The Dixon Rule

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical abuse.

“Gigi’s family spends every August in Lake Tahoe, but this year they’re only there for two weeks because Gigi is getting married at the end of the month. Seems redundant, considering she and Ryder already eloped in April. But her parents—well, her dad mostly—guilted Gigi into having a proper wedding.”

Elle Kennedy provides further closure to Gigi and Ryder’s romance, explored in the first installment of the series (See: Background), through including their formal wedding as a plot point in the second installment. This technique of integrating character cameos from other books/series by the author is an increasingly popular development in recent contemporary romance.

“No, this is why we broke up, Percy. Because we’re not compatible. Because you’re so distrustful of me when I never give you any reason not to trust me. I didn’t even look at another guy when we were together, and I’ve never cheated on anyone in my life, yet you interrogate me about every single guy I talk to, including this jerk […] I don’t even like him. So yes, clearly we’re mismatched in what we need from a relationship.”

Percy’s obsession with Diana hints that he might become violent and unpredictable when she asserts her boundaries and attempts to cut him from her life, foreshadowing the centrality of the theme Overcoming Shame After Abuse. His jealousy and insecurity add tension to the narrative and place Diana’s personal safety in danger, adding an element of suspense to the novel.

“I like having a girlfriend. I don’t care if that makes me a total sap. Deep down, I’ve always been a relationship guy. Always had this clear vision for my life, one that really solidified when I started dating Lynsey. There’s a reason I haven’t ragged on Ryder that much about his elopement with Gigi Graham. To me, it’s not an unfathomable move. I always saw myself marrying young.”

Despite what Diana thinks of Shane, his perspective reveals that he prefers relationships. However, due to the fact that he is still not over his ex, Shane has attempted various flings in order to rebound, but to no avail.