Icebreaker

“Every minute of my life is meticulously scheduled in my trusty planner, which my friends find equal parts hilarious and ridiculous. I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a control freak, but I’m a woman who needs to be in control.”

Hannah Grace introduces Anastasia through a contradiction. Her addiction to her day planner is either a harmless character trait that amuses those around her or evidence of some deeper problem. This confusion stems from the fact that Anastasia, who simultaneously denies and confesses that she struggles with control, seems unsure of herself.

“Summer jokes the only reason I want her is because she’s not interested, and she’s the only woman who’s ever rejected me. Hearing her say she’s not interested makes me want her more, so thinking about it logically, she’s probably right.”

At the start of the novel, Nathan is characterized as someone who chases women without any intention of looking for something more permanent. It is the chase he enjoys; the more challenging the chase, the more intriguing the process becomes. Grace also hints that Nathan is likely desired by most other women and that he looks at rejection as a challenge, too. Thus, it is logical that Nathan and Anastasia’s relationship begins in the midst of conflict and antagonism that slowly but surely transmutes itself to love and mutual trust as they both grow and mature in their relationship needs.

“He’s a different guy in a matter of minutes. It’s like being friends with Jekyll and Hyde sometimes, especially after a drink when his nasty side comes out. It’s disappointing because most of the time he’s great, but he’s so fucking good at hiding the nice side of himself.”

In this description of Aaron, Grace sums up the essence of an emotionally abusive person and describes the unpredictable and deceptive nature of their behavior toward others. By referencing the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Anastasia dramatizes just how different Aaron can be from moment to moment, and this reality helps to explain why his bad behavior can still blindside her with its suddenness despite her understanding of the larger dynamic at work.