Writing Mr. Wrong Summary, Characters and Themes

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong is a romance novel that brings together two people from the past, Gemma Stanton and Mason Moretti, whose history is filled with misunderstandings and unresolved emotions.

Gemma, a debut romance author, is trying to move on from her high school crush on Mason, who has since become a professional hockey player.  The novel follows the journey of their complicated relationship, filled with awkward encounters, personal growth, and the chance for redemption. Through fake dates, misunderstandings, and heartfelt conversations, they both explore the possibility of a future together, despite the mistakes of the past.

Summary

Gemma Stanton is preparing for a TV interview to promote her debut romance novel, but she’s anxious about how she’ll be perceived.  Her appearance, especially her choice of dress, concerns her, as she fears it will reinforce the stereotype of romance authors.

While in the green room, she unexpectedly runs into Ashley Porter, a high school classmate turned TV host.  Though Ashley is friendly, Gemma can’t forget the harsh comment Ashley made years ago about her crush on Mason Moretti, a popular hockey player at school.

Gemma’s novel, though fictionalized, is inspired by her own experiences, particularly her high school crush on Mason.  She’s careful not to reveal too much about the connection on-air.

Mason, now a professional hockey enforcer, is also preparing for his own interview at the studio.  He remembers Gemma from high school and the brief, awkward kiss they shared, a kiss that was later turned into a joke by his friends.

Although his life as a public figure has changed, he hasn’t forgotten Gemma and the events that followed.

During the interview, Ashley brings up the similarities between Gemma’s book’s hero, Laird Argyle, and Mason, sparking an uncomfortable situation.  Gemma tries to downplay it, but the attention makes her anxious.

Mason joins the conversation, and their awkward chemistry is evident.  After the interview, Mason seeks Gemma out in the hallway, offering to help with the fallout and suggesting they catch up over coffee.

Although Gemma is hesitant, Mason apologizes for the past, and they share a brief moment of understanding.  Despite this, Gemma still has unresolved feelings about the way Mason let their kiss be dismissed as a joke.

The following day, Mason continues to reach out to Gemma, offering his help to promote her book.  He even proposes a fake dating arrangement to boost publicity, but Gemma initially resists.

She insists on maintaining professional boundaries, even though the idea does have its benefits.  After some contemplation, she agrees to a single date, which she insists will be nothing more than a celebration of her book’s release.

Mason arranges a lavish evening, including dinner at a high-end restaurant and drinks at an exclusive club.  Though Gemma is skeptical at first, she allows herself to enjoy the luxury of the evening.

As the night progresses, Gemma finds herself questioning her feelings for Mason.  Despite her past hurt, she can’t deny the growing connection they share.

Throughout the evening, Mason continues to charm Gemma, but she remains wary.  Her past feelings of betrayal linger, and she struggles to reconcile her emotions with the person he’s become.

While the night was intended as a publicity stunt, the emotional stakes seem to be rising for both of them.

The following day, Mason’s attempts to continue their connection are met with mixed reactions from Gemma.  She’s still processing her feelings from the night before.

Mason, feeling guilty for the way he treated Gemma in high school, keeps trying to make amends.  He even suggests they fake a relationship to help her book’s publicity, though Gemma is hesitant to go along with it.

Eventually, she agrees to another public date, though she’s careful to remind Mason that it’s strictly for business.

Their second date goes off without a hitch, but tension arises when a former lover of Mason’s, Camille, interrupts their dinner.  The situation escalates when Camille pours wine on Mason, and things grow even more uncomfortable when a drunken fan tries to attack him.

Gemma jumps in to protect Mason, and she is grazed by the punch.  After the disastrous evening, Mason feels guilty for dragging Gemma into his mess and sends her home in a taxi while he reflects on his actions.

The next day, Mason is unexpectedly vulnerable, and Gemma checks in on him.  She helps him home, where he passes out on the couch.

Gemma, though frustrated, leaves him a note and contemplates their relationship in the bath.  The next morning, Mason surprises Gemma with coffee and pastries, trying to show that he’s genuinely sorry and wants to make things right.

As the day unfolds, Mason invites Gemma to ride his motorcycle, and their interactions become more playful.  Gemma begins to let go of the tension, realizing that the awkwardness of their past doesn’t have to define their present.

They share moments of fun and vulnerability, and the day ends with them feeling more comfortable around each other.

Gemma begins to reconsider her feelings toward Mason after a late-night text from him.  She invites him over, and they discuss the connection between the hero of her book and Mason.

He admits to seeing himself in the character, and though Gemma reassures him that it’s fictionalized, Mason takes responsibility for his past mistakes.  He even asks for Gemma’s help in becoming a better person, offering her a writing retreat as a gesture of goodwill.

Gemma, still conflicted, agrees to think about it.  As Mason continues to show genuine interest in making amends, Gemma begins to soften toward him.

She eventually agrees to the writing retreat, and Mason continues to be considerate, offering her tickets to a game and keeping in touch with her.

At the game, Mason performs well, but Gemma is unsettled by his public persona.  Mason, eager to prove his sincerity, organizes a surprise trip for the two of them.

However, his choice of destination—a private beach resort—doesn’t sit well with Gemma.  They argue about the misunderstanding, but Mason eventually arranges a more suitable getaway, and they continue to bond during the trip.

Despite some bumps along the way, including Mason’s overzealous attempts to please Gemma, their relationship begins to improve.  They confront their past and their emotions, with Gemma beginning to see a future with Mason.

The trip helps them work through some of their issues, and they both begin to acknowledge their feelings for each other.

In the final stages of their trip, a miscommunication leaves Gemma feeling frustrated with Mason’s emotional withdrawal.  However, they eventually sit down and have a heart-to-heart conversation about their past and their fears.

Mason admits that his mistakes have haunted him, and Gemma reveals how her insecurities have kept her from embracing her feelings.  The two reconnect and continue to work through their issues, growing closer with each passing day.

Their relationship strengthens as they return home, and they begin planning a future together.  Both Gemma and Mason acknowledge their respective emotional baggage, but they are determined to build something meaningful.

By the end of the novel, they are not only in love but ready to face the future with confidence.  Their journey toward healing and understanding has transformed their relationship, setting the stage for the next chapter in their lives, including potential plans for adoption and starting a family.

Characters

Gemma Stanton

Gemma Stanton is a multifaceted character who undergoes significant emotional growth throughout the narrative of Writing Mr.  Wrong.

Initially, she is portrayed as a nervous debut author, wary of how she is perceived both in her personal and professional life.  Her insecurities, particularly about her appearance and how others perceive her as a romance novelist, are central to her character’s development.

These feelings are compounded by her unresolved past with Mason, her high school crush.  Gemma’s complex emotional history with Mason, highlighted by his dismissive treatment of their brief romance in the past, leads her to harbor deep-seated resentment and wariness toward him.

This past betrayal shapes much of her reluctance to reconnect with him, even though she acknowledges the attraction still present between them.

Despite her initial reservations, Gemma is not just a woman defined by her past; she is also an intelligent, self-aware individual trying to make a career for herself in the publishing world.  Her vulnerability is evident as she navigates the pressures of a public persona and the complications of rekindling an old relationship.

As the story progresses, Gemma shows growth through her willingness to confront her feelings for Mason, balancing her emotional scars with her evolving understanding of herself and him.  Her ability to eventually see Mason for who he has become, rather than the person who hurt her, highlights her capacity for forgiveness and emotional maturation.

By the end of the story, Gemma learns to navigate the complexities of love, trust, and career, realizing that she is worthy of a relationship that transcends past misunderstandings.

Mason Moretti

Mason Moretti is a professional hockey player whose journey is marked by personal guilt and the desire to make amends for past mistakes.  His character is shaped by his fame, which he often uses to mask the emotional baggage from his younger years, particularly his mistreatment of Gemma.

While outwardly confident, Mason is deeply aware of his past mistakes, and much of his character arc revolves around his attempts to redeem himself in Gemma’s eyes.  His initial charm and playful demeanor are often a façade for the vulnerability he struggles to express, particularly when it comes to his feelings for Gemma.

Throughout the story, Mason grapples with his public persona and the pressure that comes with being a professional athlete.  His past mistakes weigh heavily on him, and he is constantly trying to atone for the hurt he caused Gemma, though often in misguided ways.

Mason’s growth as a character is evident as he faces the consequences of his past actions and works to rebuild trust with Gemma.  His willingness to go the extra mile to prove his sincerity, whether through grand gestures like organizing trips or making small, meaningful efforts to show his commitment, reflects his deep emotional transformation.

As the story progresses, Mason starts to confront his fears—both of losing Gemma and of the personal insecurities that stem from his career.  His journey toward emotional openness and maturity culminates in his recognition of what he truly wants in life: a future with Gemma.

By the end of the story, Mason’s character evolves from a charming but flawed athlete to a man who understands the importance of emotional connection and the value of vulnerability in relationships.

Ashley Porter

Ashley Porter serves as an antagonist figure in Writing Mr.  Wrong, primarily through her passive-aggressive attitude toward Gemma.

Although they are old high school classmates, Ashley’s demeanor is sweet but tinged with the kind of subtle superiority that Gemma recognizes from their past.  Ashley’s cruel comments about Gemma’s crush on Mason during high school leave a lasting impression on Gemma, making her interactions with Ashley tense and uncomfortable.

Ashley represents a symbol of the kind of judgment and social pressure that Gemma has struggled with throughout her life.  Her presence in the story is a reminder of the insecurity and ridicule Gemma once faced, which only intensifies Gemma’s nervousness about her public persona as a romance novelist.

While Ashley plays a relatively minor role in the larger narrative, her actions serve as a catalyst for Gemma’s internal conflict.  Her role in the TV interview, where she highlights the similarities between Gemma’s book’s hero and Mason, further exacerbates the tension between the characters.

Ashley’s behavior underscores the theme of judgment and perception, and her interactions with Gemma act as a reflection of the protagonist’s battle with self-doubt.  In many ways, Ashley functions as a foil to Gemma, representing the harsh, critical side of public life that Gemma must learn to navigate and overcome.

Camille

Camille is a secondary character who briefly interrupts the otherwise developing relationship between Gemma and Mason.  She is a woman from Mason’s past who reappears during an awkward moment, accusing Mason of being flippant with his romantic relationships.

Her dramatic outburst, including pouring wine on Mason, creates an uncomfortable scene that highlights the complexities of Mason’s past romantic entanglements.  Camille’s interruption serves as a reminder of the unaddressed issues Mason has with his own relationships, as well as the messiness that comes with fame and the public scrutiny that follows.

Although Camille’s role is fleeting, she plays an important part in revealing Mason’s internal struggle.  Her dramatic actions serve to illustrate the consequences of Mason’s past behavior, both in terms of his relationships with women and his own sense of guilt.

By contrast, Gemma’s attempts to comfort Mason during this crisis signal her growing empathy for him, despite her reservations.  Camille’s brief appearance adds a layer of complexity to Mason’s character, reinforcing the idea that his path to redemption is not without its setbacks and challenges.

Denny

Denny is a younger hockey player who represents the emerging generation of athletes that Mason finds himself at odds with, both professionally and emotionally.  Denny’s character is crucial in helping Mason confront his feelings of insecurity about aging and his place within the hockey world.

Their bonding moment, where Denny reassures Mason that he is still an essential part of the team, provides Mason with a sense of emotional release that has eluded him for much of the story.  Denny’s character serves as a mirror to Mason, reflecting the pressures that come with fame, talent, and the passage of time.

His interaction with Mason allows the latter to acknowledge his fears and vulnerabilities, ultimately helping him take a more mature approach to his personal life and relationship with Gemma.

Denny’s role in the narrative is instrumental in facilitating Mason’s emotional breakthrough.  Through their shared experiences and understanding of the challenges that come with being in the public eye, Denny provides Mason with the emotional validation he needs to move forward in his life.

This relationship dynamic adds a layer of depth to Mason’s character and highlights the importance of mentorship and mutual respect between different generations of athletes.

Themes

Love and Redemption

In Writing Mr Wrong, the theme of love and redemption stands at the core of the narrative, especially in the evolving relationship between Gemma and Mason.  Their connection is initially defined by past wounds—Mason’s betrayal of Gemma’s trust during their high school years and the lingering emotional scars that Gemma carries.

The novel explores how love, once tainted by misunderstandings and hurtful actions, can be slowly redeemed through understanding, vulnerability, and sincere efforts to change.  Both characters, despite their mistakes, exhibit a willingness to confront their past actions.

Mason’s remorse is particularly palpable as he strives to make amends for his earlier treatment of Gemma, including his casual dismissal of their kiss as a joke.  For Gemma, the path to forgiveness is complicated by her hesitance to open herself up to the idea of rekindling a romance with someone who had once caused her so much emotional pain.

However, as Mason proves through consistent efforts to demonstrate his growth and deep care for her, Gemma’s resistance begins to soften.  This theme is not just about romantic love but also personal growth, showing how both characters evolve to be better versions of themselves in the presence of each other’s love and support.

Their journey reveals that love, when approached with honesty and a desire for change, can heal even the deepest emotional scars.

Professionalism vs Personal Life

Gemma’s internal conflict regarding her professional life as an author and her personal life, especially in relation to Mason, offers a significant exploration of balancing career ambitions with romantic involvement.  As a debut author, Gemma’s professional identity is crucial, and she is very cautious about how she is perceived—both in terms of her writing and how she presents herself.

Her initial discomfort with the idea of being perceived as just a romance author is compounded when her personal history with Mason, which inspired much of her novel, is brought to light during a TV interview.  The novel’s exploration of this theme emphasizes the difficulty of separating one’s professional persona from personal history and emotions.

Gemma initially resists the idea of combining her career with Mason’s fame and presence, fearing it might undermine her credibility as a writer.  As their relationship grows more complicated, with Mason offering to help promote her book and even suggesting a fake dating scheme for publicity, Gemma grapples with the decision to maintain her professional boundaries or to take advantage of the publicity and the opportunity to heal from her past.

The tension between her career goals and personal emotions highlights the challenges many face when their personal lives intersect with public perceptions and professional aspirations.

Self-Discovery and Growth

The theme of self-discovery is intricately woven through the characters’ experiences, particularly Gemma’s.  Throughout Writing Mr Wrong, Gemma embarks on a journey of understanding herself, her fears, and her capacity for forgiveness.

Her initial reluctance to reconnect with Mason stems from years of unresolved feelings and insecurities, especially regarding her worth and how she perceives herself in light of Mason’s past actions.  As the story progresses, Gemma begins to confront the emotional baggage from her past, questioning how her unresolved feelings for Mason have influenced her personal life and creative endeavors.

This process of self-discovery also extends to Mason, who faces his own flaws and insecurities.  His journey involves understanding the impact of his past behavior on those around him, especially Gemma, and trying to redeem himself.

The story reveals how self-awareness and acknowledgment of one’s mistakes are integral to personal growth.  Mason’s willingness to confront his past mistakes and Gemma’s gradual opening up to the possibility of a future with him signifies a larger message of personal evolution.

The relationship between Gemma and Mason acts as a catalyst for both characters to grow emotionally and mature into individuals who can finally embrace vulnerability and trust.

The Impact of the Past on the Present

The lingering effects of past experiences are a central theme in Writing Mr Wrong, especially in how they shape the present relationship between Gemma and Mason.  The novel demonstrates that the past is never truly left behind—it continually informs the characters’ current actions, emotions, and decisions.

For Gemma, the unresolved feelings from her high school years with Mason haunt her as she navigates their awkward reunion in adulthood.  She is unable to completely separate the person Mason was back then from the person he claims to be now.

This unresolved tension is brought to the forefront when Mason’s past mistakes surface during their interactions, such as his prior careless handling of their kiss, which Gemma sees as symbolic of his earlier disregard for her feelings.  On Mason’s side, his guilt over his actions in the past pushes him to seek redemption and make amends, but he often struggles with how to do so effectively.

The narrative suggests that while it is important to move forward, the past cannot be easily erased, especially when the emotional scars it left behind are still fresh.  The story highlights the challenge of reconciling past mistakes with present opportunities for love and redemption.

It suggests that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting, but rather learning to acknowledge the past and use it as a tool for growth and understanding in the present.

Fame and Public Scrutiny

Mason’s life as a professional hockey player introduces the theme of fame and public scrutiny into the narrative, contrasting sharply with Gemma’s more private, modest existence as a writer.  Mason’s celebrity status affects not only his career but also his personal relationships, particularly with Gemma.

The pressures of being constantly in the public eye create a barrier between the two, as Gemma is wary of being drawn into Mason’s fame for the sake of publicity.  Throughout the book, Mason struggles with the weight of his fame—he is often scrutinized by the media and judged for his actions, both on and off the ice.

His attempts to balance his public image with his desire to be a better person for Gemma highlight the challenges that come with being constantly observed.  This theme underscores how fame can both elevate and constrain individuals, making them feel trapped in their public persona.

For Gemma, her interactions with Mason force her to confront the impact of his fame on her own life, as she must decide whether to accept the consequences of being with someone who lives under the constant gaze of the public.  The theme of fame and public scrutiny serves as a reflection of the modern world, where the lines between public and private lives are often blurred, and it demonstrates how these pressures can complicate even the most personal relationships.