Plot Summary
Viral Meltdown, New Beginnings
Willow Lewis's life implodes when her boyfriend of ten years dumps her in a public park, and her emotional breakdown is captured on video, turning her into the infamous "Drowning Girl" meme. Humiliated and jobless, she flees to Iowa to house-sit for her brother Cruz, hoping to escape the relentless online attention and start over. But even in the Midwest, she can't outrun her notoriety. Willow's sense of self is shattered, and she's haunted by the feeling that her best years are behind her. Yet, beneath the shame and grief, a stubborn ember of hope remains—maybe, just maybe, she can rebuild her life from the wreckage.
The Babysitter and the Barista
Cruz, ever the protective brother, arranges for his best friend Deacon Rakes—a wounded Air Force veteran—to check in on Willow. Their first meeting is awkward, with Willow anxious about being recognized and Deacon expecting a childlike version of his friend's sister. Instead, he finds a grown woman, raw and vulnerable. Their banter is clumsy but genuine, and Deacon's easy confidence unsettles Willow in ways she didn't expect. Despite her resistance, she's drawn to his warmth and humor, and a tentative friendship forms, setting the stage for something deeper.
Awkward Coffee, Unexpected Chemistry
Willow and Deacon's initial coffee date is a comedy of errors—misordered drinks, intrusive strangers, and Willow's lingering embarrassment over her viral fame. Yet, Deacon's refusal to pity her and his willingness to share his own vulnerabilities create a safe space. They bond over childhood stuffed animals and the pain of starting over. When Willow confesses her fear of being alone, Deacon doesn't offer platitudes; he simply listens and stays. Their connection is immediate, if unspoken, and both sense that this friendship could become the lifeline they desperately need.
Wedding Date, Dancing Hearts
When Willow is invited to a cousin's wedding, Deacon volunteers as her plus-one. The event is a minefield of awkward encounters and reminders of her ex, but Deacon's charm and willingness to be silly on the dance floor help Willow reclaim joy. He insists on giving her a "re-do" of her first slow dance, replacing painful memories with laughter and tenderness. The night ends with too much wine, confessions, and the birth of an idea: Willow will make a list of all the "firsts" she wants to re-do, this time for herself.
The Re-Do List is Born
In a haze of post-wedding wine, Willow and Deacon create the "Re-Do List"—a catalog of moments from Willow's past she wants to reclaim or experience anew. From learning to drive to having sex with someone new, the list is both silly and profound. Deacon, moved by her vulnerability, promises to help her tackle each item. The list becomes a symbol of hope, a way for Willow to take control of her narrative and rediscover who she is outside of heartbreak and humiliation.
Hangovers and Honest Confessions
Willow wakes up hungover, pantsless, and mortified, but Deacon's gentle teasing diffuses her shame. Their friendship deepens as they share stories of loss, disappointment, and the struggle to move forward. Willow's best friend Zoe encourages her to embrace the list, while Deacon's own wounds—his medical discharge, his sense of purposelessness—come into focus. Both are adrift, but together, they begin to find their footing, one small act of bravery at a time.
New Hair, New Friends
Determined to break old patterns, Willow befriends her quirky neighbor Hollis and Hollis's brother Blaine, a cosmetology student. On a whim, she lets Blaine cut her hair, shedding the last vestiges of her old self. The new look is more than cosmetic—it's a declaration of intent. Willow is making new friends, trying new things, and slowly reclaiming her confidence. Deacon notices the change, and their playful banter takes on a new, flirtatious edge.
Painting Over the Past
Willow decides to paint her bedroom a bold red, a color her ex would never have approved. Deacon helps, and the project becomes a metaphor for transformation. As they work, their chemistry intensifies, culminating in a practice kiss that leaves them both breathless. For Willow, it's a re-do of her first kiss—awkward, sweet, and full of possibility. For Deacon, it's a reminder that he's capable of wanting more than just casual flings.
First Kiss, First Steps
The line between friendship and something more blurs as Willow and Deacon share increasingly intimate moments. A real first kiss—initiated by Willow—ignites a spark neither can ignore. But both are wary: Willow fears repeating old mistakes, and Deacon is haunted by loyalty to Cruz and his own sense of unworthiness. Still, they can't resist the pull between them, and their partnership in tackling the Re-Do List becomes a dance of mutual healing and desire.
Emergency Calls and Jealousy
When Willow's dog Gus is injured in the park, a handsome veterinarian comes to the rescue, and Deacon's jealousy flares. The incident forces both to confront their feelings—Willow realizes she wants more than friendship, and Deacon admits (at least to himself) that he's falling for her. Their dynamic shifts, and the Re-Do List takes on new urgency as they both sense that time—and courage—are running out.
The List Gets Real
As Willow checks off more items—camping, concerts, brunches, and even dirty talk—the list becomes less about erasing Spencer and more about discovering herself. Deacon, meanwhile, grapples with his desire to reenlist and his growing attachment to Willow. Their physical relationship deepens, but emotional barriers remain. When Willow's brother goes missing on deployment, the fragility of life and love comes into sharp relief, forcing both to reevaluate what truly matters.
Brunch, Propositions, and Page Two
Over brunch, Willow nervously propositions Deacon for a no-strings sexual arrangement to help her complete the more intimate items on her list. The conversation is awkward, hilarious, and charged with longing. Deacon, torn between loyalty and love, eventually agrees, and their relationship shifts from platonic to passionate. The boundaries of their agreement are tested as real feelings threaten to upend their carefully constructed rules.
Dirty Talk and Discoveries
Willow and Deacon embark on a journey of sexual discovery, experimenting with dirty talk, toys, and new experiences. For Willow, it's a revelation—she learns to ask for what she wants and to take pleasure in her own body. For Deacon, it's a chance to be vulnerable and attentive in ways he's never allowed himself before. Their intimacy becomes a safe haven, a place where both can be fully seen and accepted.
Learning to Ride Again
In a literal and metaphorical sense, Willow and Deacon learn to ride again—she conquers her fear of bikes, and he faces the physical limitations of his injury. Their roles reverse as Willow supports Deacon through his frustration and pain, deepening their bond. The experience teaches them both that progress isn't linear and that healing requires patience, humility, and the willingness to lean on each other.
Camping, Closure, and Courage
A camping trip with friends becomes a crucible for Willow, who confronts memories of her parents' divorce and her own patterns of self-abandonment. She realizes that she doesn't need a partner to be whole, but she wants to choose love from a place of strength. Meanwhile, Deacon faces his own crossroads, torn between the pull of his old life and the promise of something new with Willow.
Facing the Past, Embracing the Future
Cruz returns home, and the truth about Willow and Deacon's relationship comes to light in a dramatic confrontation. Old wounds are reopened, but through honest conversation and vulnerability, forgiveness becomes possible. Willow stands up for herself, refusing to sacrifice her dreams for anyone—not even Deacon. Together, they learn that love isn't about erasing the past but about building a future where both can thrive.
Love, Loss, and Letting Go
As Willow submits her vet school application and Deacon finds purpose mentoring other veterans, both let go of the guilt and shame that have held them back. They acknowledge that their love is not a betrayal but a testament to their growth. Surrounded by friends and family, they celebrate new beginnings, knowing that happiness is not about getting a do-over, but about embracing the messy, beautiful present.
The Park, The Parking Lot
Willow returns to the site of her viral humiliation, this time on her own terms. She watches the infamous video and feels empathy, not shame, for her past self. Deacon meets her in the parking lot, and together they declare their love, not as a re-do, but as a fresh start. The Re-Do List is complete—not because every item is checked off, but because Willow has learned to love herself and trust in the future she's building with Deacon.
Characters
Willow Lewis
Willow is a woman whose life is upended by public humiliation and heartbreak. Her journey is one of reclaiming agency, learning to define herself outside of relationships, and embracing vulnerability as a path to strength. Initially passive and eager to please, Willow's psycho-emotional arc is about moving from shame and avoidance to self-acceptance and assertiveness. Her relationships—with her brother, her best friend Zoe, and especially Deacon—force her to confront old wounds and rewrite her story. By the end, Willow is not just healed but transformed, capable of loving and being loved without losing herself.
Deacon Rakes
Deacon is a medically discharged Air Force pararescue jumper whose identity is tied to service and sacrifice. Haunted by guilt over his injury and the feeling of letting down his team, he struggles with purposelessness and the fear of being unworthy of love. His friendship with Willow becomes a lifeline, allowing him to be vulnerable and rediscover joy. Deacon's arc is about learning that strength is not just physical, and that true heroism lies in showing up emotionally. His loyalty to Cruz and his growing love for Willow create internal conflict, but ultimately, he chooses connection and growth over self-imposed isolation.
Cruz Lewis
Cruz is the archetypal big brother—responsible, disciplined, and fiercely protective of Willow. His military background shapes his worldview, and he struggles to balance duty with personal happiness. Cruz's relationship with Deacon is brotherly but complicated by the events of the story. His arc involves learning to let go, trust his sister's judgment, and accept that love sometimes means stepping back.
Zoe
Zoe is Willow's anchor and comic relief, always ready with a joke or a reality check. She pushes Willow to take risks and refuses to let her wallow in self-pity. Zoe's own independence and unapologetic attitude serve as both inspiration and challenge for Willow. Their friendship is a model of unconditional support and honest confrontation.
Hollis
Hollis is the neighbor who becomes a fast friend, encouraging Willow to try new things and embrace her quirks. Her blue hair and bold personality symbolize the freedom Willow is learning to claim. Hollis's presence expands Willow's world and demonstrates the power of chosen family.
Blaine
Blaine, Hollis's brother and a cosmetology student, helps Willow transform her appearance and, by extension, her self-image. His kindness and acceptance provide a safe space for Willow to experiment and grow.
Marcus, Emi, Sybil, Kieran, Lila
This group of friends—Deacon's roommates and their partners—represent the possibility of love, friendship, and community after trauma. Each has their own backstory of struggle and resilience, and their acceptance of Willow and Deacon is crucial to both protagonists' healing. They provide comic relief, practical support, and a vision of what "happily ever after" can look like.
Jayden
Jayden is a young chess prodigy who bonds with Deacon during his recovery. Their friendship allows Deacon to mentor and be needed, helping him rediscover purpose outside the military. Jayden's questions and insights often mirror the deeper themes of the story.
Theo
Theo, the veterinarian, is a potential love interest for Willow and a source of jealousy for Deacon. His presence forces both protagonists to confront their feelings and clarify what they want. Theo is a good guy, but his role is to help Willow realize that she wants more than just "nice"—she wants passion and partnership.
Spencer
Spencer is the boyfriend who dumps Willow and triggers her journey. He represents comfort, predictability, and the limitations Willow placed on herself. His absence is as important as his presence, serving as the negative space against which Willow's growth is measured.
Plot Devices
The Re-Do List
The central device of the novel is Willow's "Re-Do List"—a literal list of firsts and milestones she wants to reclaim or experience anew. This list structures the narrative, providing both external goals and internal motivation. Each item becomes a mini-arc, allowing for episodic exploration of themes like agency, pleasure, and self-worth. The list is both playful and profound, symbolizing the possibility of rewriting one's story.
Dual Narration and Alternating Perspectives
The story alternates between Willow and Deacon's points of view, allowing readers to inhabit both characters' inner worlds. This structure creates dramatic irony, as each protagonist is often unaware of the other's true feelings, heightening tension and emotional payoff. It also allows for nuanced exploration of trauma, desire, and the slow work of healing.
Viral Fame and Social Media
Willow's meme status is a contemporary twist on public shaming, raising questions about privacy, empathy, and the permanence of digital footprints. The recurring motif of the viral video and its comments section serves as both a source of pain and, eventually, a site of reclamation.
Found Family and Community
The novel foregrounds the importance of chosen family—friends, neighbors, and even pets—as sources of support and belonging. The warmth and chaos of group scenes contrast with the protagonists' isolation, illustrating that healing is a communal process.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
Acts of physical change—painting a room, cutting hair, learning to ride a bike—are used to foreshadow internal transformation. The color red, in particular, symbolizes courage, passion, and the willingness to stand out.
The Park and the Fountain
The park where Willow's humiliation occurred becomes a recurring symbol. Her eventual return, on her own terms, marks the completion of her arc from shame to self-acceptance.
Analysis
Denise Williams's The Re-Do List is a contemporary romance that transcends its genre trappings to become a meditation on resilience, agency, and the messy, nonlinear process of healing. At its core, the novel asks: What does it mean to start over when the world has seen you at your lowest? Through Willow's viral humiliation and Deacon's physical and emotional wounds, Williams explores the ways shame, grief, and self-doubt can become prisons—and how love, friendship, and intentional acts of courage can set us free. The Re-Do List itself is a brilliant narrative device, turning the trope of the "bucket list" on its head: it's not about chasing novelty, but about reclaiming agency and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. The romance is both steamy and emotionally rich, but the true heart of the novel lies in its insistence that happily ever after is not about erasing the past, but about integrating it, learning from it, and choosing joy anyway. In a world obsessed with perfection and public image, The Re-Do List is a hopeful, deeply human reminder that we are all works in progress—and that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is give ourselves permission to begin again.
Last updated:
