Bungee Jump Beginnings

Ryke Meadows and Daisy Calloway meet in Mexico, both drawn to adrenaline and the edge of danger. Sixteen-year-old Daisy is wild, restless, and misunderstood, while twenty-two-year-old Ryke is blunt, protective, and equally untamed. Their first real moment together is on a bungee jump platform, where Ryke's instinct to both protect and challenge Daisy sets the tone for their relationship. They bond over their shared sense of isolation and the thrill of pushing boundaries, forming a friendship that simmers with unspoken attraction and mutual understanding. This pivotal encounter plants the seeds for a love that will have to survive years of obstacles, family disapproval, and personal demons.

Forbidden Friendship Grows

Over the next four years, Daisy and Ryke's friendship deepens, complicated by their age gap and the scrutiny of their families. Daisy, a teenage model, is forced to grow up too fast, while Ryke, the black sheep of his family, is fiercely loyal but emotionally guarded. Their relationship is marked by flirtation, banter, and a profound sense of safety they find in each other. Both struggle with their own traumas—Daisy with PTSD from abuse and public scrutiny, Ryke with the scars of parental neglect and the burden of protecting his brother, Lo, from addiction. Their bond is a lifeline, but the world around them is quick to judge, and they must keep their feelings hidden.

Four Years Forward

As Daisy turns twenty and Ryke approaches twenty-seven, their friendship finally tips into romance. The transition is fraught with guilt, fear, and the ever-present gaze of the media and their families. Daisy's sisters, especially Rose, are protective, while Ryke's relationship with his father is strained by old wounds. Despite the obstacles, their love is undeniable—intense, physical, and deeply emotional. They become each other's anchor, learning to communicate, set boundaries, and support one another through therapy, family drama, and the relentless pressure of fame.

Love Against the Odds

Daisy and Ryke's relationship is tested by public backlash, old friends resurfacing, and the trauma of Daisy's past. They face slut-shaming, harassment, and even physical attacks from fans and former friends. Through it all, Ryke is Daisy's unwavering protector, and Daisy is Ryke's source of light. Their love is not just about passion but about healing—helping each other reclaim agency, voice, and joy. They learn to say no, to fight for their happiness, and to trust in the strength of their bond, even when the world seems determined to tear them apart.

Family Ties and Fractures

The story is as much about family as it is about romance. Ryke's relationship with his half-brother Lo is central—both men have survived neglect, addiction, and the manipulations of their father, Jonathan. Daisy's family, the Calloways, are loving but overbearing, with her sisters Rose, Lily, and Poppy each playing a role in her journey. The revelation that Willow, a close friend, is actually Ryke and Lo's half-sister, adds another layer of complexity. The families must navigate secrets, forgiveness, and the challenge of supporting each other through pain and change.

The Proposal in the Woods

Ryke proposes to Daisy in a clearing lit by string lights and surrounded by rose petals—a moment that is both romantic and raw. Daisy's fears about infertility and her worthiness as a partner come to the surface, but Ryke reassures her that she is enough, no matter what. Their engagement is a promise to face the future together, whatever it holds. The proposal is not just a declaration of love but a commitment to honesty, vulnerability, and mutual support.

Shadows of the Past

Daisy's past continues to haunt her—former friends Cleo and Harper attempt to manipulate their way back into her life, and the trauma of her modeling years lingers. Ryke's father resurfaces, seeking advice and reconciliation, but old patterns of hurt and disappointment are hard to break. The couple must confront the ways their histories shape their present, learning to set boundaries and prioritize their own well-being. Therapy, friendship, and the unwavering support of their chosen family become crucial tools in their healing.

Battling for a Future

Daisy and Ryke's desire to start a family is met with medical challenges—Daisy's endometriosis and ovarian cysts make pregnancy a risky, uncertain prospect. They consult with doctors, weigh the options of surgery, IVF, and surrogacy, and face the emotional toll of repeated disappointments. The process tests their relationship, but also deepens their commitment. They learn to advocate for themselves, to accept help from loved ones, and to find hope in the face of uncertainty. The journey is marked by pain, but also by moments of joy, humor, and connection.

The Struggle for Family

After a long, difficult road, Daisy becomes pregnant, but the pregnancy is high-risk and fraught with complications. The couple endures a devastating miscarriage, grief threatening to pull them under. Yet, with time, therapy, and the support of their family, they find the strength to try again. The eventual birth of their daughter, Sullivan, is a hard-won miracle—a testament to their resilience and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

Public Scrutiny, Private Pain

Throughout their journey, Daisy and Ryke are under constant public scrutiny—paparazzi, tabloids, and even fans invade their lives, sometimes with violence. They are flour-bombed, harassed, and subjected to relentless speculation about their relationship and Daisy's body. The couple, along with their family, must learn to set boundaries, to protect their children, and to reclaim their narrative. They decide to produce a documentary series, "We Are Calloway," to tell their own story on their own terms, hoping to humanize themselves and push back against the dehumanizing effects of fame.

The Long Road to Healing

Ryke's climbing accident and the loss of his best friend, Sully, plunge him into depression and physical pain. The road to recovery is long and arduous, requiring not just physical therapy but emotional reckoning. With the help of Lo, Daisy, and the rest of their family, Ryke learns to forgive himself, to accept help, and to find new meaning in life beyond climbing. Daisy, too, must heal from her own traumas, learning to trust in her strength and the love that surrounds her.

A Wedding in the Wild

Daisy and Ryke's wedding in Peru is a celebration of everything they have overcome. Surrounded by family and friends, they exchange vows that honor their journey—the pain, the joy, the risks, and the rewards. The ceremony is a moment of pure happiness, a rare reprieve from the struggles that have defined their lives. It is also a promise to keep choosing each other, to keep fighting for their love, and to keep building a life together.

Loss, Grief, and Recovery

The aftermath of Sully's death and Daisy's near-fatal childbirth test the couple's limits. Grief, guilt, and fear threaten to overwhelm them, but they find solace in each other and in the family they have created. Ryke's journey back to climbing is slow and painful, but with Daisy's encouragement, he learns to redefine success and happiness. Together, they honor the memory of those they have lost and celebrate the life they have built.

The Miracle of Sullivan

The birth of Sullivan Minnie Meadows is a turning point—a symbol of hope, healing, and the enduring power of love. Daisy and Ryke embrace parenthood with the same passion and determination that have defined their relationship. They navigate sleepless nights, new challenges, and the joys of watching their daughter grow. Their family expands through surrogacy, and the bonds of sisterhood and friendship deepen as they support each other through the ups and downs of life.

The Power of Sisterhood

Daisy's relationships with her sisters—Rose, Lily, and Poppy—are central to her growth. Together, they confront the legacy of their mother's expectations, the pressures of fame, and the pain of betrayal. Through honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering support, they break the cycle of guilt and blame, learning to celebrate each other's successes and comfort each other in times of need. Their bond is a source of strength, laughter, and resilience.

The Climb Back Up

Ryke's return to climbing is both literal and metaphorical—a reclaiming of the part of himself that was lost in the aftermath of trauma. With Daisy's encouragement and the support of his family, he learns to climb not for records or recognition, but for the joy of the experience. The journey is not without setbacks, but it is marked by growth, self-acceptance, and the realization that happiness is found in the pursuit, not just the summit.

Forgiveness and Moving On

The story is also one of forgiveness—of parents, of friends, of oneself. Ryke reconciles with his father, Jonathan, and finds peace in the knowledge that he is loved and accepted. Daisy learns to let go of the pain inflicted by former friends, choosing to focus on the people who truly matter. Together, they build a life defined not by the wounds of the past, but by the possibilities of the future.

The Next Adventure Begins

Ten years later, Daisy and Ryke are still running, still climbing, still loving fiercely. Their family has grown, their friendships have endured, and their love has only deepened. They have learned that happiness is not a destination but a journey—a series of moments, both big and small, that make life worth living. As they watch the sun rise with their friends and family, they know that whatever challenges lie ahead, they will face them together, wild and free.

Characters

Daisy Calloway

Daisy is the youngest Calloway sister, a former child model whose early exposure to the adult world left her with deep scars—PTSD, depression, and a sense of never quite belonging. She is impulsive, daring, and endlessly curious, but also deeply sensitive and kind. Daisy's journey is one of reclaiming agency—learning to say no, to set boundaries, and to trust in her own worth. Her relationship with Ryke is transformative, providing her with the safety and support she needs to heal. As a partner, sister, and mother, Daisy is fiercely loyal, always striving to lift up those around her. Her development is marked by her willingness to confront pain, embrace vulnerability, and choose happiness, even when it seems out of reach.

Ryke Meadows

Ryke is the quintessential wild man—an adrenaline junkie, a climber, and a protector. Scarred by a childhood of neglect and the burden of caring for his brother, Lo, Ryke is both tough and deeply compassionate. His relationship with Daisy is a lifeline, allowing him to express vulnerability and find joy beyond the next thrill. Ryke's journey is about learning to accept help, to forgive, and to find meaning in love and family. He struggles with guilt, grief, and the fear of not being enough, but ultimately learns to trust in the strength of his relationships. As a father, husband, and friend, Ryke is unwavering—always willing to go to the ends of the earth for those he loves.

Loren "Lo" Hale

Lo is Ryke's half-brother, a recovering alcoholic whose journey from self-destruction to stability is central to the story. Witty, sharp, and often self-deprecating, Lo is both a source of comic relief and emotional depth. His relationship with Lily is a model of soul-deep love, and his bond with Ryke is a testament to the power of forgiveness and growth. Lo's development is about learning to accept love, to trust in his own worth, and to be a source of strength for others.

Lily Calloway

Lily is Daisy's older sister and Lo's wife, a woman who battles sex addiction and the pressures of fame. Sweet, quirky, and endlessly supportive, Lily is the heart of the Calloway family. Her journey is about overcoming shame, embracing vulnerability, and finding joy in the everyday. Her friendship with Daisy is a source of healing for both women, and her relationship with Lo is a model of unconditional love.

Rose Calloway Cobalt

Rose is the eldest Calloway sister, a fashion mogul and the family's resident ice queen. Beneath her tough exterior is a woman who loves deeply and fights fiercely for those she cares about. Her relationship with Connor is a battle of wits and wills, but also a partnership built on mutual respect and passion. Rose's development is about learning to let down her guard, to accept help, and to celebrate the successes of others.

Connor Cobalt

Connor is Rose's husband, a man whose intelligence is matched only by his arrogance. He is the family's fixer, always ready with a plan or a cutting remark. Despite his aloofness, Connor is deeply loyal, and his love for Rose is transformative. His journey is about learning to be vulnerable, to value relationships over achievements, and to use his gifts for the good of those he loves.

Poppy Calloway Stokes

Poppy is the middle Calloway sister, often the peacemaker and voice of reason. Her marriage to Sam is stable and loving, and her role as a mother is central to her identity. Poppy's development is about learning to assert herself, to balance her own needs with those of her family, and to support her sisters through their struggles.

Willow Hale

Willow is Ryke and Lo's half-sister, a woman who overcomes a lifetime of neglect to find love and belonging with her chosen family. Her relationship with Garrison is sweet and supportive, and her friendship with Daisy is a source of strength for both women. Willow's journey is about learning to trust, to speak up, and to believe in her own worth.

Garrison Abbey

Garrison is Willow's boyfriend (and later husband), a man who overcomes a troubled past to build a life of meaning and connection. His skills with technology and his dry wit make him a valuable member of the family, and his love for Willow is steadfast. Garrison's development is about learning to accept love, to take risks, and to build a future worth fighting for.

Sullivan "Sulli" Meadows

Sulli is Daisy and Ryke's daughter, a symbol of hope, healing, and the enduring power of love. Her presence brings joy and purpose to her parents' lives, and her growth is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Sulli represents the future—the promise that, no matter how hard the journey, happiness is possible.

Plot Devices

Dual Point of View

The novel is told in alternating first-person chapters from Ryke and Daisy's perspectives, allowing readers to experience the story's emotional highs and lows from both sides. This structure highlights the differences in their personalities and the ways they support and challenge each other. It also provides insight into their private struggles, making their eventual union all the more satisfying.

Time Jumps and Flashbacks

The narrative moves fluidly between past and present, using flashbacks to illuminate key moments in Daisy and Ryke's relationship. These time jumps allow the reader to see how far the characters have come, to understand the roots of their pain, and to appreciate the depth of their healing. The structure also mirrors the way trauma and memory work—always present, always shaping the present.

Symbolism of Climbing and Running

Climbing and running are recurring motifs, symbolizing the characters' struggles to overcome obstacles, to reach for happiness, and to keep moving forward. Ryke's return to climbing after his accident is both a literal and metaphorical ascent—a reclaiming of self and a testament to resilience. Daisy's restlessness and love of running reflect her search for freedom and belonging.

Public vs. Private Life

The tension between public scrutiny and private pain is a central plot device. The characters must navigate the challenges of fame—paparazzi, tabloids, and the expectations of fans—while also dealing with deeply personal issues. The decision to produce a documentary series is a way to reclaim their narrative, to humanize themselves, and to push back against the dehumanizing effects of celebrity culture.

Found Family and Chosen Bonds

The novel emphasizes the importance of chosen family—friends and siblings who become lifelines in times of crisis. The bonds between the Calloway sisters, between Ryke and Lo, and between the extended family are sources of strength, healing, and joy. These relationships are tested by betrayal, loss, and change, but ultimately endure, providing a model of unconditional love and support.

Cycles of Trauma and Healing

The story is structured around cycles of trauma and healing—Daisy's PTSD, Ryke's grief, the family's battles with addiction and loss. Each cycle brings new challenges, but also new opportunities for growth, forgiveness, and connection. The characters learn that healing is not linear, but possible with time, support, and the willingness to keep trying.

Analysis

Long Way Down is a sweeping, character-driven conclusion to the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series, exploring the messy, beautiful, and often painful realities of love, family, and healing. Through the lens of Daisy and Ryke's relationship, the novel examines the ways trauma shapes identity, the power of vulnerability, and the necessity of choosing happiness even when it seems out of reach. The story is unflinching in its portrayal of mental health, addiction, and the cost of fame, but it is also deeply hopeful—insisting that joy is possible, that love can endure, and that the bonds we choose are as powerful as those we are born into. Ultimately, Long Way Down is a celebration of resilience, the courage to keep climbing after a fall, and the wild, untamable spirit that makes life worth living.

Last updated: May 12, 2025