Thrown for a Loop Summary, Characters and Themes

Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen is a contemporary romance novel set against the high-stakes world of professional hockey and figure skating. The story revolves around Zoe Carson, a talented skating coach who starts a new job with the New York Legends hockey team, where she is tasked with improving the players’ skating skills.

However, Zoe’s past with one of the team’s star players, Chase Merritt, complicates her professional life. As Zoe navigates her new role, old tensions and unresolved feelings between her and Chase resurface. The novel delves into themes of personal growth, professional challenges, and the complexities of love in a fast-paced sports world.

Summary

Zoe Carson is eager to prove herself as the new skating coach for the New York Legends hockey team. Nervous but determined, she arrives at the team’s headquarters, where she meets Darcy Kendrick, Nolan Sharp’s assistant.

Darcy shows Zoe around, and she soon realizes the pressure of the job ahead. Her primary role is to improve the skating technique of the players, especially since the previous coach left under unclear circumstances.

Zoe is particularly concerned about Chase Merritt, a star player on the team with whom she shares a complicated past. Their relationship ended years ago, and Zoe is unsure how to navigate their current interactions.

When Zoe meets her boss, Nolan Sharp, she is met with skepticism. Nolan expects her to prove herself quickly, making Zoe feel like she has to work even harder to earn his respect.

Later, she meets Aiden Sharp, Nolan’s son, who offers a more supportive attitude and a tour of the facility. Despite her nerves, Zoe focuses on her goal of improving the team’s performance.

However, when she has to deliver a message to Chase, their awkward reunion reminds Zoe of the unresolved tension between them.

The story then flashes back nine and a half years earlier, revealing the beginnings of Zoe and Chase’s relationship. Chase was a young hockey player who took a job as an assistant coach at a figure skating camp.

It was there that he met Zoe, a skilled figure skater. Their connection grew over the summer, leading to a romantic relationship.

However, Chase’s focus on his hockey career and the pressures of their differing priorities caused their relationship to falter, leaving unresolved feelings on both sides.

In the present, Zoe reflects on their past as she navigates her new role with the Legends. Her emotions are complicated when she encounters Chase again, and their brief interactions are filled with tension.

Zoe is determined to prove herself as a capable coach, but she can’t escape the weight of their shared history. She continues to work with the team, gaining the trust of some players like Captain Eric Tremaine, but struggles to connect with others, particularly Chase.

Chase, meanwhile, is dealing with his own personal demons. He’s struggling with rumors about his performance and behavior, and his on-ice struggles are affecting his reputation.

As tensions rise, Zoe’s efforts to maintain professionalism are tested. A mysterious and disturbing note left in her locker signals that not everyone is supportive of her role with the team.

Zoe pushes forward, determined to succeed despite the personal and professional challenges she faces.

Things take a turn when Zoe is unexpectedly drawn into a media incident involving Chase. After an altercation with a fan at a local bar, Zoe tries to intervene, but the situation escalates, and the encounter is filmed.

Chase’s sponsors threaten to drop him, and Zoe feels responsible for the fallout. She offers her help, providing coaching to improve his skating, but her job with the Legends is now at risk.

In a meeting with the team, Zoe defends Chase, but the damage has already been done. Despite her efforts, Chase is fined, and the incident continues to affect both of their careers.

Zoe’s relationship with Chase remains strained as they continue to work together, but there are moments of connection between them. Their personal issues become more complicated when Zoe is pressured to participate in a charity event alongside Chase, where they will perform their old figure skating routine.

Zoe is reluctant but eventually agrees, and Chase’s participation raises more questions about his motivations. As they practice for the performance, their past resurfaces, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.

During the event preparations, Zoe is invited to dinner at Chase’s luxurious penthouse, where they share a quiet, intimate meal. Despite the lingering tension, they both seem to reconnect on some level.

However, Zoe struggles with her feelings for Chase, torn between their history and her current professional obligations. The chapter ends with Zoe reflecting on their complicated relationship, unsure of where it stands.

The story progresses as Zoe faces more challenges in her personal and professional life. She continues to deal with negative comments from her mother, a difficult player named Moreau, and the constant pressure of her job.

The situation becomes even more difficult when she finds hateful graffiti in her locker, a sign that someone is actively undermining her. Despite this, Zoe remains determined to push forward, even as she deals with mounting stress from all sides.

Meanwhile, Chase, who has been performing well on the ice, makes a surprising gesture by paying Zoe’s rent, which initially angers her but is later explained. Their relationship deepens as they support each other through their respective struggles.

Zoe is faced with a tough decision when Nolan Sharp offers her a contract extension with the Legends, but she suspects that her relationship with Chase has been manipulated for team politics. After discussing it with Chase, she accepts the offer, signaling a new chapter in both her career and their relationship.

As the season progresses, Zoe and Chase perform together at a charity event, and their chemistry on the ice is evident. However, their personal lives are thrown into turmoil when Nolan reveals that he had known about their relationship all along and had used it to his advantage.

Zoe and Chase confront him, feeling betrayed. Despite this, they find solace in each other, and Zoe decides to stay with the Legends, while Chase works on securing his own future with the team.

The book concludes with Zoe and Chase solidifying their relationship and looking forward to their future. Zoe’s decision to stay with the team represents her growth, independence, and newfound confidence.

As they prepare for their next chapter, both professionally and personally, they embrace the future together, knowing that they have overcome significant obstacles. The story ends on a hopeful note, with the promise of a bright future for both Zoe and Chase.

Characters

Zoe Carson

Zoe Carson is a dedicated and ambitious woman who takes on the challenging role of a skating coach for the New York Legends hockey team. She is intelligent, resilient, and passionate about her work, but she also carries emotional baggage from her past, particularly concerning her previous relationship with Chase Merritt.

Despite feeling uncertain and facing challenges, such as working under a dismissive boss, Nolan Sharp, and dealing with her complicated history with Chase, Zoe remains focused on her professional goals. Throughout the story, she strives to prove herself as a competent coach, overcoming personal doubts and external obstacles.

Her inner strength is evident in her determination to help the players improve their skating and her resilience in handling uncomfortable situations, including the defacing of her locker and the pressure from team management. Zoe’s emotional growth is a key aspect of the narrative, and she evolves from someone who is conflicted and unsure to a more independent and self-assured individual.

Her journey is one of self-empowerment and growth, where she learns to prioritize her own needs and desires, both in her career and her relationship with Chase.

Chase Merritt

Chase Merritt is a talented but troubled hockey player, and his history with Zoe Carson adds complexity to his character. He is a man at war with his own demons, struggling with personal issues and the pressure of his career.

His initial coldness toward Zoe, especially in their awkward reunion at the Legends headquarters, reveals his inability to move past their broken relationship. Despite his tough exterior, Chase is deeply affected by his past with Zoe and his own internal struggles, including pressures surrounding his performance and media scrutiny.

While he may seem indifferent or detached at times, especially when dealing with his career’s ups and downs, he is caring and protective in his own way, such as when he defends Zoe in the aftermath of the bar incident. His willingness to participate in the figure skating routine with Zoe, despite the awkwardness it brings, shows that he is not entirely indifferent to her.

Chase’s character arc revolves around his attempts to reconcile with his past, especially his relationship with Zoe, while also managing the external pressures of his professional life. As the story progresses, his emotional vulnerability becomes more apparent, and he grows closer to Zoe, culminating in their renewed connection and eventual proposal.

His journey is about finding balance and healing, both in his personal life and career.

Nolan Sharp

Nolan Sharp, the general manager of the New York Legends, plays a significant role in shaping Zoe’s professional journey. He is stern, focused, and often dismissive, creating a challenging environment for Zoe as she navigates her new role.

Nolan seems more interested in the success of the team than in supporting Zoe’s growth as a coach, which adds a layer of tension to her work dynamic. He does not offer much encouragement or appreciation for her efforts, making Zoe’s task of proving herself even more difficult.

However, Nolan’s ulterior motives begin to surface as the story progresses, especially with his manipulative behavior regarding Zoe’s relationship with Chase. His actions demonstrate a lack of regard for the emotional well-being of those around him, using their personal lives as leverage for his professional gain.

Despite his less-than-ideal treatment of Zoe, Nolan’s character highlights the complexities of power dynamics in professional sports and the manipulative tactics that often accompany such positions. He is a character driven by self-interest, which ultimately leads to a fallout with both Zoe and Chase.

Aiden Sharp

Aiden Sharp, Nolan’s son, serves as a secondary character who introduces Zoe to the Legends’ facilities and helps her adjust to her new environment. Though not as central as some of the other characters, Aiden adds depth to the story, offering a contrast to his father’s more harsh and manipulative nature.

Aiden is portrayed as more approachable and supportive, offering a sense of camaraderie for Zoe in an otherwise tense and challenging workplace. While he does not play a significant role in Zoe’s personal journey, his interactions with her provide a degree of comfort and normalcy.

Aiden’s presence in the story serves to highlight the contrasting styles of leadership within the Sharp family and adds another layer of complexity to the professional dynamics at the Legends headquarters.

Darcy Kendrick

Darcy Kendrick is Zoe’s friend and a pivotal support system throughout the story. As Nolan Sharp’s assistant, she navigates the complexities of her own professional relationships but is always there to offer advice and encouragement to Zoe.

Darcy’s loyalty to Zoe is unwavering, providing both emotional support and practical guidance when Zoe faces difficult situations, such as when she is confronted with hateful graffiti in her locker. Darcy’s role as a friend and confidante to Zoe is essential, offering both a sense of humor and a grounding presence in Zoe’s otherwise tumultuous life.

While Darcy is less involved in the romance between Zoe and Chase, she plays a crucial role in Zoe’s personal growth and in helping her cope with the challenges of her new job. Darcy’s interactions with Zoe provide much-needed relief from the tension in the workplace and add a layer of friendship and solidarity to the story.

Eric Tremaine

Eric Tremaine, the captain of the New York Legends, is another character who helps Zoe navigate her new position. He serves as an ally and supporter, encouraging her coaching efforts and providing positive reinforcement when needed.

Eric’s character is defined by his professionalism and his support for Zoe, making him a key figure in her journey. His interactions with Zoe are less complicated by personal emotions, focusing instead on the team’s success and Zoe’s role in that.

Eric represents the professional side of the sports world, where relationships are based on mutual respect and shared goals. His presence contrasts with the more complicated relationships Zoe has with other characters, such as Chase and Nolan, offering a stabilizing influence within the story.

Steve Sailor

Steve Sailor is a manipulative PR strategist who plays a pivotal role in pressuring Zoe into performing with Chase for a charity event. His tactics are manipulative, as he uses the idea of harming the charity and Chase’s reputation to get Zoe to agree to the performance.

Steve’s character is emblematic of the business side of sports, where image and reputation are prioritized above personal feelings. His interactions with Zoe are filled with subtle coercion, and while he is not a central character, his role in pushing Zoe into uncomfortable situations demonstrates the power dynamics at play in the professional world.

Steve’s presence in the story serves as a reminder of the external pressures that influence the characters’ decisions and actions.

Themes

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Throughout Thrown for a Loop, Zoe demonstrates remarkable resilience as she faces a series of challenges in both her personal and professional life. Moving to New York to work with the Legends hockey team is not only a professional opportunity but also a personal trial.

Zoe’s past with Chase Merritt, a former lover, complicates her adjustment to the new environment. Despite the emotional baggage, Zoe continues to focus on proving herself as a capable coach, working hard to build relationships with the players and earn their respect.

Her determination to succeed becomes even more evident when faced with setbacks like the hateful graffiti in her locker, which threatens her confidence. However, instead of succumbing to these negative circumstances, Zoe chooses to remain strong, pushing forward to help the team and improve her own career.

This resilience is further tested when she finds herself entangled in a public incident involving Chase, where the media and team management threaten her job. Through it all, Zoe’s determination to rise above adversity and carve out her own path is clear.

Her ability to keep moving forward despite the emotional and professional hurdles she encounters underscores the importance of resilience, both in the workplace and in personal relationships.

Complicated Relationships and Unresolved Past

The complex relationship between Zoe and Chase serves as a central theme in Thrown for a Loop, revealing how unresolved issues from the past can linger and complicate present circumstances. Their initial romantic connection, which was cut short by differences in priorities and life goals, continues to affect their interactions years later.

Despite Zoe’s attempt to distance herself from Chase and focus on her new job, their past connection is undeniable. The tension between them intensifies as Zoe works to move past their history, and Chase seems to act out, possibly to protect himself from the vulnerability of reconnecting with Zoe.

As the story progresses, Zoe is forced to confront her unresolved feelings and question whether her lingering attachment to Chase will interfere with her professional goals. Their relationship becomes a symbol of the difficulty of moving forward when the past is not fully addressed.

Through their dynamic, the book explores themes of forgiveness, trust, and the emotional baggage that can follow someone from a former relationship. The need to reconcile personal feelings with professional responsibilities is a recurring conflict, making their journey toward understanding and closure pivotal to the story.

Identity and Career Conflict

In Thrown for a Loop, Zoe grapples with her identity as a coach, a former athlete, and a woman who is trying to build a new life in the professional world of hockey. The pressure to succeed in her new role with the Legends hockey team is compounded by her past as a figure skater, where her dreams of competing in the Olympics were shattered after a significant setback.

This professional identity crisis is intensified by her interactions with her colleagues, including her complicated relationship with her boss, Nolan Sharp, who seems to undermine her efforts despite her hard work. Zoe’s struggle with her identity is evident in moments of self-doubt, particularly when she faces challenges from both the team and her own personal life.

As the story unfolds, she is forced to choose between staying in her current job, where she feels both undervalued and manipulated, and taking a leap of faith toward a new opportunity. Her decision to accept a job offer from Nolan, despite the manipulations and power dynamics at play, reflects her growth and desire to reclaim control over her career.

The theme of identity is explored through Zoe’s continuous effort to balance her past as an athlete with her present as a coach, and her journey highlights the tension that arises when personal dreams and professional realities clash.

Manipulation and Power Dynamics

The theme of manipulation and power dynamics plays a significant role in Thrown for a Loop, particularly in how characters use their influence to control or direct the lives of others. Zoe finds herself at the center of manipulation from multiple angles, most notably from Steve Sailor, the team’s PR manager, who pressures her into performing a figure skating routine with Chase at a charity event.

Although Zoe initially resists, Sailor’s implied threats regarding her career and her relationship with Chase force her into a difficult position. The tension between her professional ambitions and personal feelings for Chase highlights the power dynamics within the team and management.

Nolan Sharp, the team’s general manager, also plays a role in manipulating Zoe, using her relationship with Chase as leverage to further his own goals. His lack of genuine support for Zoe’s abilities as a coach becomes apparent when he criticizes her work and uses her emotionally charged situation for his advantage.

This manipulation reaches its peak when it is revealed that Sharp had been using Zoe and Chase’s relationship for leverage all along, a revelation that leaves both of them feeling betrayed. Through these examples, the book explores how power can be abused, how individuals can be forced into difficult situations, and the emotional toll that manipulation can take on personal and professional relationships.

Love and Sacrifice

Love and sacrifice are recurring themes in Thrown for a Loop, with Zoe and Chase’s evolving relationship at the heart of this exploration. Their deepening connection is fraught with obstacles, both personal and professional, but their willingness to support each other through difficult times shows the strength of their bond.

Zoe, despite her growing feelings for Chase, faces numerous challenges that could jeopardize her career and self-worth. She sacrifices her own comfort and personal desires to help Chase through his struggles, such as when she defends him after the media fiasco.

Her actions reflect her loyalty and the depth of her feelings for him, even when they are no longer romantically involved. For Chase, his affection for Zoe is expressed through his own sacrifices, such as when he agrees to perform in the figure skating routine for the charity event, despite his discomfort with the situation.

The sacrifices they make for one another demonstrate how love can drive individuals to act beyond their own interests, and how relationships, even those that have been fraught with tension and hurt, can evolve when both parties are willing to make sacrifices. This theme is underscored by their ultimate decision to face their future together, despite the uncertainties surrounding their careers and the complexities of their relationship.

Personal Growth and Independence

Thrown for a Loop highlights the theme of personal growth and independence, particularly through Zoe’s character arc. Initially, Zoe is unsure of her place in the world of hockey, feeling overshadowed by her past as a figure skater and constantly struggling to prove her worth.

Over time, however, she learns to navigate the complexities of her job with the Legends and the personal challenges that arise from her relationship with Chase. Zoe’s growth is evident in her increasing confidence, as she pushes through difficult situations, like the tensions with her colleagues and the public scrutiny surrounding her interactions with Chase.

She becomes more assertive in both her personal and professional life, making decisions that reflect her growing sense of self-worth and independence. This transformation culminates in her decision to accept the job offer from Nolan Sharp, despite the manipulation and power struggles, showing her willingness to take charge of her career.

Zoe’s journey toward independence is also mirrored in her relationship with Chase, where she learns to balance her personal desires with her professional aspirations. The theme of personal growth underscores the importance of finding one’s own path, even when faced with challenges, and embracing the changes that come with growth and self-discovery.