The First book of the Windy City Series – A Sports Romance.
“The Mile High” features main characters Evan Zander and Stevie Shay, by Liz Tomforde.
Sport: Hockey
Trope: Hockey Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity
Micro Tropes: He falls first and hard, Forbidden Love
Their Lore 📝
Evan Zander – Hockey player for the Raptors, Chicago NHL team.
Stevie Shay – Newest flight attendant for the Chicago NHL team’s private plane. Twin sister to Ryan Shay
Synopsis ✨
From going through a rough childhood stemming from losing connections with his parents, Zander has carried on into his adulthood believing that no one truly loves him for who he is. However, upon meeting this “total brat” who wasn’t stunned by the fame and money that comes with being who he is, Zander got closer to Stevie, a flight attendant on his flight crew, who had moved into town to be closer to her twin brother (Ch. 1).
With the persona he has created – along with his best friend – that portrays him as the bad boy he really isn’t, this translated into how he and Stevie tangled around each other, creating a tension that rolled over into a forbidden romance between the two. We then navigate through their journey of Stevie becoming more self accepting of her body image insecurities and of Zander learning to trust that people will love him for who he is without any ulterior motives.
My Thoughts 💋
- Book 1 of the Windy City Series had a slow start, but I was willing to see it through in hopes that as I continued, everything would fall into place, allowing me to catch all the references in the future books.
- This may be a unpopular opinion but Stevie’s storyline did not leave a lasting impression on me, more so because what Zander was going through, his storyline, his ups and downs, had more weight than anything else. Now this isn’t me downplaying Stevie’s significance in the story, I just personally prefer the FMC to have a certain energy about them and I wasn’t getting that.
- Despite the slow start, I adored how Zander was so comforting and reassuring in the moments that Stevie needed them the most. He acknowledged her insecurities and helped her build that confidence within herself. If nothing else, I thoroughly enjoyed reading their dynamics during the vulnerable moments.
- Not going to lie, I think it’s the fact that it’s a hockey romance that’s throwing me off this book 🫣 . Not sure how to describe it, but they all read the same to me. I’m hoping for more in the 2nd book!
Quotes〝〞
“Tell me you’d go with me. Tell me you want to go with me.” (Ch. 23)
“If there is ever a time when you don’t want this anymore, where I’m not your first choice anymore, tell.” (Ch. 29)
“Stevie girl, I’ll follow you anywhere.” (Ch. 55)
“…You’re my first and only choice, Vee, and never again am I going to make you feel like you’re not.” (Ch. 55)
