New York, New Me

Scottie Price, a witty, self-deprecating copy editor, is freshly divorced and determined to reclaim her life in New York City. She's eager to embrace her independence, but her new job at a golf company is a testosterone-fueled "marriage cult," where being single is a social liability. Surrounded by married coworkers, Scottie feels like an outsider, her confidence still bruised from a marriage that fizzled into neglect. She's resolved to fall in love with herself, but the city's chaos and her own insecurities make that easier said than done.

The Marriage Cult

At Butter Putter, Scottie is the only single woman besides the rarely-seen CEO, Ellison. The office is a parade of "Brads and Chad," all married, all obsessed with their spouses, and all eager to share their domestic bliss. Scottie's sense of isolation grows as she's left out of conversations and weekend plans, her single status making her feel invisible and inadequate. The pressure to fit in mounts, and she's haunted by memories of her ex-husband's indifference.

One Little White Lie

In a moment of desperation during a team meeting, Scottie blurts out that she's married, inventing a husband on the spot to avoid being the odd one out. The lie snowballs when her boss, Ellison, offers support and recommends her own husband, Sanders, a renowned marriage counselor, to help Scottie and her "husband" through their "rough patch." Suddenly, Scottie is booked for a couples therapy session—with no husband in sight.

Enter the Fake Husband

Panicked, Scottie turns to her best friends, Mika and Denise, for help. When all else fails, Mika volunteers his younger brother, Wilder—a retired, improv-loving, tattooed, and unexpectedly attractive tech millionaire—to play the part. Wilder, bored and eager for a new experience, agrees to the charade, seeing it as a real-life improv challenge. The two meet for the first time, awkwardly strategizing their fake marriage story before their therapy appointment.

Marriage Counseling Mayhem

The first session with Sanders is a comedic disaster. Wilder's improv instincts and Scottie's nerves lead to wild stories about sex toys, zippered penises, and fictional exes. Their "marital problems" spiral into absurdity, but Sanders is convinced they're a couple in crisis. Instead of ending the farce, he invites them to an exclusive eight-day marriage retreat in the Catskills—along with Scottie's entire office.

The Accidental Therapy Session

At the retreat, Scottie and Wilder are thrust into a world of team-building games, group therapy, and a "sex palace" cabin stocked with every imaginable adult toy. Forced proximity to share a bed and maintain their ruse, their banter and staged arguments become increasingly convincing. But as they improvise their way through challenges, real vulnerabilities and old wounds surface, especially for Scottie, who's forced to confront the pain of her failed marriage.

The Camp Invitation

The retreat is a pressure cooker: Scottie's coworkers are watching, Sanders is determined to "save" their marriage, and the couple's every move is scrutinized. Wilder, ever the improviser, leans into the role, but Scottie's anxiety grows as the stakes rise. Their fake fights become cathartic, allowing Scottie to vent years of pent-up frustration, but also blurring the line between performance and reality.

Summer Camp of Secrets

As the days pass, Scottie and Wilder's chemistry becomes undeniable. Their staged intimacy—hand-holding, affectionate bickering, and even a few steamy "challenges"—starts to feel real. They bond over late-night talks, shared insecurities, and the absurdity of their situation. Wilder's kindness and humor help Scottie rediscover her self-worth, while Scottie's vulnerability draws Wilder out of his own emotional rut.

Sex Palace Shock

Their cabin, decked out like an erotic minibar, becomes both a running joke and a crucible for their growing attraction. Forced proximity and the camp's relentless focus on intimacy push them to new levels of honesty. Scottie, initially mortified, finds herself opening up to pleasure and playfulness she never experienced in her marriage. Wilder, meanwhile, is surprised by how much he cares about Scottie's happiness.

Tied Together, Falling Apart

The camp's games—like a three-legged mini-golf race—require literal and figurative cooperation. After a spectacular fall leaves Scottie with a black eye, Wilder's genuine concern and care break through her defenses. Their fake marriage becomes a safe space for Scottie to process her grief and anger over her ex, while Wilder's protectiveness and patience reveal his own longing for connection.

The Great Pretend

As the retreat continues, Scottie and Wilder's relationship deepens. They share secrets, support each other through therapy, and even start checking off items from Scottie's "bucket list" of things her ex never did with her. Their physical relationship heats up, but both are wary: Scottie fears getting hurt again, and Wilder, haunted by family baggage, isn't sure he's ready for real commitment. Meanwhile, their coworkers grow suspicious, and the risk of exposure looms.

The Tent of Truth

After a blow-up with the group, Sanders "parent-traps" Scottie and Wilder in a tent in the woods, forcing them to work together and talk honestly. In the isolation of the forest, they drop the act and admit their real feelings and fears. Scottie confesses her terror of being hurt again; Wilder reveals his own struggles with family trauma and responsibility. Their night together is both healing and electric, marking a turning point in their relationship.

Confessions by the Lake

The next day, Scottie and Wilder share a raw, emotional conversation by the lake. Scottie finally grieves her failed marriage and lets go of the shame and self-doubt that's haunted her. Wilder, in turn, opens up about his family history and his fear of moving forward. Their mutual support cements a bond that feels real, not just pretend.

Crossing the Line

The line between acting and authenticity vanishes as Scottie and Wilder give in to their attraction. Their first night together is passionate and affirming, a stark contrast to Scottie's past experiences. For the first time, she feels truly seen, desired, and cherished. Wilder, too, is transformed by the connection, realizing he wants more than just a fling.

The Bucket List

Back in the city, Scottie and Wilder continue their relationship, determined to do things differently. They tackle Scottie's "bucket list" of missed experiences—cooking classes, movie dates, a kiss cam at a baseball game, skinny-dipping, and more. Each adventure is both a healing act and a celebration of their new beginning. Wilder, once commitment-shy, finds joy in making Scottie feel special.

Falling for Real

Despite their happiness, old insecurities linger. Scottie worries about being hurt again; Wilder is haunted by his sense of responsibility for his brother and his family's past. Through honest conversations, therapy, and the support of friends, they learn to trust each other and themselves. Their relationship becomes a partnership of equals, built on communication, laughter, and mutual respect.

The Truth Comes Out

When Scottie confesses the truth about their fake marriage to her boss and coworkers, she fears losing everything. Instead, her vulnerability earns her respect and understanding. The experience cements her growth: she's no longer hiding or pretending, but living authentically. Wilder, too, confronts his own issues, has a heart-to-heart with his brother, and finally lets himself move forward.

Proving It in the City

With the past behind them, Scottie and Wilder fully commit to each other. Wilder proves his devotion by helping Scottie check off every item on her bucket list and supporting her new freelance career. Their love story, born from a lie, becomes a testament to the power of honesty, vulnerability, and second chances. The novel ends with their engagement at the place where it all began, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the promise of a future built on real love.

Characters

Scottie Price

Scottie is a 29-year-old copy editor, newly divorced and determined to rebuild her life in New York. Her failed marriage left her with deep insecurities about her worth and desirability, but also a fierce sense of humor and independence. She's both vulnerable and strong, craving connection but terrified of being hurt again. Her journey is one of self-discovery: learning to trust, to ask for what she wants, and to believe she deserves happiness. Her relationship with Wilder is transformative, helping her shed the baggage of her past and embrace a future where she is seen, valued, and loved.

Wilder (Mika's Brother)

Wilder is a 27-year-old retired tech millionaire, improv enthusiast, and the younger brother of Scottie's best friend, Mika. Outwardly laid-back and irreverent, he's actually carrying his own emotional scars from family trauma and a sense of responsibility for his brother. Wilder's improv skills make him a master of adaptation, but it's his kindness, humor, and unwavering support that help Scottie heal. Through their fake marriage, he discovers his own capacity for commitment and love, ultimately choosing vulnerability over self-protection.

Mika

Mika is Scottie's best friend and Wilder's older brother. A bartender with a sharp wit and a big heart, Mika is the glue that connects Scottie and Wilder. He's struggled with his own mental health and family issues, making him both empathetic and protective. Mika's encouragement and honesty are crucial in helping both Scottie and Wilder confront their fears and take risks in love.

Denise

Denise is Scottie's other best friend, a makeup artist with a no-nonsense attitude and a knack for comic relief. She's the first to call Scottie out on her self-doubt and the first to cheer her on. Denise's unwavering support and practical advice help Scottie navigate the chaos of her fake marriage and real feelings.

Sanders (Marriage Counselor)

Sanders is the camp's marriage counselor and Ellison's husband. His therapy style is a blend of sports metaphors, improv, and unconventional exercises. While his methods seem ridiculous, he's deeply perceptive, able to see through Scottie and Wilder's act and push them toward real growth. His own happy marriage is both a model and a mystery to the couples he counsels.

Ellison

Ellison is Scottie's boss and Sanders's wife. She's the only other woman in the office and the architect of its marriage-centric culture. While initially intimidating, she becomes a surprising ally, supporting Scottie's journey and modeling a different kind of female leadership.

Chad

Chad is one of the "Brads and Chad" at Butter Putter, initially a source of stress and suspicion for Scottie. His own marital struggles are eventually revealed, and his vulnerability helps Scottie see that everyone is fighting their own battles. Their eventual honesty with each other is a turning point for both.

Brad, Finky, Duncan, and the "Brads and Chad"

These married coworkers represent the pressures and absurdities of office life and the cult of marriage. While often clueless or competitive, they also provide moments of unexpected empathy and growth, especially as Scottie's honesty inspires change in the group.

Matt (Scottie's Ex-Husband)

Though never present, Matt's emotional neglect and indifference haunt Scottie throughout the novel. Her journey is, in many ways, about unlearning the lessons of her marriage to him—reclaiming her voice, her desires, and her sense of self-worth.

Sanders's Mother (Whitney Martin)

Mentioned in the background, Whitney's legacy as a matchmaker and the original owner of Camp Haven adds a layer of history and humor to the story, reinforcing the theme that love—and the search for it—is both universal and endlessly complicated.

Plot Devices

Fake Relationship / Forced Proximity

The central device is the classic "fake relationship" trope, with Scottie and Wilder pretending to be married to fit in at work and survive a marriage retreat. Forced to share a bed, a cabin, and increasingly intimate challenges, their act becomes a crucible for real vulnerability and connection. The device allows for both comedic misunderstandings and genuine emotional breakthroughs.

Therapy and Camp Structure

The marriage camp, with its absurd games, group therapy, and "sex palace" cabins, is both a parody of self-help culture and a genuine space for growth. The camp's structure—daily challenges, therapy sessions, and escalating intimacy—mirrors the stages of Scottie and Wilder's relationship, forcing them to confront their issues and each other.

Improv and Role-Playing

Wilder's improv background and the couple's constant need to "perform" create a dynamic where truth and fiction intermingle. Their staged arguments and fake intimacy become vehicles for real emotional expression, allowing both characters to say what they've never dared to say before.

Bucket List / Second Chances

Scottie's "bucket list" of experiences she missed in her marriage becomes a roadmap for her healing and for her relationship with Wilder. Each item checked off is both a small act of rebellion against her past and a step toward a new, more authentic future.

Confession and Consequence

The eventual revelation of the fake marriage to Scottie's boss and coworkers is a pivotal moment. Instead of disaster, it leads to forgiveness, understanding, and a new sense of self-respect. The device reinforces the novel's message that honesty, even when painful, is the only path to real connection.

Analysis

Till Summer Do Us Part is more than a fake-relationship romance; it's a sharp, funny, and deeply empathetic exploration of what it means to rebuild after heartbreak. Meghan Quinn uses the conventions of romantic comedy—forced proximity, mistaken identity, therapy camp hijinks—to probe real questions about intimacy, trust, and the stories we tell ourselves. Scottie's journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance is both hilarious and moving, and Wilder's evolution from improv joker to devoted partner is equally satisfying. The novel's greatest strength is its insistence that love is not about perfection or performance, but about showing up, telling the truth, and daring to believe you deserve happiness. In a world obsessed with appearances and "having it all," Till Summer Do Us Part is a joyful, sexy reminder that the best relationships are built on honesty, laughter, and the willingness to try again.

Last updated: June 4, 2025