Wrong Number, Right Spark

Delia Devlin, a college senior, receives a text from an unknown number, which she assumes is her brother. The stranger turns out to be Zach Hastings, a witty, slightly nerdy app developer. Their accidental conversation quickly turns playful, sparking a connection neither expected. Both are at crossroads—Delia fresh from a breakup, Zach content in his quirky, work-from-home life. Their banter is sharp, honest, and full of innuendo, setting the stage for a relationship built on humor, vulnerability, and the thrill of the unexpected.

Breakups and New Beginnings

Delia's relationship with Caleb, her college boyfriend, ends amicably but with sadness. They realize they're better as friends than lovers, and the breakup, though mutual, leaves Delia feeling unmoored. Her best friend and roommate, Zoe, provides comic relief and support. Delia's identity shifts from "Caleb's girlfriend" to simply Delia, and she's forced to confront her own desires, fears, and the possibility of something new—especially as her texting with Zach becomes a daily highlight.

Textual Chemistry Ignites

Delia and Zach's texting escalates from jokes to confessions, from teasing to genuine emotional support. They share everything from food preferences to embarrassing stories, and even sexting jokes, though neither takes it seriously at first. Their conversations are peppered with pop culture references, playful insults, and a growing sense of intimacy. The wrong-number mistake becomes their "meet-cute," and their connection deepens as they become each other's confidants and daily distractions.

Friendship, Flirtation, and Goats

As their friendship grows, so do their inside jokes—especially after Delia convinces Zach to buy a baby goat, Marshmallow, as a pet. Their banter is laced with sexual tension, but also genuine care. Delia's knitting hobby leads to the infamous "penis potholders," and Zach's nerdy quirks (like Harry Potter underwear) become endearing. Both are hesitant to meet in person, fearing the reality won't match the fantasy, but their mutual support and laughter make the risk feel worth it.

From Virtual to Reality

After weeks of texting, Delia and Zach finally agree to meet. Their first date—a movie in the park with PB&J sandwiches and Doritos—proves their chemistry is just as strong in person. The date is quirky, thoughtful, and full of laughter, culminating in a kiss that delivers the "fireworks" both had been missing in past relationships. Their connection is cemented by shared vulnerability and the realization that they truly "get" each other.

First Date, First Fireworks

The first date leads to more: late-night phone calls, Netflix marathons, and sleepovers that are more about snuggling than sex (at first). Delia and Zach navigate the awkwardness of new intimacy, balancing desire with caution. Their relationship is marked by honesty about past heartbreaks, fears of rushing, and the joy of finding someone who makes even the mundane magical. The "fireworks" are real, and both are surprised by how quickly they fall for each other.

Kisses, Confessions, and Pajamas

As their relationship deepens, Delia and Zach confront their insecurities—about labels, about moving too fast, about trust. They meet each other's friends and families, share embarrassing stories, and support each other through academic and work stress. Their playful dynamic is tested by real-life challenges, but their willingness to communicate and laugh together keeps them strong. The goat, Marshmallow, becomes a symbol of their shared weirdness and affection.

Family, Holidays, and Heartbreak

Delia spends Thanksgiving with Zach's family, meeting his loving parents Rose and Jack Hastings and his charming but problematic brother, Shep. The holiday is full of warmth, food, and laughter—until a private photo Delia sent to Zach is leaked and spreads across campus. The betrayal devastates Delia, who assumes Zach is responsible. Their relationship shatters under the weight of broken trust, and both retreat into heartbreak and anger.

Betrayal and Broken Trust

Delia, humiliated and furious, confronts Zach, who is equally hurt by her lack of trust. Both are left reeling—Delia by the violation of her privacy, Zach by the accusation from the person he cares about most. Their friends, especially Caleb and Zoe, rally around Delia, but also question whether Zach could really be the culprit. The emotional fallout is raw, honest, and painful, forcing both to confront their deepest fears about love and vulnerability.

The Truth Unveiled

With the help of Caleb and Zoe, Delia discovers that Shep, Zach's brother, stole Zach's phone and sent the photo out of petty revenge. The revelation is both a relief and a new source of pain—Zach is innocent, but the damage to their relationship is real. Shep's actions have consequences, both familial and legal, and Delia must decide whether she can forgive herself for doubting Zach and whether they can rebuild what was lost.

Apologies, Pizza, and Play

Delia reaches out to Zach, first with an apology, then with a playful "goat heist" (stealing Marshmallow with Zoe's help). Zach responds in kind, sending a pizza with a message spelled in pepperoni. They meet at their favorite coffee shop and, through a game of skee-ball, talk honestly about what happened, their feelings, and their hopes. Their reconciliation is marked by laughter, tears, and a renewed commitment to trust and communication.

Love, Laughter, and Forgiveness

Delia and Zach rebuild their relationship, stronger for having faced betrayal and pain. They promise to always talk things out, to trust each other, and to keep laughing together. Their love is quirky, imperfect, and deeply rooted in friendship. They support each other's dreams—Delia with her journalism, Zach with his positivity app—and find joy in the everyday weirdness of life together (and with their growing goat family).

Goat Heist and Grand Gestures

Delia's goat heist is both a literal and symbolic act of reclaiming her relationship and her sense of agency. Zach's grand gestures—pizza messages, thoughtful gifts, and unwavering support—show his commitment. Their friends and families rally around them, and even the pain caused by Shep becomes a catalyst for growth and healing. Together, they learn that love is about forgiveness, laughter, and choosing each other every day.

Healing, Hope, and New Starts

Delia and Zach's relationship becomes a model of resilience and joy. They face challenges—family drama, career uncertainty, the scars of betrayal—but do so together, with honesty and humor. Their love story is unconventional, full of texting, goats, and inside jokes, but it's also deeply real. They find healing in each other, in their community, and in the willingness to be vulnerable and weird together.

Epilogue: S'mores and Second Chances

In the epilogue, Delia and Zach celebrate Christmas with his family, now fully accepted and cherished. Their goat family grows, and their inside jokes become traditions. Delia receives a necklace marking her as the "World's Okayest Goat Mom," and Zach surprises her with more goats. Their love story, born from a wrong number, is a testament to the power of laughter, forgiveness, and the courage to take risks for love.

Characters

Delia Devlin

Delia is a college senior whose life is upended by a wrong-number text. She's smart, sarcastic, and deeply caring, but also struggles with self-doubt and the fear of repeating past relationship mistakes. Her journey is one of self-discovery—learning to trust, to be vulnerable, and to embrace her own weirdness. Delia's relationships with her friends, especially Zoe and Caleb, ground her, but it's her connection with Zach that challenges her to grow. Her development is marked by a shift from fear to courage, from heartbreak to hope.

Zach Hastings

Zach is an app developer with a quick wit, a big heart, and a penchant for goats and pop culture references. He's confident but not arrogant, playful but deeply sincere. Zach's past relationships have left him wary, but his connection with Delia reignites his belief in love. He's fiercely loyal, protective, and willing to be vulnerable—even when it hurts. Zach's journey is about learning to trust again, to forgive, and to fight for the person he loves.

Zoe

Zoe is Delia's best friend and roommate, the kind of friend who will help you steal a goat or confront your ex. She's outspoken, fiercely protective, and unafraid to call Delia out on her bullshit. Zoe's own romantic misadventures (especially with Shep) add depth to her character, showing her vulnerability beneath the bravado. She's the anchor that keeps Delia grounded and the spark that pushes her to take risks.

Caleb

Caleb is Delia's ex-boyfriend and close friend. Their breakup is mature and mutual, and Caleb remains a steady presence in Delia's life. He's kind, understanding, and willing to go to great lengths to protect Delia—even investigating the photo scandal and confronting Shep. Caleb's role is that of the "good guy," showing that not all exes are villains and that friendship after love is possible.

Shep (Slug)

Shep is Zach's stepbrother, a talented baseball player with a reputation for womanizing and emotional detachment. His actions—stealing Zach's phone and leaking Delia's photo—are driven by pettiness and insecurity. Shep's character is a study in toxic masculinity and the consequences of unchecked ego. His betrayal is the catalyst for the novel's central conflict, forcing all characters to confront issues of trust, loyalty, and forgiveness.

Rose and Jack Hastings

Zach's parents are loving, open-minded, and full of humor (their "Titanic" love story is a highlight). They welcome Delia into their family, offering her acceptance and support during her darkest moments. Their relationship serves as a model for Delia and Zach, showing that love can endure loss, change, and even the occasional family scandal.

Robbie

Robbie is Zach's roommate and confidant, always ready with a joke or a helping hand (especially during the goat heist). He provides stability and perspective, supporting Zach through heartbreak and reconciliation. Robbie's presence adds levity and warmth to the story.

Marshmallow (the goat)

Marshmallow is more than a pet—he's a symbol of Delia and Zach's unique bond. The goat's antics (and eventual goat siblings) represent the couple's willingness to embrace the unconventional and find joy in the absurd. Marshmallow's presence is a constant reminder that love is messy, unpredictable, and worth fighting for.

Liam

Delia's brother, though mostly offstage, is a stabilizing force in her life. His presence is felt through texts and family references, highlighting the importance of sibling bonds and the ways family shapes our choices.

The Barista

The barista at Level Up serves as a silent observer of Delia and Zach's relationship, offering free drinks and subtle encouragement. He represents the community that surrounds and supports the main characters, even in small ways.

Plot Devices

Text Message Narrative

The novel's primary device is the use of text messages to build intimacy, reveal character, and drive the plot. The banter, confessions, and misunderstandings that unfold via text create a sense of immediacy and authenticity, reflecting how many real-life relationships begin and grow today. The device also allows for humor, miscommunication, and the gradual deepening of trust.

Mistaken Identity / Wrong Number

The entire story hinges on a wrong-number text, a classic meet-cute updated for the digital age. This device sets the tone for a romance built on serendipity, chance, and the willingness to embrace the unexpected. It also allows for the exploration of identity—how we present ourselves online versus in person.

Humor and Pop Culture References

The novel is packed with jokes, memes, and references to everything from Harry Potter to Ryan Gosling. Humor is both a shield and a weapon, used to deflect pain, build rapport, and test boundaries. The shared language of pop culture becomes a shorthand for trust and compatibility.

The Goat as Symbol

The baby goat is a recurring motif, symbolizing the couple's willingness to be silly, to care for something together, and to embrace the unconventional. The goat heist, in particular, is a plot device that brings the couple back together, showing that love sometimes requires grand (and ridiculous) gestures.

Betrayal and Misunderstanding

The leaking of Delia's photo is the novel's central crisis, testing the couple's ability to trust, forgive, and communicate. The misunderstanding is believable and painful, forcing both characters to confront their insecurities and the limits of their faith in each other.

Games and Play

The use of games—literal and metaphorical—underscores the novel's theme that love is both serious and fun. Whether it's competing for a kiss or sending a pizza with a coded message, play becomes a way to express affection, resolve conflict, and keep the relationship fresh.

Analysis

Let's Get Textual is a witty, heartfelt exploration of modern romance in the age of smartphones, memes, and emotional baggage. Teagan Hunter crafts a love story that feels both fresh and timeless, using the wrong-number trope to examine how intimacy can blossom through screens before it ever does in person. The novel's greatest strength is its humor—sharp, self-aware, and deeply rooted in the characters' quirks and vulnerabilities. But beneath the banter lies a serious meditation on trust, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to risk your heart after betrayal. The goat, the games, and the endless pop culture references are more than just comic relief—they're symbols of the couple's willingness to be weird, to laugh in the face of pain, and to build a relationship on honesty and play. Ultimately, the book argues that love is not about perfection, but about finding someone who makes you feel seen, safe, and celebrated—even (and especially) when life gets messy. In a world where misunderstandings can go viral and heartbreak can feel public, Let's Get Textual reminds us that the best relationships are those where you can be your truest, weirdest self—and know you'll be loved all the more for it.

Last updated: May 9, 2025