Fame, Fortune, and Friendship

The story opens with Fish, bassist of the world-famous band 22 Goats, and his bandmates Dax and Colin, grappling with the trappings of success. They're offered a lucrative commercial deal, but their integrity and friendship outweigh the money. The band's dynamic is rooted in deep loyalty, with Fish often feeling like the "sidekick" to his more charismatic friends. Despite their fame, the Goats remain grounded, supporting each other through every decision. Fish's longing for genuine connection and his role as the group's comic relief set the stage for his journey. The chapter establishes the importance of authenticity, the challenges of fame, and the yearning for something real beyond the spotlight.

Starstruck at the Pool

Alessandra, a shy, talented music student, finds herself at a glamorous LA pool party hosted by music mogul Reed Rivers, thanks to her stepsister Georgina. Surrounded by celebrities, she's overwhelmed, especially when her favorite band, 22 Goats, arrives. Alessandra's awe is palpable as she observes the group, particularly Fish, whose approachable charm and subtle confidence captivate her. Her internal struggle between excitement and anxiety is heightened by the surreal environment. The chapter captures the magic of unexpected proximity to one's idols and the vulnerability of being an outsider in a world of stars, setting up the fateful meeting between Alessandra and Fish.

Shy Encounters, Instant Sparks

When Alessandra is introduced to the Goats, her nerves are on full display, but Fish is immediately drawn to her quiet authenticity. Their initial conversation is awkward yet electric, with both revealing their mutual shyness and love for music. Fish, used to superficial attention, is disarmed by Alessandra's sincerity and lack of pretense. Their exchange is filled with small, meaningful moments—shared musical influences, bashful compliments, and the thrill of being seen. The chapter beautifully illustrates the beginning of a connection that feels both improbable and inevitable, as two outsiders find comfort and excitement in each other's presence.

Music, Meaning, and Connection

Fish and Alessandra's conversation deepens as they move away from the crowd, discussing their musical journeys, influences, and aspirations. Alessandra's thoughtful analysis of 22 Goats' evolution impresses Fish, who is used to shallow praise. Their dialogue is a dance of vulnerability and admiration, with Alessandra's insights making Fish feel truly understood for the first time. The mutual respect and growing attraction are palpable, as they share personal stories and dreams. This chapter cements their bond, showing how shared passion and honest conversation can spark something extraordinary, even in the most unlikely settings.

Favorite Songs and First Confessions

As their connection grows, Fish and Alessandra discuss their favorite songs from each 22 Goats album, leading to confessions about their insecurities and past heartbreaks. Alessandra's choice of "Delightful Damage"—a song Fish wrote about feeling unseen and unloved—touches him deeply. Both admit to never having had a serious relationship, exposing their fears of rejection and longing for real love. The conversation is raw and honest, with Alessandra's empathy and Fish's openness creating a safe space for vulnerability. The chapter ends with Alessandra being called away, but the emotional groundwork for something profound has been laid.

The Party, the Crush, the Goodbye

At Reed's party, Fish and Alessandra are drawn together again, navigating the chaos of celebrity and the intimacy of shared moments. Fish introduces Alessandra as his date, signaling his growing affection. They play games, flirt, and support each other through social anxiety. Yet, despite their obvious chemistry, both hesitate to make a move, each fearing rejection or moving too fast. The night is filled with near-misses and unspoken desires, culminating in a missed kiss when friends interrupt their private moment. The chapter captures the ache of almosts and the hope that lingers after a magical night.

Ping-Pong and Possibilities

Fish and Alessandra's playful ping-pong match becomes a metaphor for their budding relationship—awkward, competitive, and full of laughter. Surrounded by friends and celebrities, they find solace in each other's company, their banter growing more flirtatious and comfortable. The games and group activities allow them to shed some of their shyness, revealing more of their personalities. The chapter highlights the joy of finding someone who matches your sense of humor and spirit, and the excitement of possibilities that come with new love.

Missed Kisses, New Courage

After a series of close calls, Fish and Alessandra finally find themselves alone, on the verge of sharing their first kiss. Just as the moment arrives, they're interrupted by friends, leaving both frustrated and yearning. The interruption becomes a catalyst for reflection, as Fish confides in his friends about his fears and desires. Encouraged to take a risk, he resolves to seize the next opportunity. The chapter explores the tension between caution and courage in love, and the importance of taking chances before the moment slips away.

Heartbreak, Hope, and Healing

A misunderstanding with Reed leaves Alessandra devastated, questioning her talent and future. Fish, feeling helpless, tries to comfort her, but she seeks solace in her stepsister. The pain of missed opportunities and harsh words is tempered by the support of friends and the realization that setbacks can lead to growth. Alessandra channels her emotions into songwriting, finding healing in creativity. Fish reaches out, reaffirming his belief in her and their connection. The chapter is a testament to resilience, the power of art to transform pain, and the hope that comes from genuine support.

Long Distance, Growing Closer

With Alessandra back in Boston and Fish in LA, their relationship shifts to long-distance, sustained by texts, calls, and video chats. Despite the challenges, their bond deepens as they share their daily lives, creative struggles, and dreams. Fish supports Alessandra through her first big audition, sending her flowers and encouragement. Their conversations become more intimate, exploring desires and vulnerabilities. The distance tests their commitment but also strengthens their trust and affection. The chapter captures the bittersweet ache of missing someone and the joy of building a foundation for lasting love.

Blossoming Careers, Budding Love

Alessandra's career takes off as she lands a record deal and prepares to release her debut single. Fish's band continues to thrive, but he finds his greatest fulfillment in supporting Alessandra's journey. Their love story becomes public, with Fish serenading Alessandra at a major concert, making their relationship "Instagram official." The couple navigates the pressures of fame, creative ambition, and the logistics of busy lives, always returning to the core of their connection. The chapter celebrates the intertwining of personal and professional growth, and the magic of being each other's biggest fan.

New York, New Beginnings

Fish and Alessandra reunite in New York for a charity concert, where Fish finally kisses Alessandra, and their love is broadcast to the world. The city becomes a backdrop for new beginnings—first kisses, public declarations, and the promise of a future together. Alessandra's confidence grows as she navigates interviews and performances, supported by Fish and her friends. The chapter is a whirlwind of music, romance, and celebration, marking a turning point in their relationship and careers. It's a testament to the power of love to inspire courage and transformation.

Serenades and First I Love Yous

Onstage at Madison Square Garden, Fish serenades Alessandra with "Fireflies" and "People Like Us," making their love story a sensation. The couple exchanges "I love yous," both in the spotlight and in private, solidifying their commitment. Their relationship becomes a symbol of hope and authenticity, inspiring fans and friends alike. The chapter explores the vulnerability of loving openly, the thrill of being seen, and the comfort of knowing you're truly loved in return. It's a celebration of firsts—first love, first public declaration, first steps toward forever.

Smitten, Always

Fish and Alessandra's duet, "Smitten," becomes a hit, capturing the essence of their relationship—joyful, genuine, and deeply in love. Their creative partnership flourishes as they write and perform together, blending their talents and hearts. The song's success cements their place in the music world, but it's the private moments—writing late at night, supporting each other's dreams, and sharing everyday joys—that define their happiness. The chapter is a love letter to being smitten, to choosing each other every day, and to building a life filled with music, laughter, and devotion.

Creative Dreams, Real-World Choices

As Alessandra's career accelerates, she faces choices about touring, recording, and the direction of her music. Fish grapples with his own commitments to 22 Goats and his desire to support Alessandra fully. Together, they navigate the complexities of ambition, compromise, and partnership. The couple learns to communicate their needs, set boundaries, and prioritize their relationship without sacrificing their dreams. The chapter delves into the realities of creative life, the importance of mutual support, and the courage it takes to choose love in a world that demands so much.

Choosing Each Other

Faced with conflicting schedules and the demands of fame, Fish and Alessandra make the radical choice to slow down, prioritize each other, and create a life that works for them. With the support of friends and bandmates, they carve out time for their relationship and creative collaboration. Fish produces Alessandra's album, and together they craft music that is true to their hearts. The chapter is a celebration of partnership, the power of saying "yes" to each other, and the joy of building a future together, even when it means rewriting the rules.

Forever Starts Now

Fish proposes to Alessandra in a romantic, private moment, and she joyfully accepts. Their wedding is a culmination of their journey—surrounded by loved ones, filled with music, laughter, and promises of forever. The couple continues to create, perform, and inspire, their love story becoming a touchstone for friends, family, and fans. As the years pass, their bond only deepens, weathering life's changes with grace and humor. The chapter is a testament to enduring love, the beauty of growing together, and the fulfillment of finding your soulmate.

Epilogue: Smitten, Always

Decades later, Alessandra and Fish reflect on a life well-lived—raising a family, making music, and remaining each other's greatest love. Their song "Smitten" endures as a classic, a symbol of their devotion and the joy they found in each other. Surrounded by children and grandchildren, they celebrate the legacy of their love, grateful for every moment. The epilogue is a gentle, joyful affirmation that true love, once found, can last a lifetime—smitten, always.

Characters

Fish (Matthew Fishberger)

Fish is the bassist of 22 Goats, known for his humor, humility, and deep loyalty to his friends. Despite his success, he struggles with feelings of inadequacy and a longing for genuine connection. Fish's journey is one of self-discovery—learning to value his own talents, accept love, and step into the spotlight. His relationship with Alessandra transforms him, allowing him to embrace vulnerability and joy. As a partner, Fish is attentive, supportive, and endlessly devoted, finding fulfillment in both music and love. His growth from sidekick to soulmate is the heart of the story.

Alessandra Tennison

Alessandra is a gifted singer-songwriter, defined by her introspection, sensitivity, and passion for music. Her shyness masks a deep well of creativity and resilience. Alessandra's journey is one of overcoming self-doubt, finding her voice, and embracing love. Her connection with Fish brings out her confidence and playfulness, while her career challenges her to assert her artistic vision. Alessandra's relationships—with her stepsister Georgina, her mother, and her friends—ground her, but it's her partnership with Fish that allows her to fully bloom. She is the story's emotional anchor and muse.

Dax Morgan

Dax is the lead singer of 22 Goats, Fish's lifelong best friend, and the band's creative force. Despite his fame, Dax is grounded by his love for his wife Violet and their family. He values authenticity and integrity, often serving as Fish's confidant and moral compass. Dax's journey involves balancing the demands of stardom with his need for personal fulfillment. His support for Fish and Alessandra is unwavering, and his own love story with Violet serves as an inspiration and benchmark for true partnership.

Colin Beretta

Colin is the drummer of 22 Goats, known for his good looks, bravado, and competitive spirit. Beneath his exterior, Colin grapples with insecurities and the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst fame. His on-again, off-again romance with Kiera highlights his desire for stability and genuine connection. Colin's friendship with Fish and Dax is foundational, providing both comic relief and emotional depth. His journey is one of self-acceptance and learning to prioritize what truly matters.

Georgina Ricci

Georgina is Alessandra's stepsister and emotional anchor, a successful journalist with a magnetic personality. She champions Alessandra's career and personal growth, offering tough love and unwavering support. Georgina's own romance with Reed Rivers adds complexity and warmth to the narrative, illustrating the power of second chances and the importance of chosen family. Her relationship with Alessandra is a model of sisterhood and mutual empowerment.

Reed Rivers

Reed is a legendary music mogul, known for his sharp instincts and intimidating presence. Initially a source of anxiety for Alessandra, Reed becomes a mentor and advocate, pushing her to grow as an artist. His relationship with Georgina softens his edges, revealing a capacity for vulnerability and love. Reed's journey is one of learning to balance business with empathy, and his support is instrumental in both Alessandra's and Fish's success.

Violet Morgan

Violet is Dax's wife and the inspiration for much of 22 Goats' music. She is a stabilizing force in the group, offering wisdom, humor, and unconditional love. Violet's own career and family life serve as a model for balancing ambition and personal happiness. Her friendship with Alessandra is warm and encouraging, and her presence is a reminder of the enduring power of love and partnership.

Kat Morgan

Kat is Dax's sister and a close friend to the group, known for her sharp tongue and big heart. She offers practical advice and emotional support, particularly to Fish and Alessandra as they navigate intimacy and self-discovery. Kat's own experiences with love and family inform her guidance, making her a trusted confidante and mentor.

Keane Morgan

Keane is Dax's brother, a source of comic relief and unexpected wisdom. His antics and humor lighten the narrative, while his devotion to family and friends adds depth. Keane's relationship with Maddy and their growing family exemplifies the joys and challenges of commitment, and his support for Fish and Alessandra is both heartfelt and hilarious.

Zander Shaw

Zander is an honorary Morgan, known for his calm demeanor and unwavering loyalty. As Aloha's husband and a close friend to the group, Zander offers perspective and support, often serving as a sounding board for Fish and the others. His presence is a reminder of the importance of chosen family and the strength found in community.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Alternating Perspectives

The novel employs a dual narrative structure, alternating between Fish and Alessandra's points of view. This device allows readers to experience the emotional landscape of both protagonists, deepening empathy and understanding. The alternating perspectives highlight the differences and similarities in their experiences, particularly around shyness, ambition, and vulnerability. The structure also creates dramatic irony, as readers are privy to each character's internal struggles and desires, building tension and anticipation as their relationship develops.

Music as Metaphor and Catalyst

Music is both a literal and metaphorical force in the story, serving as the backdrop for romance, self-discovery, and healing. Shared songs, performances, and creative collaboration become vehicles for intimacy and growth. The evolution of Fish and Alessandra's music mirrors their personal journeys, with songwriting and performance scenes providing insight into their fears, hopes, and transformations. Music also functions as a bridge between worlds—connecting fame and normalcy, past and future, self and other.

Missed Opportunities and Second Chances

The narrative is punctuated by missed kisses, interrupted moments, and misunderstandings, creating a sense of longing and suspense. These near-misses serve as catalysts for reflection, courage, and eventual action. The motif of second chances underscores the importance of timing, communication, and risk-taking in love and life. The story suggests that true connection often requires patience, resilience, and the willingness to try again.

Symbolism of Flowers and Gifts

Throughout the novel, flowers and small gifts are used as symbols of affection, apology, and hope. The language of flowers becomes a private code between Fish and Alessandra, allowing them to express feelings that words cannot capture. These gestures reinforce the themes of thoughtfulness, intention, and the power of small acts to build trust and intimacy.

Public vs. Private Love

The tension between public performance and private vulnerability is a recurring theme. Fish and Alessandra must navigate the demands of fame, the scrutiny of fans and media, and the sanctity of their private moments. The story explores how love can be both a spectacle and a sanctuary, and how true intimacy is forged in the spaces away from the crowd.

Foreshadowing and Circular Structure

The novel uses foreshadowing and callbacks to create a sense of destiny and fulfillment. Early missed kisses are redeemed in later chapters; first confessions and songs become lifelong anthems. The epilogue circles back to the beginning, showing how the seeds of love and creativity planted in youth blossom into a lifetime of happiness and legacy.

Analysis

Smitten is a contemporary romance that transcends the typical "rock star falls for shy girl" trope by grounding its love story in mutual vulnerability, creative partnership, and the courage to choose authenticity over expectation. At its core, the novel is about two outsiders—Fish, the self-effacing bassist, and Alessandra, the introverted songwriter—who find in each other the acceptance, understanding, and inspiration they've always craved. Their journey is marked by missed opportunities, honest confessions, and the slow, sometimes painful process of learning to trust both themselves and each other. The story celebrates the transformative power of love—not as a cure-all, but as a catalyst for growth, healing, and self-actualization. Music serves as both a metaphor and a literal force, illustrating how art can bridge gaps, express the inexpressible, and create community. The novel also explores the challenges of balancing ambition with intimacy, the importance of chosen family, and the enduring impact of small, thoughtful gestures. Ultimately, Smitten is a joyful affirmation that true love is not about perfection or grand gestures, but about showing up, choosing each other every day, and remaining "smitten, always"—even as life changes, careers evolve, and decades pass. The lesson is clear: the best love stories are those built on friendship, respect, and the willingness to be seen, flaws and all.

Last updated: September 19, 2025