New Boss, New Rules

Molly Ward, a marketing liaison for the Washington Wolves, meets her new boss, Beatrice Kelly, who is as intimidating as she is stylish. Beatrice questions Molly's long tenure at the organization, hinting at skepticism about her qualifications. Molly, feeling the pressure, tries to prove her worth by highlighting her strong relationships with advertisers. Despite the tension, Molly is determined to show Beatrice that she is more than just a familiar face in the organization.

Unexpected Promotion Offer

Beatrice offers Molly a chance to work on a high-profile project with Amazon, but it comes with strict conditions, including a no-fraternization policy. Molly is excited yet apprehensive about the opportunity, knowing it could prove her capabilities to Beatrice. The project involves working closely with Noah Griffin, a new player for the Wolves, which complicates matters given their past.

Elevator Tension

Molly and Noah, who have a complicated history, find themselves in a tense elevator encounter. Noah is cold and dismissive, trying to maintain his focus on football. Molly, however, is determined to keep things professional, despite the unresolved tension between them. Their interaction is a mix of past regrets and present challenges, setting the stage for their future collaboration.

House Hunting Drama

As part of the Amazon project, Noah is filmed house hunting, but he finds the process unnatural and frustrating. Molly tries to ease his discomfort, but Noah's irritation grows, leading to a confrontation. Molly's ability to handle Noah's moods becomes evident, but the strain of their past and the project's demands weigh heavily on both.

Yoga and Revelations

Molly introduces Noah to yoga, hoping it will help him on the field. During the session, Noah realizes how much Molly understands him and his game. Their interaction is filled with unspoken tension and mutual respect, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. Molly's insights into Noah's career and her ability to challenge him reveal a deeper connection.

Family Dinner Confessions

Molly's family dinner becomes a backdrop for exploring her complex family dynamics and her feelings about her mother. The conversation reveals Molly's protective nature and her struggle to balance her personal and professional life. Her sisters provide support, but Molly's internal conflict about Noah and her career remains unresolved.

South Dakota Escape

Molly and Noah travel to South Dakota for a filming weekend, where they confront their feelings for each other. Away from the pressures of work, they share intimate moments that deepen their connection. The weekend becomes a turning point, as they both realize the depth of their feelings, but the reality of their professional boundaries looms large.

Love and Consequences

Back in Seattle, Molly grapples with the consequences of her weekend with Noah. Beatrice discovers their relationship, leading to Molly's termination. Molly is forced to confront the impact of her decisions on her career and her heart. Despite the setback, she remains determined to find a path forward, even if it means letting go of Noah.

Career Crossroads

With her job at the Wolves over, Molly reflects on her career and personal life. She seeks support from her family and begins to consider new opportunities. The experience forces her to reassess her priorities and the role Noah plays in her life. Molly's resilience and determination to succeed on her own terms become clear.

The Grand Gesture

Realizing his feelings for Molly, Noah orchestrates a grand gesture to win her back. He enlists the help of their mutual friends to create a romantic setting, complete with a film of their journey together. Noah's vulnerability and sincerity shine through, as he confesses his love for Molly. The gesture marks a new beginning for them, as they embrace their future together.

Characters

Molly Ward

Molly is a dedicated marketing liaison for the Washington Wolves, known for her strong relationships and work ethic. She struggles with the pressure to prove herself to her new boss, Beatrice, while navigating her complicated history with Noah. Molly's protective nature extends to her family, and she grapples with balancing her personal and professional life. Her journey is one of self-discovery and resilience.

Noah Griffin

Noah is a talented football player known as "The Machine" for his disciplined approach to the game. He is initially cold and dismissive towards Molly, trying to maintain his focus on football. However, his interactions with Molly reveal a more vulnerable side, as he confronts his feelings for her. Noah's journey involves breaking down his emotional barriers and embracing love.

Beatrice Kelly

Beatrice is the new chief marketing officer for the Washington Wolves, known for her no-nonsense attitude and high expectations. She is initially skeptical of Molly's qualifications, challenging her to prove her worth. Beatrice's strict adherence to rules, including a no-fraternization policy, creates tension for Molly and Noah. Her character represents the challenges of navigating professional boundaries.

Rick

Rick is the producer for the Amazon documentary, tasked with capturing the reality of Noah's transition to the Wolves. He is perceptive and recognizes the chemistry between Molly and Noah, encouraging them to embrace their feelings. Rick's role is pivotal in highlighting the human side of Noah, beyond his football persona.

Marty

Marty is the camera operator for the documentary, known for his laid-back demeanor and sense of humor. He provides comic relief and support for both Molly and Noah, often mediating their interactions. Marty's presence is a reminder of the lighter side of the filming process and the importance of friendship.

Logan Ward

Logan is Molly's older brother and a coach for the Washington Wolves. He is fiercely protective of his sisters and plays a significant role in Molly's life. Logan's relationship with Noah is complicated by his protective instincts, but he ultimately supports Molly's decisions. His character highlights the importance of family and loyalty.

Paige Ward

Paige is Logan's wife and a mother figure to Molly and her sisters. She provides emotional support and guidance for Molly, helping her navigate her feelings for Noah and her career challenges. Paige's character embodies the strength and wisdom of a maternal influence.

Isabel Ward

Isabel is one of Molly's younger sisters, known for her quiet strength and keen observation skills. She is supportive of Molly but often keeps her own emotions guarded. Isabel's character represents the complexities of sibling relationships and the impact of family dynamics.

Lia Ward

Lia is Molly's twin sister, known for her vibrant personality and outspoken nature. She provides comic relief and support for Molly, often challenging her to embrace her true feelings. Lia's character highlights the importance of sisterhood and the bond between twins.

Claire Ward

Claire is one of Molly's younger sisters, known for her thoughtful and introspective nature. She is supportive of Molly and often acts as a sounding board for her. Claire's character represents the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.

Plot Devices

No-Fraternization Policy

The no-fraternization policy is a key plot device that creates tension and conflict for Molly and Noah. It is a condition of Molly's promotion and becomes a significant obstacle when her relationship with Noah is discovered. The policy highlights the challenges of maintaining professional boundaries and the consequences of breaking them.

Documentary Filming

The Amazon documentary serves as a plot device to explore Noah's transition to the Washington Wolves and his relationship with Molly. The filming process reveals the human side of Noah, beyond his football persona, and captures the chemistry between him and Molly. The documentary becomes a catalyst for their relationship and a means of self-discovery.

Family Dynamics

Molly's family dynamics are a central plot device, providing insight into her character and motivations. Her relationships with her siblings and her surrogate mother, Paige, highlight the importance of family support and loyalty. The family dynamics also serve as a backdrop for Molly's personal growth and her struggle to balance her career and personal life.

Romantic Gesture

Noah's grand romantic gesture is a pivotal plot device that symbolizes his growth and commitment to Molly. It marks a turning point in their relationship, as Noah embraces his feelings and takes a risk for love. The gesture highlights the theme of vulnerability and the importance of taking chances in relationships.

Analysis

"Focused" by Karla Sorensen is a contemporary romance that explores the complexities of love, career, and personal growth. The novel delves into the challenges of maintaining professional boundaries while navigating personal relationships, highlighting the impact of workplace dynamics on personal lives. Molly and Noah's journey is one of self-discovery and vulnerability, as they confront their feelings and the consequences of their choices. The novel emphasizes the importance of family support and the power of love to break down emotional barriers. Through the lens of a sports romance, "Focused" offers a nuanced exploration of the balance between ambition and personal fulfillment, ultimately celebrating the transformative power of love.

Last updated: March 28, 2025