Swearing Off Men

Goldie, a vivacious, plus-sized bartender, is determined to swear off men after a string of toxic relationships, most recently with the manipulative Lawrence. Supported by her fiercely loyal friends Red and Cinder, she embarks on a new chapter, inheriting her eccentric Aunt Astrid's crumbling Victorian mansion outside Boston. Goldie's optimism is both her armor and her Achilles' heel—she dreams big, loves hard, and is haunted by the fear that she's destined to repeat her aunt's pattern of failed romances and restless searching. As she leaves the city behind, Goldie clings to affirmations of self-worth, hoping this fresh start will finally help her discover who she is without a man by her side.

Inheriting the Victorian

Goldie's arrival at the dilapidated Victorian is both thrilling and daunting. The house, full of dust, decay, and memories, mirrors her own uncertainty. With Red and Cinder's help, she faces the daunting task of cleaning and restoring the mansion, all while wrestling with the legacy of her aunt's serial marriages and the fear of becoming just as lost. The house is a symbol of potential and anxiety—a place where Goldie can either build a new life or fall into old patterns. As she settles in, she's determined to prove to herself and her friends that she can stand on her own, even as doubts and insecurities threaten to overwhelm her.

Neighbor from Hell

Goldie's hopes for a friendly, small-town neighbor are dashed when she meets Ted, the gruff, reclusive bear shifter living next door. Their first encounter is a disaster: Goldie's attempt at neighborly kindness—a homemade cake—ends with Ted slamming the door in her face. His surly demeanor and insistence on solitude infuriate her, but also spark a stubborn desire to win him over. Ted, meanwhile, is overwhelmed by Goldie's scent and presence, which disrupt his carefully guarded peace. Their mutual irritation is electric, setting the stage for a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic that will test both their boundaries and their hearts.

The Lost Girls' Bond

At the Poison Apple bar, Goldie, Red, and Cinder—self-dubbed the Lost Girls—find solace and strength in each other. Their friendship is a lifeline, especially as Goldie's new life brings unexpected challenges. They welcome Snow, a mysterious newcomer, into their circle, recognizing in her the same lostness they once felt. The bar is a haven for misfits and magical beings, a place where Goldie's warmth and charisma shine. Yet, beneath the laughter and camaraderie, Goldie's insecurities simmer, especially as she's bombarded by unwanted male attention and haunted by the fear that she's fundamentally unlovable.

The Poison Apple's Magic

Goldie's charm and beauty make her the star of the Poison Apple, but her newfound popularity quickly turns sour. Men become obsessed, showering her with gifts, proposals, and even stalker-like devotion. The attention is overwhelming and isolating, turning her workplace into a pressure cooker of jealousy and judgment. Goldie's mantra of self-sufficiency is tested as she's forced to navigate the dangers of being desired, the cruelty of other women, and the realization that something supernatural may be amplifying her allure. The bar's magical atmosphere becomes both a stage and a trap, pushing Goldie toward a breaking point.

Bear Shifter Next Door

Goldie's ongoing feud with Ted escalates through a series of comedic and tense encounters—singing telegrams, sabotaged porches, and accidental sleepovers. Yet, beneath the bickering, a grudging respect and attraction grow. Ted's protective instincts are triggered when Goldie faces real danger, and his gruff exterior begins to crack. Goldie, in turn, sees glimpses of vulnerability and kindness in Ted, challenging her assumptions about what she wants and needs. Their dynamic shifts from antagonism to reluctant partnership, especially as supernatural threats close in and Goldie's sleepwalking leads her repeatedly into Ted's home—and his arms.

Porridge and Proposals

Goldie's life spirals as her siren powers awaken, drawing men to her with dangerous intensity. Proposals, fights, and even violence erupt at the bar, leaving Goldie feeling both powerful and powerless. Ted steps in to protect her, using his werebear presence to dampen her magic and shield her from harm. Their physical and emotional connection deepens, culminating in passionate encounters that force both to confront their fears of intimacy and vulnerability. Yet, the threat of stalkers, jealous exes, and Goldie's own self-doubt loom large, threatening to tear them apart just as they begin to trust each other.

Sleepwalking Mysteries

Goldie's sleepwalking becomes a central mystery—she wakes up in Ted's bed, in danger, or in the midst of chaos she can't remember causing. As she and her friends investigate, they uncover the truth about her siren heritage and the secondary power that allows her to teleport when threatened. The revelation is both liberating and terrifying, forcing Goldie to reckon with the responsibility and danger of her magic. Ted's family drama—his troubled brothers and the debts that bring criminal threats to their doorstep—intertwines with Goldie's struggles, binding their fates together in ways neither could have predicted.

The Fan Club Frenzy

Goldie's powers reach a dangerous peak, turning her admirers into a frenzied mob. The Poison Apple erupts in chaos as men fight over her, and even her friends are caught in the crossfire. The situation escalates from uncomfortable to life-threatening, forcing Goldie to confront the consequences of her magic and the limits of her ability to control it. Ted's intervention is both a lifeline and a source of guilt—Goldie fears becoming another burden for him, while Ted grapples with the violence he's willing to unleash to protect her. Their relationship is tested by jealousy, fear, and the ever-present threat of losing each other.

Breaking the Truce

As external threats mount—stalkers, criminal gangs, and a fae-obsessed admirer—Goldie and Ted are forced to make painful choices. Ted's family is drawn into a violent showdown, and Goldie's powers put her in the crosshairs of those who would possess or destroy her. The couple's bond is strained by secrets, misunderstandings, and the fear that love itself is too dangerous to risk. In a moment of crisis, Goldie must choose between self-preservation and vulnerability, while Ted confronts the darkness within himself and the cost of protecting those he loves.

Siren Powers Awaken

Goldie's journey comes to a head as she learns to control her siren abilities—not by suppressing them, but by setting boundaries and saying no. The final confrontation with her stalker, Lysander, is a battle of wills and self-worth. Goldie's refusal to be possessed or defined by anyone else's desires breaks the spell, saving herself and Ted. The victory is hard-won, marked by trauma and loss, but also by a newfound sense of agency and self-love. Goldie's magic becomes a tool for healing and connection, rather than a curse.

Stalker in the Shadows

The aftermath of the final battle brings both closure and new beginnings. Goldie reconciles with her friends, especially Cinder, and finds peace with her complicated family legacy. Ted's family heals, and he and Goldie build a life together rooted in honesty, mutual support, and passion. The Victorian house, once a symbol of fear and failure, becomes a testament to Goldie's resilience and growth. The Lost Girls remain a chosen family, and Goldie's journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance inspires those around her to embrace their own magic.

Family, Fae, and Fights

With the external threats vanquished, Goldie and Ted turn inward, confronting the wounds of their pasts and the challenges of building a future together. Family—both biological and chosen—becomes a source of strength and healing. Goldie's mother visits, offering wisdom and unconditional love, while Ted's brothers finally take responsibility for their actions. The couple's relationship, once fraught with misunderstanding and fear, is now a partnership of equals, marked by fierce loyalty, playful banter, and deep intimacy. Together, they create a home that is just right—not perfect, but perfectly theirs.

The Alpha's Confession

Ted, once closed off and burdened by responsibility, opens his heart to Goldie, confessing his love and his fears. Goldie, in turn, learns to trust herself and accept love without losing her independence. Their relationship is a dance of strength and softness, dominance and surrender, humor and heat. The final test comes not from external enemies, but from within—can they let go of old wounds and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of loving and being loved? The answer, hard-won and joyful, is yes.

The Cat's Obsession

Lysander, revealed as a cheshire fae and Goldie's stalker, kidnaps Goldie and Ted, intent on possessing Goldie's heart by drinking her siren tears. The showdown is a battle of wills, magic, and self-worth. Goldie's refusal to be owned or defined by anyone else's desires breaks Lysander's power, saving herself and Ted. The victory is not just physical, but psychological—a reclaiming of agency, boundaries, and the right to be loved on her own terms.

No Means No

Goldie's triumph over Lysander is rooted in her ability to say no—to set boundaries, claim her power, and refuse to be a victim. Ted's unwavering support and love are crucial, but it is Goldie's own strength and self-acceptance that save her. The couple's reunion is a celebration of survival, healing, and the transformative power of love. Together, they face the future with hope, humor, and the knowledge that they are enough—individually and together.

Healing and Homecomings

In the aftermath, Goldie and Ted build a life that honors their pasts and embraces their future. The Victorian house is restored, not as a monument to loss, but as a home filled with laughter, love, and possibility. Goldie's journey from self-doubt to self-love is mirrored in her relationships—with Ted, her friends, and herself. The Lost Girls remain a chosen family, and Goldie's story becomes a beacon for anyone who has ever felt lost, unlovable, or too much. In the end, Goldie learns that she is capable, she is enough, and she is worthy of a love that is just right.

Characters

Goldie Locke

Goldie is a plus-sized, effervescent bartender with a heart as big as her dreams. Haunted by past bullying and toxic relationships, she's determined to reinvent herself after inheriting her aunt's Victorian mansion. Goldie's greatest strength is her ability to see the best in others and bring people together, but this also makes her vulnerable to manipulation and self-doubt. Her journey is one of self-discovery, learning to set boundaries, and embracing her magical siren heritage. Goldie's relationships—with her friends, her mother, and especially Ted—force her to confront her fears of abandonment and unworthiness. Ultimately, she learns that her worth is intrinsic, not dependent on others' approval.

Ted (The Neighbor from Hell)

Ted is a reclusive bear shifter, burdened by the responsibility of caring for his troubled brothers after their parents' deaths. His need for solitude masks a deep well of vulnerability and longing for connection. Ted's initial antagonism toward Goldie is a defense mechanism, but her persistence and warmth gradually break down his walls. He is both protector and partner, willing to unleash violence to keep those he loves safe. Ted's journey is one of learning to accept help, express his emotions, and believe that he is worthy of love and happiness.

Red

Red is Goldie's best friend and a powerful mage, struggling to balance her magical heritage with her desire for a normal life. She is fiercely protective of her friends, quick to offer tough love and unwavering support. Red's own journey—from insecurity to self-acceptance—mirrors Goldie's, and their friendship is a source of strength for both. Red's relationship with Brexley, a reformed werewolf, provides a model of passionate, imperfect love.

Cinder

Cinder is the third Lost Girl, a goth bartender with a traumatic past and a sharp wit. She is slow to trust and quick to defend those she loves. Cinder's relationship with Lysander is complicated by Goldie's magic, leading to feelings of betrayal and loss. Her eventual reconciliation with Goldie is a testament to the power of forgiveness and chosen family.

Snow

Snow is a newcomer to the Lost Girls, drawn to Goldie's warmth and acceptance. She is haunted by her own secrets and struggles, but finds healing and belonging in the group. Snow's journey is one of learning to trust, open up, and claim her place in the world.

Lawrence

Lawrence is Goldie's ex-boyfriend, a master of emotional manipulation and self-pity. He represents the toxic patterns Goldie is determined to break—relationships built on flattery, dependency, and the illusion of love. Lawrence's inability to change or take responsibility for his actions serves as a cautionary tale for Goldie and the reader.

Lysander (The Stalker)

Lysander is a cheshire fae whose obsession with Goldie turns violent and predatory. His fixation is both magical and psychological, a twisted reflection of Goldie's own fears about being too much or too desirable. Lysander's ultimate defeat is a victory for agency, boundaries, and the refusal to be possessed or defined by others.

Eli

Eli is Ted's youngest brother, whose gambling debts bring danger to the family. He is both a source of chaos and a catalyst for growth, forcing Ted to confront his own limits and Goldie to expand her definition of family. Eli's journey toward responsibility and healing is a subplot that echoes the main themes of forgiveness and self-acceptance.

JJ

JJ is Ted's middle brother, a womanizer who uses humor and charm to mask his own pain. His antics provide comic relief, but also highlight the importance of boundaries and self-respect. JJ's eventual growth and willingness to support Ted and Goldie mark a turning point in the family's healing.

Dame Kiki Eleganza

Dame Kiki is a drag queen and magical healer who serves as a fairy godmother figure for Goldie and her friends. She offers guidance, comfort, and tough love, helping Goldie embrace her powers and her worth. Kiki's presence is a reminder that family can be chosen, and that healing often comes from unexpected places.

Plot Devices

Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

The central dynamic between Goldie and Ted is a classic enemies-to-lovers arc, fueled by witty banter, mutual irritation, and undeniable chemistry. Their initial clashes are both comedic and emotionally charged, setting the stage for a slow-burn romance that is as much about healing old wounds as it is about passion. The gradual shift from hostility to partnership is mirrored in the physical restoration of the Victorian house—a metaphor for the work required to build trust and intimacy.

Magical Realism and Urban Fantasy

Goldie's siren abilities and Ted's werebear nature are more than plot devices—they are metaphors for the challenges of being "too much" in a world that demands women be small, quiet, and accommodating. The magical elements heighten the stakes, turning ordinary struggles (jealousy, obsession, self-doubt) into life-and-death battles. The interplay of magic and mundane is used to explore themes of agency, consent, and the dangers of being desired.

Found Family and Chosen Community

The Lost Girls and the Poison Apple bar are havens for misfits, outcasts, and magical beings. The theme of found family runs throughout the novel, offering Goldie and Ted the support and acceptance they need to heal. The friendships are as central to the story as the romance, providing both comic relief and emotional depth. The bar itself is a liminal space—a place where magic and reality, love and danger, coexist.

Trauma, Healing, and Self-Acceptance

Both Goldie and Ted are shaped by trauma—bullying, loss, toxic relationships, and the burden of responsibility. Their journeys are marked by moments of breakdown and breakthrough, as they learn to set boundaries, ask for help, and believe in their own worth. The narrative structure uses flashbacks, confessions, and moments of crisis to reveal the deep psychological wounds that drive the characters, and the healing that comes from vulnerability and connection.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The Victorian mansion is a symbol of potential and fear—a place that can be either a prison or a home, depending on Goldie's choices. The recurring motif of cakes and baked goods represents Goldie's desire to nurture and be nurtured, while the mirror (and its repeated breaking and fixing) symbolizes the ongoing work of self-reflection and self-acceptance. The use of magical objects (crystals, talismans, enchanted cakes) foreshadows key plot twists and the ultimate resolution of the central conflict.

Analysis

Chasing Goldie is a contemporary fairy tale that reimagines the Goldilocks myth through the lens of modern romance, urban fantasy, and psychological realism. At its core, the novel is a celebration of self-acceptance, agency, and the messy, beautiful work of building a life that is "just right." Goldie's journey—from self-doubt and people-pleasing to empowered boundary-setting and self-love—mirrors the struggles of many women who have been told they are too much or not enough. The romance with Ted is both a source of healing and a test of Goldie's newfound strength; their relationship thrives not because they complete each other, but because they challenge and support each other's growth. The novel's use of magical realism elevates everyday struggles—jealousy, obsession, trauma—into epic battles, making the stakes feel both fantastical and deeply real. Ultimately, Chasing Goldie is a story about the power of saying no, the importance of chosen family, and the courage it takes to claim your own worth in a world that is all too eager to define you by someone else's standards.

Last updated: October 23, 2025