Quad Encounter Sparks Chaos

Monty, a witty and anxious sophomore, transfers to Pierson University for a fresh start, only to be confronted by her persistent ex, Alec. In a moment of panic, she grabs the hand of West, a strikingly attractive basketball player, and begs him to pretend to be her boyfriend. The impromptu act—sealed with a public kiss—saves her from Alec's advances but throws her into the orbit of West and his teammates. The chemistry between Monty and West is immediate, but both are wary: Monty of more drama, West of commitment. Their fake relationship begins as a shield, but the spark between them is undeniable, setting the stage for a collision of hearts, egos, and unresolved pasts.

The Fake Boyfriend Pact

Monty's ex, Alec, refuses to accept their breakup, shadowing her every move. West, meanwhile, is hounded by groupies and rumors. They strike a deal: a fake relationship to keep Alec away and give West a break from relentless attention. The arrangement is simple—no real feelings, no sex, just public displays of affection when necessary. But as they navigate parties, campus run-ins, and the scrutiny of friends, the lines between fake and real begin to blur. Their banter and mutual attraction complicate the charade, and both start to question what they truly want.

Parties, Kisses, and Exes

Monty and West's fake relationship is tested at campus parties, where jealousy and attraction simmer. West's teammates and Monty's friends become entangled in the ruse, offering comic relief and emotional support. Alec's presence looms, his behavior growing more erratic. Monty's resolve to keep things platonic with West weakens as their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. Each stolen kiss and lingering touch chips away at their boundaries, while the threat of Alec's obsession intensifies, casting a shadow over Monty's attempts to move on.

Stalker Shadows and New Friends

Alec's relentless texts and surprise appearances push Monty to the edge. Her friends, Imogen and Stella, rally around her, while West's teammates—Bant, Van, and Davis—embrace Monty as one of their own. The basketball house becomes a sanctuary, but Alec's behavior grows more invasive, culminating in property damage and a rock through Monty's window. The group's camaraderie strengthens, but the danger Alec poses becomes undeniable, forcing Monty to confront the reality of her situation and the need for real protection.

Lines Blurred, Hearts Stirred

Monty and West's "no sex, no feelings" rules crumble as their attraction deepens. A drunken night leads to confessions and a passionate encounter, blurring the line between pretense and reality. Both struggle with vulnerability: Monty fears heartbreak, West fears commitment due to his parents' toxic marriage. Their friends notice the shift, teasing and supporting them as the couple navigates new emotional territory. The fake relationship, once a shield, now exposes their true desires and insecurities.

The No-Boundaries Dilemma

Monty and West's relationship intensifies, but communication falters. Monty overhears West downplaying their connection to his mother, triggering old wounds and self-doubt. She withdraws, convinced their romance was always one-sided. West, meanwhile, is frustrated by Monty's distance and his own inability to express his feelings. Misunderstandings and missed opportunities pile up, threatening to unravel everything they've built. The couple must confront their fears and decide if they're willing to risk their hearts for something real.

Winning Games, Losing Focus

West's basketball career soars, with NBA scouts taking notice. Yet his performance suffers as his focus shifts from the court to Monty. The team's camaraderie is tested by personal dramas, and West's internal conflict between ambition and love intensifies. Monty, meanwhile, excels academically, earning recognition for her writing. But Alec's shadow and her unresolved feelings for West keep her from fully embracing her achievements. The tension between personal goals and emotional needs comes to a head, forcing both to reevaluate their priorities.

Escalation and Desperation

Alec's stalking escalates from texts and surveillance to physical confrontation and abduction. Monty's attempts to reason with him fail, and her friends' efforts to protect her are outpaced by Alec's desperation. The situation reaches a breaking point when Alec kidnaps Monty, drugging her and driving her away from campus. The group's frantic search, aided by a tracking app, leads them to a horrific car crash. The aftermath leaves Monty hospitalized, her body broken but her spirit unbowed.

The Abduction and Aftermath

Monty survives the crash but faces a grueling recovery. West, wracked with guilt and fear, refuses to leave her side, missing crucial games and risking his basketball future. Monty's friends and family rally around her, their bonds deepened by crisis. Alec is institutionalized, his actions finally catching up with him. The ordeal forces Monty and West to confront their feelings, stripping away all pretense. In the quiet of the hospital, truths are spoken, and love is finally confessed.

Hospital Beds and Heart Confessions

As Monty heals, West confesses his love, admitting that nothing—not even his NBA dreams—matters more than her. Monty, moved by his devotion and her own near-death experience, reciprocates. Their relationship, once built on lies and fear, is now grounded in honesty and mutual respect. The couple's friends and families witness their transformation, offering support and celebrating their resilience. The trauma of the past lingers, but Monty and West emerge stronger, united by love and shared adversity.

Healing, Truths, and Real Love

Monty's physical and emotional recovery is slow but steady. She achieves academic success, placing in a prestigious writing competition, and finds closure regarding Alec. West returns to the court, his game reinvigorated by Monty's presence and their renewed relationship. The couple navigates the challenges of healing and moving forward, supported by their friends and families. Their love, once a façade, is now the foundation of their future.

New Beginnings on the Quad

Monty and West return to the quad where it all began, reflecting on their journey from fake dating to real love. West proposes they move in together, eager to build a life beyond the chaos of the past year. Monty, healed and hopeful, agrees. Surrounded by friends and the promise of new adventures, they embrace the future—no longer waiting to score, but having already won.

Characters

Monty (Emily Montgomery)

Monty is the heart of the story—a creative, anxious, and fiercely independent young woman seeking a fresh start at Pierson University. Her past with Alec haunts her, fueling both her caution and her courage. Monty's journey is one of reclaiming agency: from faking a relationship to escape her ex, to confronting trauma, to embracing real love. Her wit and warmth endear her to friends and readers alike, while her vulnerability and growth make her a compelling protagonist. Monty's arc is about learning to trust, set boundaries, and accept love, even when it terrifies her.

West Wright

West is the quintessential campus heartthrob: talented, confident, and seemingly commitment-phobic. Beneath the swagger lies a young man shaped by his parents' dysfunctional marriage, wary of emotional entanglement. West's initial agreement to fake date Monty is self-serving, but her authenticity and strength draw out his vulnerability. His journey is one of self-discovery—learning that love doesn't have to mean betrayal, and that true connection is worth the risk. West's loyalty, humor, and eventual emotional honesty make him a standout romantic lead.

Alec

Alec is the antagonist, embodying the dangers of entitlement and obsession. His inability to accept Monty's autonomy escalates from emotional manipulation to stalking and violence. Alec's psychological unraveling is both chilling and tragic, highlighting the real-world consequences of unchecked possessiveness. His actions force Monty and her friends to confront the limits of compassion and the necessity of self-protection.

Imogen

Imogen is Monty's childhood confidante, offering unwavering support and sharp humor. She is quick to defend Monty, challenge the boys, and take action when danger arises. Imogen's own flirtations and banter with Bant add levity, but her primary role is as Monty's anchor—a reminder of the power of chosen family.

Stella

Stella, Monty's other close friend and roommate, provides emotional support and practical help. Her calm demeanor balances Imogen's fire, and her artistic pursuits mirror Monty's creative ambitions. Stella's quiet strength is crucial during Monty's recovery, and her friendship is a testament to the importance of community.

Bant (Luke Bantempelli)

Bant is West's teammate and friend, known for his bravado and flirtatious antics. Beneath the surface, he is loyal and caring, especially as he becomes invested in Monty's well-being. His banter with Imogen and struggles with his own romantic interests add dimension to his character, illustrating the complexities of masculinity and friendship.

Van (Adam Vandenberg)

Van is the voice of reason among the basketball crew, offering support and perspective to both West and Monty. His own relationship struggles parallel the main romance, providing a counterpoint to West's journey. Van's reliability and empathy make him a grounding force in the group.

Davis

Davis is the team's resident clown, always ready with a joke or inappropriate comment. His antics provide levity, but he also demonstrates growth as he learns about respect and relationships. Davis's loyalty to his friends is unwavering, and his presence underscores the importance of laughter in the face of adversity.

Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery

Monty's parents are caring and involved, though initially unaware of the depth of her struggles. Their reactions to her trauma and recovery are realistic and moving, highlighting the challenges parents face when their children are in danger. Their support during Monty's hospitalization is crucial to her healing.

Tahlia

Tahlia represents the world West is leaving behind—a world of casual hookups and emotional detachment. Her attempts to rekindle things with West test his loyalty and growth, ultimately reinforcing his commitment to Monty.

Plot Devices

Fake Relationship Trope

The central device is the classic "fake dating" trope, used here to explore themes of trust, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between performance and authenticity. What begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement to ward off unwanted attention becomes a crucible for emotional growth, forcing both Monty and West to confront their fears and desires.

Stalker Ex as Antagonist

Alec's obsession is the engine of external conflict, escalating from nuisance to genuine danger. His actions force Monty to seek help, test the strength of her friendships, and ultimately catalyze her and West's transformation from fake to real partners. The threat he poses is both physical and psychological, grounding the romance in real-world stakes.

Dual POV Narrative

The story alternates between Monty and West's points of view, allowing readers to experience their internal struggles, misunderstandings, and growth firsthand. This structure heightens dramatic irony, as each character's fears and hopes are revealed to the reader before they are to each other.

Miscommunication and Eavesdropping

A pivotal moment occurs when Monty overhears West downplaying their relationship to his mother, triggering a spiral of self-doubt and withdrawal. This classic device is used to explore the dangers of assumption and the necessity of honest communication in relationships.

Found Family and Team Dynamics

The basketball team and Monty's roommates form a found family, providing support, comic relief, and a sense of belonging. Their involvement in the central conflict and resolution underscores the importance of community in overcoming trauma and building healthy relationships.

Rescue and Recovery Arc

Monty's abduction and subsequent rescue serve as the story's climax, forcing all characters to confront their deepest fears and desires. The hospital setting becomes a space for confession, reconciliation, and the forging of a new, authentic relationship.

Analysis

Waiting to Score reimagines the "fake dating" trope for a contemporary audience, blending romance, suspense, and psychological realism. At its core, the novel is about the transformative power of vulnerability: both Monty and West must confront their past traumas and fears of intimacy to build something real. The story doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of young adulthood—stalking, trauma, and the messy aftermath of abuse—while also celebrating the healing power of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. The dual perspectives allow for a nuanced exploration of gender roles, emotional labor, and the ways miscommunication can both hinder and ultimately strengthen relationships. In a world obsessed with appearances and performance, Waiting to Score argues that true connection requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to risk heartbreak for the chance at genuine love.

Last updated: May 11, 2025