“There are two kinds of people in this world. The ones who let the past die, and the ones who let the past kill them.”
— A recurring theme about moving on from trauma.
Archivist's Choice
In the Unlikely Event
L.J. Shen (2019)
Genre
Romance
Reading Time
560 min
Key Themes
See below
Track Your Reading
Sign in to track this book
Eight years after a passionate one-night stand in Ireland and a napkin contract, a woman's New York life is upended when her former lover, now a global music sensation, reappears, forcing her to confront their past and a promise she made when she was young.
Synopsis
Jillian O'Malley, a publicist, finds her life in New York City changed when Malachy Doherty, the Irish musician she shared a passionate night with eight years ago, re-enters her world. Their first meeting in Dublin, fueled by Jillian's desire for revenge against an ex, led to a spontaneous 'contract' on a napkin: if they ever met again, they would drop everything to be together. Now, Malachy is a global music star, and Jillian becomes his publicist. Despite her stable relationship with boyfriend Ben and a successful career, the chemistry with Malachy returns. As they navigate work conflicts and personal struggles, Malachy's past and Ben's suspicions threaten to expose their connection. Jillian must confront her history, learn about Malachy's problems, and decide whether to honor a promise made years ago, risking everything for an unlikely love.
Reading time
560 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Passionate, Angsty, Romantic, Emotional
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy second-chance romance, star-crossed lovers, and stories where characters battle fame and past trauma for love.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike love triangles, angsty romance, or plots with characters initially in relationships with others.
Plot Summary
The Dublin Contract
Rosie LeBlanc, an American student in Dublin, is at the Boar's Head Pub after a heartbreak. There, she meets Malachy Doherty, a charismatic Irish musician. What starts as a one-night stand, fueled by alcohol, quickly becomes something more. They spend the night talking and connecting, finding comfort in each other. Before Rosie leaves, they write a contract on a napkin: if they ever meet again, they will drop everything and be together. Rosie, at first doubtful but drawn to Malachy, returns to America, thinking it's a romantic but brief encounter.
Eight Years Later: New York
Eight years pass. Rosie is now a successful publicist in New York City, living a stable life with a kind boyfriend, Ben. Her career is going well, and she seems to have moved on. However, her world changes when Malachy Doherty, now a global music star known as 'Mal', signs with her record label. He arrives in New York, famous and intense, and immediately finds her, napkin in hand. Malachy makes it clear he intends to honor their pact, forcing Rosie to confront the past she thought she'd buried and the life she's built.
Professional Conflict and Personal Turmoil
To Rosie's surprise, she is assigned as Malachy's publicist. This work brings them into constant contact, making it impossible for Rosie to ignore the strong chemistry between them. Malachy, confident and persistent, often reminds her of their contract and the connection they shared. Rosie, caught between her comfortable present with Ben and the fiery past with Malachy, tries to stay professional while fighting her returning feelings. The tension in the office is clear, affecting her work and relationships.
Unveiling Malachy's Past
As they work together, Rosie learns about Malachy's life in the eight years since Dublin. She finds out about his difficult childhood, the struggles he faced, and the determination that made him an international superstar from a street musician. His journey was hard, marked by poverty, which made him tough but also fueled his art. This information adds another layer to their relationship, as Rosie realizes the depth of his character and his sacrifices, making his commitment to their pact even more meaningful.
The Resurfacing Connection
Despite trying to resist, Rosie finds herself drawn back to Malachy. His talent, passion, and belief in their connection break down her defenses. They share private moments, both work-related and personal, where their old spark returns. Rosie starts to question her relationship with Ben, realizing that while he offers stability, he doesn't bring the same passion or understanding that Malachy does. The contract, once a whimsical memory, now feels like a destiny, pulling her towards a choice she's not sure she's ready to make.
Ben's Suspicions
Rosie's boyfriend, Ben, a kind and observant man, starts to notice the change in Rosie and the intense dynamic between her and Malachy. He sees how Malachy looks at her and senses their shared history. While he loves Rosie deeply, he begins to feel insecure and questions their future. Rosie tries to reassure him, but her own inner conflict makes her answers unconvincing. The strain on their relationship grows, leading to difficult talks and a sense of coming heartbreak for everyone involved as the love triangle becomes more intense.
A Moment of Truth
A particularly intense work event or personal problem brings Rosie and Malachy to a breaking point. In a vulnerable moment, perhaps after a concert or a difficult press conference, they can no longer deny their feelings. This scene ends with a strong confession or a passionate encounter, forcing Rosie to fully acknowledge her lasting affection for Malachy. This moment makes it clear to Rosie that she cannot continue to deny her feelings, and a decision about her future is near. The weight of the Dublin contract becomes undeniable.
The Fallout with Ben
After her realization, Rosie knows she cannot keep leading Ben on. She has a painful, honest conversation with him, admitting her conflicted feelings and acknowledging that her heart is still with Malachy. Ben, though heartbroken, understands and respects her honesty. Their breakup is difficult but necessary, marking a big change in Rosie's life and clearing the way for her to fully explore her relationship with Malachy. This separation is a key step in Rosie's journey toward self-discovery and honoring her true desires.
Embracing the Unlikely
With her relationship with Ben over, Rosie finally makes the difficult but freeing choice to embrace the 'unlikely event' and honor the contract she made with Malachy eight years ago. She accepts the chaotic, passionate, and unpredictable life that comes with being with a global rock star, understanding that their connection is too deep to ignore. This decision is not easy; it shows her willingness to take a leap of faith, to prioritize her heart's true calling over the comfortable life she had built for herself in New York.
The Challenges of Fame
Rosie and Malachy's relationship, now public, faces immediate challenges. The media's intense scrutiny, the demands of Malachy's career, and constant travel begin to test their bond. Rosie, still working as his publicist, finds herself deep in his world, blurring the lines between work and personal life. They must learn to handle the pressures of fame, fan jealousy, and the sacrifices needed to maintain their connection amidst the chaos. Their love is strong, but outside forces threaten to pull them apart, requiring constant effort and communication.
Malachy's Past Demons
Despite his success, Malachy struggles with his past trauma and the isolating nature of fame. His issues with trust and his tendency toward self-sabotage return, causing friction in his relationship with Rosie. She helps him confront these problems, offering him the stability and understanding he's always wanted. Their shared history and deep emotional connection are vital as they work through his insecurities and the pressures that come with being a public figure. Rosie's unwavering support becomes a foundation for Malachy's emotional healing and continued growth as an artist and a man.
Solidifying Their Future
Through a series of trials, Rosie and Malachy prove their commitment to each other. They learn to communicate effectively, trust deeply, and support each other through career highs and personal lows. Their love story, born from an unlikely event, becomes a powerful and lasting partnership. They find a way to combine their different worlds, with Rosie continuing to do well in her career while being an important part of Malachy's life. The napkin contract, once a symbol of youthful impulse, becomes a sign of their unwavering destiny and deep love.
Principal Figures
Rosie LeBlanc
The Protagonist
Rosie evolves from a woman prioritizing stability to one who bravely embraces a challenging but deeply fulfilling love, learning to trust her heart over her carefully constructed life.
Malachy Doherty
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Malachy transforms from a struggling, vengeful artist to a successful but still vulnerable man who learns to trust and open himself fully to love, overcoming his past demons with Rosie's help.
Ben
The Supporting
Ben remains largely consistent, serving as a catalyst for Rosie's self-discovery before gracefully exiting her life, demonstrating integrity in heartbreak.
Rosie's Roommate/Friend
The Supporting
Remains a steadfast friend, witnessing Rosie's transformation and offering unwavering support.
Record Label Boss
The Supporting/Mentioned
Remains a consistent professional figure, driving the plot's external conflict without significant personal development.
Malachy's Bandmates
The Supporting
Remain supportive and loyal, providing a consistent backdrop for Malachy's personal journey.
Themes & Insights
Destiny vs. Choice
The main theme asks whether Rosie and Malachy's connection is fated, as their 'contract' suggests, or if their reunion is a series of choices they make. Rosie at first fights against destiny, preferring her stable life. Malachy, however, believes in their fate. The story explores the tension between giving in to a strong, almost magical connection and the human desire for control over one's life. Ultimately, Rosie's journey is about accepting that sometimes the 'unlikely event' is exactly where she is meant to be, a choice made out of love rather than obligation.
“We signed a contract on the back of a Boar’s Head Pub napkin that said if we ever met again, we would drop everything and be together. Eight years and thousands of miles later, he’s here.”
The Power of First Love and Unfinished Business
The story shows the lasting impact of a first, intense love, especially one that ended suddenly and left unresolved feelings. Rosie and Malachy's first meeting in Dublin, though brief, deeply affected both of them. Their reunion forces them to confront this 'unfinished business,' showing that time and distance could not put out the spark. The theme explores how some connections, even short ones, can set a standard for future relationships and how true love can wait, returning with undeniable force. It suggests that some loves are so powerful they last through the years.
“I’m not the same broken princess Malachy Doherty put back together with his callused hands. I have a career I love. A boyfriend I adore. An apartment, a roommate, a life. I changed. He changed, too. But Mal kept the napkin. Question is, will I keep my word?”
Sacrifice and Self-Discovery
Both Rosie and Malachy make sacrifices in the story. Malachy sacrifices a stable life for his music, enduring hardship to achieve his dreams. Rosie must ultimately sacrifice the comfortable, predictable life she built with Ben to pursue a passionate, uncertain future with Malachy. This theme explores the idea that true happiness often requires letting go of what is safe and familiar to embrace what truly fulfills one's soul. Their journey is one of self-discovery, as they each learn what they truly value and what kind of love they are willing to fight for, revealing their true selves in the process.
“Last time we spoke, he was a beggar with no intention of becoming a king. But a king he became, and now I’m his servant.”
Fame and Its Challenges
The novel explores the isolating and demanding nature of fame, especially through Malachy's experiences. While his success brings wealth and recognition, it also comes with intense public scrutiny, loss of privacy, and pressure to maintain an image. Rosie, as his publicist and later his partner, sees the dark side of celebrity. This theme highlights how fame can complicate personal relationships, create trust issues, and force individuals to constantly navigate a world where their every move is judged, testing the strength of their love amidst the chaos.
“He’s America’s music obsession. The intangible Irish poet who brings record executives to their knees. The blizzard in my perfect, unshaken snow globe.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Napkin Contract
A physical manifestation of a drunken pact that becomes a symbol of destiny.
The napkin contract, impulsively written in a Dublin pub, serves as the central plot device. It acts as a binding, almost magical, agreement that propels the entire narrative. For Malachy, it's a sacred promise he never forgets, driving his pursuit of Rosie. For Rosie, it's a constant reminder of a past she tried to move beyond, forcing her to confront her true feelings. It symbolizes destiny, commitment, and the enduring power of an unlikely connection, providing both conflict and the ultimate resolution.
The Love Triangle
A classic romantic conflict between two suitors vying for the protagonist's affection.
The love triangle between Rosie, Malachy, and Ben creates significant romantic tension and internal conflict for Rosie. Ben represents stability, comfort, and the life Rosie consciously chose, while Malachy embodies passion, destiny, and the life she might have had. This device highlights Rosie's dilemma, forcing her to weigh different versions of happiness and define what she truly desires in a partner and in life. It intensifies the emotional stakes and makes her eventual choice more impactful.
Flashbacks/Recollections
Brief glimpses into Rosie and Malachy's initial encounter in Dublin.
While not always explicit flashbacks, the narrative frequently refers back to Rosie and Malachy's initial encounter in Dublin, using recollections and internal monologues. These moments serve to establish the depth and intensity of their original connection, reminding the reader and Rosie herself of the powerful foundation of their relationship. They justify Malachy's unwavering pursuit and Rosie's internal struggle, showing that their bond was not merely a fleeting romance but a profound, life-altering event.
The 'Unlikely Event' Trope
The central premise of an improbable reunion leading to fated love.
The title itself refers to the central trope: the highly improbable reunion of two individuals who made a casual pact years earlier. This device sets up the romantic fantasy aspect of the story, suggesting that some connections are meant to be, defying logic and circumstance. It creates a sense of romantic destiny and highlights the 'star-crossed lovers' aspect, making their eventual reconciliation feel both extraordinary and inevitable, fulfilling the core promise of the romance genre.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Some people are just not meant to be loved. Some people are meant to be understood.”
— A character reflecting on the complexities of relationships and acceptance.
“The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think.”
— A character's realization about societal expectations and personal freedom.
“He was the kind of beautiful that made you want to break things, just to see if he'd fix them.”
— A descriptive line about a male lead's captivating and somewhat dangerous allure.
“Sometimes, the only way to get over someone is to get under someone else. And sometimes, even that doesn't work.”
— A cynical but relatable observation about coping with heartbreak.
“We're all just broken pieces, trying to fit into someone else's puzzle.”
— A melancholic reflection on human connection and imperfection.
“Love isn't a feeling. It's a choice. And sometimes, it's the hardest one you'll ever make.”
— A character's mature perspective on the effort required in lasting love.
“You can't heal a wound by pretending it's not there.”
— A direct statement about confronting pain and reality.
“He wasn't a hero. He was just a man who loved her enough to be her villain.”
— A complex description of a male lead's protective and morally ambiguous nature.
“The world doesn't owe you anything. You have to take it.”
— A character's hardened view on ambition and self-reliance.
“Some scars never fade. They just become a part of who you are.”
— A somber acknowledgment of enduring emotional and physical scars.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
— A hopeful sentiment offered during a period of despair.
“She was chaos and beauty, intertwined. A storm in a teacup, but a storm I'd gladly drown in.”
— A character's evocative description of his love interest's captivating personality.
“Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, not the person who wronged you.”
— A profound realization about the personal benefit of letting go of grudges.
Quiz
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.
10
Questions
~5
Minutes
?
Best Score
Key Questions (FAQ)
The book centers on the rekindling of a passionate connection between America and Malachy Doherty, who made a pact eight years prior to be together if they ever met again. They had a one-night stand in Ireland, born from vengeance and intense chemistry, and now Malachy has become a famous musician in New York, disrupting America's carefully constructed life.
