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⭐️: 4/5
This is my first hockey romance read, and I can say I was enthralled. When it comes to sports romances, hockey has been the number one book released. As a person who doesn't watch or know anything about hockey, I was not interested in reading a book about it.
But Mile High has been on my TBR for over a year. As a person in a book slump, I needed a book to read that I have dragged on to read.
Zanders and Stevie were everything. I loved the representation and the fact they were opposites.
I will say first this book was too long to me. Romances should be no longer than 350 pages unless it is a fantasy book or a book that chronicles a story over time, including a time jump. When it comes to that, it can be a maybe. But it was too long, and at times, lines seemed repetitive, and scenes seemed like filler.
Also, I cringed at times when Stevies hair was always brought up to describe her. I love the representation, but when curly haired girl or curly hair flight attendant kept being used to describe her, I was becoming slightly annoyed.
What I didn't like was the third act breakup. In books, breakups are not always neccesarry, and Zanders reason for leaving Stevie was unnecessary. For Zee to not see that his agent was screwing him over was surprising because I knew his agent was low down and drity from the beginning. A well accomplished player not getting offered a contract doesn't even sound trustworthy.
But other than that, I enjoyed the book!
I loved the representation of Stevie being plus size. As a plus size women I understand the insecurities that come and the drive to become small. I have learned, however, that it is not about weight but health. I loved seeing her gain her confidence. She was an overall sweet person who eventually stood up for herself against her mother, ex-boyfriend, and even Zanders at times. I ❤️ everything about Stevie, especially her love for dogs as well.
Zanders.
He is a man I would go to the ends of earth to find. From being a hockey player who was incapable of love to becoming the person to fall first, it was satisfying to see. I didn't know he would fall first, but seeing that happen was amazing. The way he treated Stevie should make some men come our and take notes. My favorite scene is when she goes over the things she doesn't like about herself, and he tells her why he loves it instead ????????. It was heartwarming. Also, watching him go to therapy and interact with the people around him, I couldn't get enough of that. We as society deem men to go to the therapy weak, but Zanders proved that wrong. Seeing him have panic attacks always reminded me of mine, and they were written exactly how they happen. If you know how to handle them like Zanders, they will happen, but the goal is to control it and not let it control you. Zee is one of my favorite male characters in a book. I loved his team, sister, father, and the positive company he kept around him. I was glad when he told his mom off. Facing your triggers head-on is how to combat mental health at times.
This book was great! I can't wait to read Indy and Ryans' story because I heard that is the best book out of the series. A book I really want to see is with Rio he is hilarious with his boom box. But this is my first read by Liz Tomforde, and it will not be my last.
I recommend this book to all. It has a clear message. Love youself and love others who deserve it!
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♓ ManiLovesBooks ♓
Annica Smith