t sure what to make of this new connection.

The next day, Bailey finds herself in a vulnerable state after becoming extremely intoxicated at the club.  Chase, noticing her condition, helps her home and insists on taking her to his place to ensure she gets home safely.

Bailey makes a few suggestive comments, but Chase makes it clear that nothing will happen.  The next morning, Bailey wakes up in Chase’s bed, embarrassed but relieved that nothing happened.

After a lighthearted conversation about the previous night, Bailey is thankful for Chase’s help, despite feeling awkward.

As Bailey continues to process her breakup with Luke, she starts to build a reluctant friendship with Chase.  Despite his reputation as a player, Chase seems genuinely concerned for her well-being.

They share several moments of camaraderie, even when Chase defends Bailey against Luke.  Although Bailey still feels loyalty toward her brother Derek and is wary of Chase’s intentions, the two begin to form a bond.

Bailey’s friends, particularly Jillian and Amelia, begin to notice her growing connection with Chase.  She’s caught between loyalty to her brother and her evolving feelings for Chase, which creates tension in her personal life.

Meanwhile, Chase struggles with his growing feelings for Bailey, complicated by their history and their differences.  Despite their clashes, especially when Chase scores a hat trick against Bailey’s team, they continue to feel an undeniable attraction to one another.

Bailey’s life takes another turn when her professor assigns her to take over the sports coverage for the school paper.  She’s tasked with interviewing Paul, a former acquaintance who makes her uncomfortable.

After the interview, Bailey is unsettled by a comment Paul makes about seeing Chase with another woman.  This causes Bailey to worry about Chase’s commitment to her, and she distances herself from him.

Chase, sensing something is wrong, confronts Bailey.  During their conversation, Bailey admits her insecurities and fears, particularly about trusting Chase.

He reassures her, and they share an emotional reconciliation.

Despite the reconciliation, Bailey’s trust issues linger.  Chase continues to show his commitment, even offering to stay over at her place.

They work through their relationship, learning to communicate better and build trust.  Bailey realizes that her past experiences have affected her ability to trust, but she’s learning to open up to Chase more.

Things take an unexpected turn when Bailey discovers a video from Chase’s past—a tape featuring him and two others.  The video, recorded without his consent, was leaked by Luke with the intention of ruining their relationship.

The revelation causes tension between Bailey and Chase as she struggles with the betrayal of trust.  Chase explains that he didn’t tell her about the video to protect her from the fallout, but Bailey is torn between understanding his reasons and feeling hurt by the secrecy.

As the media frenzy intensifies, both Bailey and Chase face the consequences of the scandal.  However, their bond grows stronger as they support one another through the emotional turmoil.

In the end, the situation with the video settles down, and Luke is removed from the picture.  The couple begins to rebuild their lives, with Bailey’s career prospects looking brighter as she receives an internship offer.

The final moments of the story reveal Chase’s commitment to Bailey when he proposes to her, offering a ring that holds sentimental value.  Bailey happily accepts, and they look forward to a future together.

Their love, tested by scandal and misunderstandings, proves resilient, and they face their future united.

Characters

Bailey James

Bailey James is the central character of Offside and is initially introduced as a young woman dealing with the emotional fallout of a breakup.  At the start of the story, she’s caught in a whirlwind of confusion and heartbreak after her boyfriend Luke, a hockey player, unexpectedly breaks up with her.

This devastating event sets the tone for Bailey’s personal journey throughout the book.  She struggles with balancing her emotions, especially after the humiliation of the public breakup, and finds herself questioning her self-worth.

However, as the story progresses, Bailey begins to evolve, navigating through complex relationships and internal conflicts.  Her development is marked by a growing sense of independence, self-reflection, and vulnerability, which allows her to open herself to new connections, particularly with Chase Carter.

She becomes more resilient as she processes her emotions, both from the breakup with Luke and the blossoming relationship with Chase.  Bailey’s internal struggle, especially her trust issues and fear of vulnerability, adds depth to her character.

Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to trust, love, and embrace the future with new hope.

Chase Carter

Chase Carter stands out as a charismatic and complex character in Offside.  Initially introduced as a notorious ladies’ man and instigator on the ice, Chase quickly becomes a more nuanced figure as the story unfolds.

His relationship with Bailey starts off rocky due to their rivalry, and despite his charm and flirtatious behavior, it’s clear that there’s more to him than meets the eye.  Chase’s protective nature comes to the forefront when he helps Bailey during a vulnerable moment and gradually earns her trust.

His own struggles with commitment and emotional baggage make him hesitant to fully open up, but he is determined to prove his worth to Bailey.  Chase’s personal conflict is driven by his past mistakes, including the scandal with the leaked video, which haunts his relationship with Bailey.

Despite the external pressures and media attention, Chase’s love for Bailey remains constant.  Over time, he sheds his image as a player and reveals his sincere commitment to their relationship.

His growth as a character is deeply intertwined with his ability to prove his trustworthiness, offering Bailey the emotional security she needs.  His proposal at the end of the book signifies his unwavering dedication to their future together.

Luke Morrison

Luke Morrison, Bailey’s ex-boyfriend, plays a significant yet ultimately negative role in Offside.  As a hockey player with aspirations to join the NHL, Luke’s focus on his career leads him to make the painful decision to break up with Bailey.

His actions, particularly his callousness in ending their relationship and moving on quickly, cause Bailey a great deal of emotional pain.  Despite this, Luke’s character is not entirely devoid of depth.

His decision to end things is based on his belief that he needs to prioritize his career, but his inability to communicate his intentions more compassionately leaves Bailey feeling betrayed.  Throughout the book, Luke’s presence is felt mainly through the tension he creates in Bailey’s life.

His betrayal adds to Bailey’s emotional turmoil and becomes a catalyst for her journey of growth.  Although he later attempts to maintain a friendship with Bailey, his actions reveal a lack of true emotional connection, highlighting his self-centered nature and inability to fully appreciate Bailey’s feelings.

Derek James

Derek James, Bailey’s older brother, is a supporting character whose presence in the story provides Bailey with some familial grounding.  Derek plays for the Bulldogs hockey team and represents a stable, protective figure in Bailey’s life.

While his role in the narrative is not as central as Bailey’s and Chase’s, Derek’s character offers emotional support and plays a key role in some of Bailey’s decisions.  His relationship with Bailey reflects sibling loyalty and concern, especially when it comes to her emotional well-being.

Derek’s presence also serves to contrast with Chase’s more unpredictable and emotionally charged influence in Bailey’s life.  Although Derek’s involvement is more peripheral, his connection to Bailey adds depth to her personal history and reinforces the importance of family in her journey.

Amelia

Amelia is Bailey’s roommate and close friend, providing a grounding support system for Bailey throughout Offside.  Amelia’s character is defined by her compassion and desire to protect Bailey, especially during times of emotional vulnerability.

When Bailey is heartbroken over her breakup with Luke, Amelia is there to offer comfort, though Bailey is initially resistant to her sympathy.  Amelia’s role is key in helping Bailey navigate through the complexities of her relationships, particularly with Chase.

However, Amelia’s concern also brings to light the tension between Bailey’s growing connection with Chase and her loyalty to her past, especially her relationship with Luke.  Amelia’s friendship with Bailey is genuine and supportive, acting as a stabilizing force in the midst of Bailey’s emotional upheaval.

Jillian

Jillian is another of Bailey’s friends who, like Amelia, plays an important role in her emotional journey.  While not as prominent as the other characters, Jillian’s character adds another layer to the social dynamics of Bailey’s life.

Her concern for Bailey is apparent, especially as she observes the budding relationship between Bailey and Chase.  Jillian, like Amelia, questions Bailey’s decisions but does so with a sense of protective friendship.

The conversations and interactions between Jillian and Bailey provide insight into Bailey’s internal conflict as she tries to reconcile her past with Luke and her future with Chase.  Although Jillian’s role is relatively minor in comparison to others, she acts as an important sounding board for Bailey’s evolving feelings and decisions.

Paul

Paul is the assistant captain of the Bulldogs and a character from Bailey’s past who creates tension in the narrative.  Though not directly involved in the central romance between Bailey and Chase, Paul plays a pivotal role in the emotional conflicts Bailey faces.

When Bailey is tasked with interviewing him for the school paper, she is faced with uncomfortable memories of their past interactions, which complicates her professional and personal boundaries.  Paul’s insinuations about Chase’s trustworthiness add a layer of doubt to Bailey’s relationship with Chase, forcing her to confront her insecurities and fears about being hurt again.

Paul’s presence in the story serves as a reminder of Bailey’s past and the emotional baggage she is working to move beyond.  His role as a source of conflict highlights the challenges Bailey faces as she navigates new relationships and attempts to trust again.

Themes

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

The journey of personal growth and self-discovery is central to Offside.  Bailey begins the story grappling with the emotional aftermath of her breakup with Luke, her long-term boyfriend, and the ensuing personal upheaval forces her to confront many aspects of her own identity.

Initially, Bailey is seen as someone who is defined by her relationship with Luke, a hockey player, and her involvement in his world.  The breakup, however, acts as a catalyst for her to step away from this identity and start exploring who she is outside of a relationship.

She begins to focus more on her schoolwork and personal interests, using these as ways to distract herself from the heartbreak.

As Bailey interacts with new people, particularly Chase, she also begins to see parts of herself that she had not recognized before, such as her ability to be independent, her growing confidence, and her capacity for vulnerability.  Her relationship with Chase evolves from something initially built on physical attraction to a deeper connection that challenges her previously held beliefs about love and trust.

Through her evolving connection with Chase, she not only learns to navigate the complexities of a new relationship but also discovers that she is capable of growth and change, even after experiencing deep emotional pain.  By the end of the story, Bailey’s sense of self has transformed from a heartbroken young woman to someone who is confident in her own worth and open to new possibilities, both in her personal life and career.

Trust and Betrayal

Trust and betrayal emerge as key themes in Offside, with Bailey struggling to come to terms with the betrayal she feels from both Luke and, later, Chase.  At the start, Bailey’s world is shaken by Luke’s sudden breakup, which she perceives as an act of betrayal, especially given his suggestion that they remain friends.

The sting of this betrayal is amplified by the fact that Luke quickly moves on, further testing Bailey’s ability to trust those closest to her.  Her relationship with Chase, initially strained due to their history and his reputation, becomes complicated when Paul, an old acquaintance, sows seeds of doubt about Chase’s trustworthiness.

Despite her growing feelings for him, Bailey’s fear of betrayal prevents her from fully opening up to him.

The tension heightens when Bailey learns of a scandal involving an old video of Chase, circulated by Luke with the intent to destroy their relationship.  Bailey is forced to reconcile the image she has of Chase with the painful reality of his past.

However, as Chase explains the situation to her, including his reasons for not disclosing the video earlier, their bond is tested but ultimately strengthened.  This moment of vulnerability and honesty allows Bailey to reevaluate her perceptions of trust and betrayal, ultimately choosing to believe in Chase’s commitment to her.

The theme of trust is further explored as they navigate the complexities of their relationship, learning to communicate openly and honestly, and proving that trust can be rebuilt even after being shattered.  By the end, despite all the betrayals they’ve experienced, both with Luke and the media scandal, Bailey and Chase emerge stronger, proving that love can thrive even amidst betrayal, provided both parties are willing to be honest and work through the pain.

Relationships and Emotional Intimacy

Offside examines the evolution of relationships and the nuances of emotional intimacy.  At the beginning of the story, Bailey’s relationship with Luke is defined by familiarity and shared history, but it lacks emotional depth.

Their breakup reveals the emotional disconnect between them, highlighting how Bailey had been more emotionally invested in the relationship than Luke.  After the breakup, Bailey is hesitant to open up to anyone, yet over time, her interactions with Chase begin to challenge her previous beliefs about relationships.

Chase, initially viewed as the typical “bad boy” with a reputation for being a ladies’ man, surprises Bailey as she starts to witness a more sensitive and caring side of him.  Their relationship starts off with tension, especially as Bailey wrestles with the aftermath of her breakup with Luke and her distrust of Chase.

However, as they spend more time together, Chase demonstrates a willingness to be emotionally vulnerable, which gradually breaks down Bailey’s resistance.  Through small but significant moments—such as comforting her when she’s upset, standing up for her against her ex, or simply being there for her when she’s going through emotional turmoil—they build a deeper connection.

Bailey’s emotional intimacy with Chase grows as they share personal moments, and her initial resistance to him melts away as she realizes that he is trustworthy and genuinely invested in her happiness.  Their relationship evolves beyond physical attraction into something more profound, marked by emotional support, mutual understanding, and respect.

The theme of emotional intimacy is further explored through Bailey’s personal journey.  Initially, she struggles to trust anyone after her painful breakup with Luke, and she resists being emotionally vulnerable with Chase.

However, as she learns to open up to him, she discovers a new side of herself—one that is capable of deep emotional connections.  This shift in her emotional state not only strengthens her bond with Chase but also reflects her broader personal growth as she becomes more comfortable with who she is and what she wants from a relationship.

Media, Reputation, and Public Scrutiny

The influence of media and public scrutiny plays a significant role in Offside, particularly in the latter part of the story when the scandal involving Chase’s past emerges.  This theme underscores the power of external forces in shaping individual lives and relationships, especially when it comes to athletes and public figures.

As the video involving Chase circulates, both Bailey and Chase are forced to deal with the fallout from the media frenzy, which seeks to exploit their personal lives for public consumption.  The pressure of public opinion and reputation causes immense stress on both characters, forcing them to confront their values and their relationship in a very public arena.

Bailey, in particular, finds herself caught between the judgment of others and her feelings for Chase.  She struggles with the idea of being publicly associated with the scandal, worried about how it might affect her career and reputation.

The media’s focus on Chase’s past creates an environment of public distrust, and Bailey’s internal conflict deepens as she tries to navigate the backlash.  Despite the external pressure, both Chase and Bailey learn to rise above the negativity, supporting each other as they deal with the scandal together.

Their relationship is tested by the public’s view of them, but they ultimately find strength in one another, proving that love can endure despite the constant scrutiny that comes with fame and public life.  This theme also highlights the idea that personal relationships are often subject to forces beyond one’s control, and that the way these forces are handled—through communication, trust, and mutual support—can determine the strength and longevity of a relationship.