The motif of making mistakes, directly referenced in the novel’s title, serves as the narrative’s central organizing principle, driving both plot and character development. The story is catalyzed by Logan’s initial “mistake”: rejecting Grace after their first night together, which leads to the later mistake of confessing he was trying to use her as a distraction from his feelings for someone else. This mistake sets the stage for a second-chance romance where the focus shifts to accountability and atonement. Logan’s journey is defined by his attempts to rectify his error, forcing him to move beyond superficial charm and demonstrate genuine remorse and effort. At the same time, this motif is crucial for Grace’s arc from insecurity to self-empowerment. Instead of accepting his apologies outright, she dictates the terms of his redemption, forcing him to complete a list of romantic gestures. Logan’s admission, “I screwed up pretty badly” (180), allows Grace to take control of their dynamic, ensuring that any future they have is built on her newfound self-worth and his earned respect. In addition, Grace’s empowerment is its own atonement for the mistake she made in allowing Ramona to dictate her behavior, culminating in both Logan and Grace making up for their errors over the course of their developing romance.