Over the Moon Summary, Characters and Themes
Over the Moon by Laura Pavlov is a contemporary romance that follows the journey of Clark Chadwick, a professional hockey player recovering from an injury, and Eloise Gable, the physical therapist assigned to help him heal. Set in the small town of Rosewood River, the story explores the tension between the professional and personal, as Clark and Eloise struggle to maintain boundaries while dealing with their undeniable attraction to one another.
The novel delves into themes of career pressures, family dynamics, and love, all while offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals who are caught between their professional responsibilities and personal desires. It is the 3rd book in the Rosewood River series.
Summary
Clark Chadwick, a professional hockey player for the San Francisco Lions, returns to his hometown of Rosewood River after his team’s victory in the Stanley Cup. Though celebrated for his achievement, Clark is dealing with an MCL injury that hinders his ability to play.
To recover and prepare for the next season, he chooses to spend time at home, surrounded by family, but finds that the pain from his injury doesn’t subside easily. His friend and teammate, Ryan Weston, contacts him and informs him that Eloise Gable, the coach’s daughter, has been assigned as his physical therapist.
Clark is not thrilled about this assignment, recalling their previous unpleasant encounters.
Eloise, having recently relocated to Rosewood River, is equally discontent with being sent there. A highly qualified physical therapist with a doctorate in the field, she feels frustrated by her new assignment.
Despite her reluctance, she meets with Clark and begins her work. Clark initially dismisses her help, believing he can handle his recovery alone.
The tension between them is palpable, especially when Eloise criticizes his reckless celebration after the Cup win, which may have worsened his injury. Despite their mutual distaste for one another, they agree to work together, focusing on his rehabilitation and preparation for the next season.
As Eloise settles into Rosewood River, she begins to interact with the local community and make new connections, particularly with Emilia Taylor, who owns a flower shop. Although Eloise is still hesitant about the small-town life, she starts to appreciate the local charm and its friendly inhabitants.
Her professional relationship with Clark progresses slowly, as she pushes him to take his recovery seriously, despite his attempts to downplay the severity of his injury.
During their physical therapy sessions, there are moments of tension and humor. Clark’s playful charm occasionally breaks through Eloise’s professionalism, leading to subtle exchanges between them.
As time passes, Clark begins to respect Eloise’s dedication to her work and appreciates her no-nonsense approach to his recovery. The two start developing a begrudging mutual respect, and their interactions become more balanced.
Meanwhile, Clark continues to grapple with the pressure of returning to the ice. The attention from the town and the media only adds to his stress, and he finds it difficult to maintain his focus on rehab.
At one point, while playing pickleball with his family, Eloise sternly insists that he should not be playing due to his injury. This marks a significant moment in their relationship, as Clark realizes that Eloise’s concerns for his health go beyond just her job.
Despite the professional boundaries, the growing attraction between Clark and Eloise becomes undeniable. After a night at the local bar, Booze & Brews, they share a flirtatious moment, further complicating their dynamic.
Though they enjoy each other’s company, Eloise struggles to maintain a professional distance, especially considering the sensitive nature of their relationship—she is the coach’s daughter, and any misstep could jeopardize her career. As the days go on, the chemistry between them intensifies, with both feeling drawn to each other but unwilling to act on it.
Clark confides in his friends, admitting his attraction to Eloise but expressing uncertainty about how to proceed, given the professional implications. Their relationship becomes more strained as both try to deny their feelings for each other, but the connection between them deepens.
Clark also begins to open up to Eloise about his own vulnerabilities, such as his fear of not being able to return to his pre-injury form. Eloise, in turn, shares a personal story about her mother’s battle with cancer, which adds layers of emotional depth to their bond.
Despite the obstacles, Eloise allows Clark to skate on the ice again, a pivotal moment in his recovery. However, the tension between them remains, with both of them continuing to struggle with their feelings.
Eloise’s professional boundaries are challenged when she witnesses Clark’s protective gestures, like helping her when she is in danger on the ice, signaling his growing affection for her. Though she remains firm about keeping things professional, the bond between them becomes stronger.
As time passes, Eloise starts to feel more at home in Rosewood River, and Clark’s family becomes more involved in her life. The more time they spend together, the closer they get, and Eloise starts to feel like part of the Chadwick family.
However, she continues to be torn between her growing feelings for Clark and the professional consequences their relationship could bring. Despite the complications, they both begin to acknowledge their deepening emotions for each other.
Eloise’s internal conflict grows as she tries to balance her professional aspirations with her personal feelings. At one point, after a difficult dinner with her father and team management, Eloise decides to write a heartfelt note to Clark, acknowledging their connection and apologizing for her past actions.
This moment marks a turning point, as Eloise and Clark’s relationship evolves from strictly professional to something more personal, though they both understand the risks involved.
As the story reaches its climax, Eloise’s secret relationship with Clark is discovered when private love letters between them are circulated by Randall, a colleague. The fallout from this discovery puts Eloise’s job in jeopardy, as workplace policies prohibit relationships between employees.
Clark supports Eloise throughout the ordeal, even offering to leave the team if she loses her job. Despite this, Eloise is determined to protect Clark’s career, pushing him away in the process.
The drama culminates in a meeting with Coach Gable and team management, where Eloise faces potential termination. However, after the conflict resolves, Eloise is offered a new position with the team, and the policies that targeted her are reformed.
With their relationship now out in the open, Clark and Eloise begin to build a future together, navigating the challenges of their love amidst professional pressures. Despite the obstacles, they find a way to be together, proving that love is worth the fight.
Characters
Clark Chadwick
Clark Chadwick is a professional hockey player and a member of the San Francisco Lions, having recently won the Stanley Cup. His journey begins as he returns home to Rosewood River to recover from an MCL injury, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings of his family.
Though his physical recovery is a major focus, Clark’s emotional journey is just as significant. He is initially resistant to the help offered by Eloise, the physical therapist assigned to him.
This resistance stems from their previous encounters and his belief that he can recover without outside assistance. However, as the story progresses, Clark’s begrudging respect for Eloise grows, and he begins to appreciate her dedication and professionalism.
Despite the tension between them, Clark’s charm and playful demeanor occasionally break through, showing that beneath his stoic, competitive exterior, he is someone capable of vulnerability and warmth. Throughout the story, Clark is forced to confront his anxieties about returning to his pre-injury performance levels, as well as his developing feelings for Eloise.
His relationship with Eloise, initially professional, becomes complicated as they both struggle to balance their attraction to each other with the potential consequences it could have on their careers. Clark’s character is shaped by the weight of professional pressures, familial expectations, and the personal connections he forms.
He is willing to fight for what he believes in, including his love for Eloise, even when the stakes are high.
Eloise Gable
Eloise Gable is a highly qualified physical therapist who has recently moved to Rosewood River to help Clark recover from his hockey injury. A dedicated professional, Eloise takes her job seriously, initially focusing on Clark’s rehabilitation while maintaining a distance from him.
Her relationship with Clark begins with tension and a sense of animosity, as both harbor negative feelings towards each other. Eloise is frustrated with being sent to Rosewood River, not only because of her personal history with Clark but also because she feels that her professional capabilities are being undermined.
Despite this, she is determined to push Clark through his recovery with the same commitment she applies to all her patients. As the narrative unfolds, Eloise begins to soften toward Clark, acknowledging his resilience and the vulnerability beneath his confident exterior.
However, her growing attraction to him complicates their professional relationship. Eloise struggles with the ethical dilemma of maintaining her professional integrity while dealing with her personal feelings.
This internal conflict deepens as her connection with Clark intensifies. She is cautious about her role within the small-town dynamics and the potential consequences of a relationship with Clark, particularly given her father’s high expectations of her and the professional boundaries that should remain in place.
As she navigates her feelings, Eloise also contemplates her career and the potential fallout from a relationship that could jeopardize her future.
Bridger Chadwick
Bridger Chadwick, Clark’s brother, plays an essential supporting role throughout the story. While Clark is recovering from his injury, Bridger visits him in Rosewood River, offering not only familial support but also a sense of normalcy amidst the emotional and physical challenges Clark is facing.
Bridger is aware of the presence of Eloise, and his teasing hints about the chemistry between her and Clark provide both comic relief and an additional layer to the family dynamic. His role is mostly that of an observer, but his light-hearted banter with Clark offers moments of levity, showcasing the bond between the two brothers.
Bridger’s presence underscores the importance of family and community, serving as a reminder of the support systems that help the main characters navigate their struggles. Although Bridger doesn’t directly intervene in Clark and Eloise’s personal challenges, his character emphasizes the importance of relationships in overcoming personal trials.
Emilia Taylor
Emilia Taylor is a local resident of Rosewood River and the owner of the guesthouse where Eloise stays. Initially, Emilia appears as a friendly and supportive figure in Eloise’s life, offering her not only a place to stay but also a sense of camaraderie.
Emilia runs a local flower shop and shares common interests with Eloise, including a love of romance novels. Over time, the two women form a close friendship, and Emilia becomes a confidante for Eloise as she navigates the complexities of her professional and personal life.
Emilia’s warm and open nature contrasts with Eloise’s more reserved and cautious demeanor, which makes her an important figure in helping Eloise adjust to life in Rosewood River. Emilia encourages Eloise to participate in town activities, such as playing pickleball, which helps Eloise become more integrated into the community.
Emilia serves as a grounding presence, offering practical advice and emotional support, while also being a source of stability for Eloise in times of uncertainty.
Randall Gable
Randall Gable, Eloise’s father, is a complex figure who holds significant influence over her career. As a coach for the San Francisco Lions, he represents the professional expectations that Eloise is constantly trying to balance.
He is a well-meaning but somewhat overbearing figure who believes in high standards and has clear views on what success should look like. Randall’s presence in the narrative is marked by his interactions with Eloise, particularly in moments where their professional and personal boundaries intersect.
While he initially seems to have high expectations for Eloise’s career, his attitude shifts as he begins to understand her relationship with Clark. His eventual acceptance of their relationship marks a turning point in the story, demonstrating the evolution of his character from a strict, authoritative figure to one who recognizes the importance of his daughter’s happiness and well-being.
Despite his initial resistance, Randall’s character development plays a pivotal role in resolving the story’s tension.
Brett
Brett is a character from Eloise’s past who reappears at a local bar in Rosewood River, causing tension between her and Clark. His flirtations with Eloise create moments of jealousy for Clark, highlighting the growing emotional undercurrents between him and Eloise.
Though Brett’s role is not as central as the other characters, his presence amplifies the complexity of Clark and Eloise’s relationship, as it forces them both to confront their feelings. Brett’s flirtations and Eloise’s reactions serve as a catalyst for Clark to express his own jealousy, demonstrating the depth of his feelings for Eloise.
While Brett himself is not a significant antagonist, his role in the narrative helps to further develop the dynamic between the two protagonists and intensifies the internal struggles both face as they navigate their professional and personal boundaries.
Themes
Professional Boundaries vs. Personal Desires
The central theme in Over the Moon is the struggle between maintaining professional boundaries and giving in to personal desires. This theme manifests through the complex relationship between Clark, a professional hockey player, and Eloise, his physical therapist.
At the heart of their interactions is a deep attraction that both try to suppress due to the consequences their relationship might have on their careers. Eloise, in particular, struggles with the ethical dilemma of maintaining professionalism in a situation that continuously pulls her towards Clark.
She is aware of the professional risks involved—both for herself and for Clark—especially since they are connected through work within the same organization. Her internal battle highlights the difficulties of balancing personal and professional spheres, particularly when both spheres are intertwined.
This theme reflects a real-world challenge faced by individuals in professional environments where romantic relationships can blur the lines of ethical conduct and risk personal careers. Clark, similarly, is torn between his burgeoning feelings for Eloise and his desire to support her career, even if it means sacrificing his own feelings.
Their relationship evolves slowly, with both characters repeatedly pushing the limits of their professional relationship, only to pull back due to the fear of career repercussions. Ultimately, their connection showcases the complicated nature of professional boundaries and the ways in which personal emotions can challenge those boundaries, ultimately questioning whether love can exist in such a context without professional consequences.
Small-Town Charm and Community
The theme of small-town charm and community plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ experiences in Over the Moon. Rosewood River is more than just a backdrop for the story; it represents a place where relationships are intimate, and everyone knows each other’s business.
This tight-knit community provides a sense of comfort and belonging, particularly for Eloise, who initially resists becoming involved in the town’s social dynamics. As Eloise adjusts to life in Rosewood River, she starts to appreciate the warmth of the people around her, especially Emilia, a local who becomes her close friend.
Through Emilia, Eloise is introduced to local activities and the town’s lifestyle, which contrasts with the fast-paced, impersonal environment of her previous life. The community’s adoration of Clark and his family adds another layer of complexity, as it creates pressure on Clark, who feels the weight of public expectation and admiration.
As the story progresses, Eloise begins to realize that Rosewood River isn’t just a place for her to do her job; it’s a place where she can experience personal growth, make lasting friendships, and even explore her romantic desires. The small-town setting serves as a catalyst for the emotional development of both main characters, allowing them to slow down and consider what truly matters in their lives.
It is in this setting that their relationship deepens, away from the distractions of larger cities, where the constant hustle and ambition can often overshadow personal connections.
Personal Growth Through Adversity
Personal growth through adversity is another prominent theme in Over the Moon. Both Clark and Eloise face significant challenges that force them to reevaluate their priorities, push their limits, and confront their own vulnerabilities.
Clark’s journey involves recovering from a serious injury while managing the pressure of returning to the ice at peak performance. His struggles with physical pain and the fear of not being able to perform at his best drive him to confront his own insecurities.
Throughout the story, he learns that asking for help and accepting support are not signs of weakness but necessary steps for recovery. Similarly, Eloise’s professional journey is one of resilience.
At first, she feels disconnected from the town and her work with Clark, but as the story unfolds, she begins to embrace the challenges that come with her role as his physical therapist. Her initial discomfort with the relationship grows into a deep respect for Clark, while she learns to navigate her own feelings and personal growth within the constraints of her job.
Moreover, Eloise’s growth is not only personal but professional, as she takes on a greater responsibility within the team, eventually earning the respect of her colleagues. Both characters, despite their initial resistance to change, come to understand that the very adversity they face—be it physical, emotional, or professional—is a means of developing a stronger sense of self.
Their growth is a reflection of how overcoming obstacles, whether personal or external, can lead to a more profound understanding of who they are and what they want out of life.
The Consequences of Secret Love
In Over the Moon, the theme of the consequences of secret love explores the complexities and challenges faced by those who pursue relationships that must remain hidden due to external pressures. For Eloise and Clark, their attraction to one another is undeniable, but they are forced to navigate their emotions in secret due to the policies of their respective jobs.
Eloise’s role as a physical therapist for Clark complicates their budding romance because their relationship could jeopardize her career. As their connection deepens, the consequences of keeping their love a secret become more apparent, with their private moments becoming a source of tension and internal conflict.
The story delves into the emotional strain that secrecy brings, with both characters struggling to maintain a balance between their personal feelings and the professional consequences of their actions. The hidden nature of their relationship forces them to be constantly vigilant, which ultimately impacts their interactions with others, including their families and colleagues.
The discovery of their private love letters by a colleague intensifies the situation, leading to public humiliation and professional fallout for Eloise. The strain of keeping their love secret reaches a breaking point, and they both must confront the reality of the consequences they face for choosing love over career.
This theme is an exploration of the emotional toll that secret relationships can take on individuals, particularly when the stakes are high, and the world is watching. It challenges the notion of whether love can truly survive in a world where secrecy is required, and whether the price of that secrecy is too high to bear.