Rest Stop Collision Course

Aubrey Bloom, exhausted and anxious on a cross-country drive from Chicago to California, collides—literally and figuratively—with Chance Bateman, a cocky, devastatingly attractive Australian stranded at a Nebraska rest stop. Their first encounter is a clash of wit and irritation, sparked by a broken bobblehead and a flat tire. Forced by circumstance, they strike a deal: she'll give him a ride west if he fixes her tire. The tension between them is immediate, electric, and laced with banter. Aubrey's tightly wound control is tested by Chance's irreverence, while Chance is drawn to her vulnerability beneath the prickly exterior. Their journey begins with mutual annoyance, but a spark of curiosity and attraction is undeniable.

Road Trip with a Stranger

As they set off together, the car becomes a crucible for their personalities. Chance's relentless teasing and Aubrey's attempts at composure create a dynamic that oscillates between irritation and flirtation. Chance's playful provocations—answering her phone, mocking her music, and challenging her emotional walls—chip away at Aubrey's defenses. The long hours and close quarters force confessions: Aubrey's recent heartbreak and career upheaval, Chance's mysterious background. Their chemistry simmers, but both are wary—Aubrey of being hurt again, Chance of revealing too much. The road stretches ahead, filled with possibility and the threat of emotional collision.

Chicken Bites and Confessions

Over greasy diner food, the pair's banter turns confessional. Aubrey admits to a lack of passion in her past relationships, her struggle to find fulfillment, and her love for animals. Chance, in turn, reveals fragments of his own story: a failed soccer career, a complicated family, and a sense of loss. Their conversation is laced with humor and sexual tension, but also genuine empathy. A shared meal becomes a metaphor for their dynamic—Aubrey's attempts at restraint giving way to indulgence, Chance's provocations masking a desire to connect. The emotional distance between them narrows, setting the stage for deeper revelations.

Goat in the Backseat

A roadside accident with a fainting, blind goat—dubbed Pixy—throws their journey into further disarray. The goat becomes both a comic relief and a symbol of their growing bond. Aubrey's compassion for the animal reveals her nurturing side, while Chance's willingness to help shows unexpected depth. Their efforts to care for Pixy—finding a vet, camping out, sneaking him into hotels—force them into teamwork and intimacy. The goat's presence softens their edges, providing moments of laughter and tenderness. As they navigate the absurdity together, their connection deepens, and the boundaries between them blur.

Campfire Vulnerabilities

Under the stars, sharing a tent, Chance and Aubrey's defenses falter. The darkness invites honesty: Chance opens up about his career-ending injury and the pain of lost dreams; Aubrey admits her uncertainty about the future and her fear of being unlovable. Their physical proximity is charged with longing, but both hesitate, haunted by past wounds. The night is filled with near-confessions and almost-touches, a dance of restraint and yearning. The campfire becomes a crucible for their vulnerabilities, forging a fragile trust that neither fully understands but both desperately need.

Grand Canyon Revelations

A spontaneous stop at the Grand Canyon becomes a turning point. The vastness of the landscape mirrors the emotional distance they're trying to bridge. They share stories of family, loss, and regret—Chance's guilt over his sister's struggles, Aubrey's grief for her father and her mother's distance. The conversation turns to love and second chances, with both admitting to patterns of self-sabotage. The beauty of the canyon and the rawness of their confessions create a moment of clarity: they are at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively, with the possibility of something real between them.

Vegas Detour, Fake Vows

In Las Vegas, the tension between Chance and Aubrey erupts into playful recklessness. They indulge in the city's excesses—strip clubs, lap dances, and, on a drunken whim, a fake wedding at a kitschy chapel. The ceremony, meant as a joke, becomes unexpectedly poignant as Chance's improvised vows reveal his true feelings. The line between pretense and reality blurs, and their kiss is charged with longing and regret. The night culminates in a passionate encounter, but the morning brings uncertainty. The city of second chances becomes the backdrop for heartbreak, as Chance disappears without a word.

One Night, One Goodbye

After their night together, Aubrey wakes to find Chance gone. The abruptness of his departure shatters her, reigniting old wounds of abandonment and mistrust. She waits, hoping for his return, but is forced to accept that he's truly left. The pain is raw and immediate, compounded by the intimacy they shared. Aubrey's journey west resumes, but she is changed—haunted by what might have been, and by the sense that she let herself hope, only to be left behind once more. The road ahead is lonely, and the future uncertain.

Heartbreak and Moving On

In California, Aubrey struggles through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and, finally, acceptance. She throws herself into work, tries to date, and attempts to build a new life. The memory of Chance lingers, coloring every experience. The goat, Pixy, becomes her unlikely companion, a living reminder of the journey and the man she lost. Aubrey's healing is slow and uneven, marked by setbacks and small victories. She learns to let go, not just of Chance, but of the need for control, opening herself to the possibility of happiness on her own terms.

Second Chances and Stalking

Two years later, Chance is released from prison, having served time for a crime committed in defense of his sister. He returns to California, determined to find Aubrey but terrified of what he might discover. His search is awkward and hesitant—he stalks her from afar, mows her lawn, volunteers at her animal shelter, and leaves anonymous gifts. Aubrey, meanwhile, is torn between anger, curiosity, and the resurgence of old feelings. Their eventual confrontation is explosive, as Chance reveals the truth about his disappearance and pleads for forgiveness. The past collides with the present, and the possibility of reconciliation hangs in the balance.

Truths, Trust, and Temptation

Chance and Aubrey begin a tentative friendship, complicated by unresolved desire and the presence of Aubrey's new boyfriend, Richard. Chance is relentless in his pursuit, but respectful of Aubrey's boundaries. Their interactions are charged with sexual tension and emotional honesty. Chance's efforts—landscaping her home, volunteering, and supporting her passions—demonstrate his commitment. Aubrey is torn between loyalty to Richard and the undeniable pull toward Chance. Their weekend together is a test of restraint and trust, culminating in a night of mutual vulnerability and longing. The question remains: can they overcome the past and risk their hearts again?

Love's Long Road Home

As Richard prepares to move to Boston, Aubrey faces a choice: follow the safe path or risk everything for love. Chance, refusing to give up, lays his heart bare, promising honesty and devotion. Aubrey, finally trusting herself and Chance, chooses him. She leaves her old life behind, moving to Hermosa Beach to start anew. Their reunion is passionate and cathartic, a culmination of years of longing and regret. Together, they build a life rooted in honesty, laughter, and shared dreams. The journey has been long and winding, but love, at last, finds its home.

Epilogue: Full Circle in Vegas

One year later, Chance and Aubrey return to Las Vegas, this time for a real wedding. Surrounded by family, friends, and their beloved goat, they exchange vows that reflect the journey they've taken—the pain, the growth, and the enduring power of second chances. The ceremony is both a celebration and a closure, a testament to the resilience of love. As they drive away, the past is honored but no longer holds them captive. Their future is open, filled with the promise of adventure, laughter, and the kind of happiness that can only be forged through trial and forgiveness.

Characters

Aubrey Bloom

Aubrey is a young attorney whose life is upended by betrayal and loss. Her move from Chicago to California is both an escape and a quest for reinvention. She is intelligent, sarcastic, and fiercely independent, but beneath her polished exterior lies deep vulnerability and a longing for connection. Aubrey's journey is one of learning to trust—both herself and others—after repeated heartbreak. Her compassion for animals and her willingness to care for the goat, Pixy, reveal her nurturing side. Over the course of the story, Aubrey evolves from guarded and risk-averse to open-hearted and brave, ultimately choosing love over fear.

Chance Bateman

Chance is an Australian ex-soccer player whose charm and bravado mask a history of pain and regret. His initial irreverence is a shield against vulnerability, but Aubrey's presence draws out his deeper self. Haunted by family trauma and a stint in prison for defending his sister, Chance is driven by guilt and a need to make amends. His pursuit of Aubrey is relentless but sincere, marked by grand gestures and quiet acts of service. Chance's journey is one of humility and growth—learning to be honest, to ask for forgiveness, and to fight for what he loves without resorting to self-sabotage.

Pixy (the Goat)

Pixy, the blind, fainting goat, is more than a quirky sidekick. He represents the chaos and unpredictability of life, as well as the capacity for compassion and care. His presence forces Chance and Aubrey to work together, revealing their softer sides and providing moments of levity. Pixy's journey from roadside accident to beloved companion mirrors the protagonists' own path from brokenness to belonging.

Richard Kline

Richard is Aubrey's boyfriend during Chance's absence—a kind, supportive, and reliable man who offers her security but not passion. He represents the path of least resistance, the life Aubrey could have if she chose comfort over risk. Richard's decency makes Aubrey's choice more difficult, but his inability to truly see or challenge her ultimately reveals the limits of their connection. His presence forces Aubrey to confront what she truly wants and needs.

Adele Bateman

Adele is Chance's younger sister, whose struggles with addiction and trauma are the impetus for Chance's fateful crime. Her journey from victimhood to recovery parallels Chance's own quest for redemption. Adele's presence in the story is a reminder of the importance of family, forgiveness, and the possibility of transformation. Her eventual happiness and stability provide hope and closure for Chance.

Carla (the Bartender)

Carla is Chance's confidante during his time in Temecula—a tough, tattooed bartender with a soft spot for lost souls. She offers advice, tough love, and, at a low point, herself. Carla's unrequited affection for Chance highlights his devotion to Aubrey and his inability to move on. Her role is both comic and poignant, serving as a sounding board and a symbol of the roads not taken.

Harrison

Harrison is the catalyst for Aubrey's journey west—a partner who cheats and undermines her confidence. His repeated attempts to win her back serve as a reminder of the patterns Aubrey is trying to escape. Harrison's presence lingers as a shadow, representing the wounds that must be healed before new love can flourish.

Philomena

Philomena, with her odd habits and blunt observations, provides levity and a sense of community. Her interactions with Chance and Aubrey offer outside perspective on their relationship, and her gossip inadvertently propels the plot at key moments.

Kelly

Kelly, Aubrey's colleague, serves as a silent observer and occasional confidante. Her presence in the office scenes underscores Aubrey's professional competence and the changes in her demeanor as she navigates her personal life.

Zelda (Vegas Chapel Attendant)

Zelda presides over both the fake and real weddings, bookending the story with ritual and humor. Her recognition of Chance and Aubrey at their real wedding is a nod to the journey they've taken and the growth they've achieved.

Plot Devices

Forced Proximity and Road Trip

The cross-country drive is the engine of the narrative, forcing Aubrey and Chance into close quarters and accelerating their emotional journey. The road trip strips away their defenses, exposing vulnerabilities and creating opportunities for both conflict and intimacy. The physical journey mirrors their internal evolution, with each stop along the way marking a new stage in their relationship.

Animal Symbolism (Pixy the Goat)

Pixy's presence is both literal and symbolic. The goat's blindness and tendency to faint reflect the protagonists' own fears and moments of paralysis. Caring for Pixy requires teamwork, patience, and compassion, drawing out qualities in Aubrey and Chance that they struggle to access in themselves. The goat's journey from burden to beloved pet parallels the healing of the main characters.

Banter and Sexual Tension

The story's signature is its sharp, witty banter, which serves both as a defense mechanism and a means of connection. The sexual tension is palpable, with innuendo and double entendre masking deeper longing. The push-pull dynamic keeps the stakes high and the reader invested, while also providing comic relief.

Secrets, Lies, and Delayed Revelation

Chance's secret—his prison sentence and the reasons behind it—creates the central conflict. His decision to disappear rather than burden Aubrey is both noble and misguided, setting up the need for eventual confession and forgiveness. The delayed revelation heightens suspense and emotional payoff, forcing both characters to confront their fears and make conscious choices about trust.

Second Chances and Redemption

The narrative structure hinges on the idea that love can survive mistakes, that people can change, and that happiness is worth fighting for. Both Aubrey and Chance must let go of the past—her fear of abandonment, his guilt and self-sabotage—in order to claim a future together. The motif of "second chances" is woven throughout, from the fake wedding to the real one, from lost opportunities to reclaimed love.

Symbolic Objects (Bobblehead, Wedding Ring, Key)

The Obama bobblehead, the fake wedding ring, and the house key all serve as tangible reminders of the journey and the emotional stakes. These objects appear at pivotal moments, anchoring the characters to their shared history and signaling shifts in their relationship.

Analysis

Cocky Bastard is a contemporary romance that uses the conventions of the road trip and forced proximity to explore themes of vulnerability, trust, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the novel is about two people who are both running from pain—Aubrey from betrayal and self-doubt, Chance from guilt and loss—who find, in each other, the courage to confront their wounds and risk happiness. The story's humor and sexual tension are not mere window dressing; they are the means by which the characters test boundaries, reveal truths, and ultimately heal. The goat, Pixy, is more than comic relief; he is a symbol of the chaos and unpredictability of life, and the capacity for compassion to create family in unexpected ways. The narrative's structure—alternating between moments of levity and deep emotional reckoning—mirrors the real work of building trust after trauma. The book's message is clear: love is messy, imperfect, and often arrives when we least expect it, but it is worth fighting for. The journey from strangers to soulmates is not linear, but it is, in the end, a road worth traveling.

Last updated: October 20, 2025