I am such a sucker for a playboy whose entire life changes once he meets the right girl, and that is exactly what this beefy book is all about – I absolutely loved it! It reminded me a lot of one of my other favorites, Consider Me, though this felt fresh and different in its own way. The feelings take longer to simmer, the hero is more emotionally mature (he’s been working on himself in therapy for years!), and there’s less drama. I loved that so much of the book focused on the s-l-o-w build in intimacy, with our charmingly arrogant hero revealing his true self in bits and pieces. The BANTER was also fiery and fun, a huge component in showcasing the chemistry between these two. The heroine gives as good as she gets, and every interaction made me love them together more and more. It’s the kind of book that requires some patience from the reader, because – at nearly 500 pages – this love story is detailed every step of the way. But if you’re loving it, like I did? It’s the kind of book that you can savor for days, that will fill your heart with butterflies and keep you thinking about it long after you turn the final page.
The story follows Evan Zanders, a pro hockey star who has been playing up his bad boy persona for years. It’s what his fans know and expect, and he’s been all too happy to play the part. At least… until he meets Stevie. A sassy flight attendant who will be on the team’s airplane all season, there’s immediate friction between Zanders and Stevie. Stevie is well aware of the playboy’s reputation, and she has no interest in falling for a guy like that. Which complicates things for Zanders, because he can’t seem to stay away. As the two continue interacting, Stevie realizes that there’s a great guy buried beneath Zanders’ cocky exterior, and Zanders realizes that Stevie is the kind of woman that he’d shed his reputation for… if he could.
There’s SO MUCH to love about this, but it was the playful banter that really won me over at the start. It’s a very long book by a new-to-me author, so I knew that it’d need to have a strong start to have any chance of holding my interest – and it definitely did. While Zanders’ personality wasn’t immediately likable, I could tell that there was something intriguing lurking underneath the surface. I was also drawn in by the instant chemistry between these two, the way Stevie kept Zanders on his toes, and how he just couldn’t seem to stop himself from getting closer. It’s an instant attraction but not instalove, which made the relationship feel more hard won and richer. They really do take their time to build up a strong emotional connection, and that was one of the best parts of the book. I was also hooked on both characters – the infuriatingly arrogant (yet immensely appealing) Zanders and the strong, fierce Stevie, who battles insecurities about her curvy figure. Watching Zanders support Stevie and make her love herself right along with him was so very fulfilling, and one of the (many) reasons why it was so easy to fall for this couple. It was a fantastic first experience with this new author, and it’s got me incredibly excited to read more from the series. I loved it!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YlLaGH
Blurb:
Zanders
Chicago hockey isn’t complete without me—everyone’s favorite player to hate. I know my role, and I play it well. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy spending the majority of my game time in the penalty box before leaving the arena with a new girl on my arm each night.
What I don’t like is the new flight attendant on our team’s private plane. She works for me, not the other way around. But I’ll be sure to remind her of that, and I can guarantee, by the end of the season, she’ll be begging to quit her job.
But every road trip blurs the lines, and I can’t quite figure out if I keep pushing that flight attendant call button in order to push her buttons or if it’s more than that.
Stevie
I’ve been a flight attendant for years. I thought I’d see it all, but when my new job lands me onboard working for the most egotistical and self-righteous diva in the NHL, I start to second guess everything. Including the promise I made to myself of never hooking up with an athlete again…no matter how annoyingly tempting he may be.
Evan Zanders is unfiltered, unapologetic, and too attractive for his own good. He loves his image, but I hate everything about it.
Everything but him.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YlLaGH
About the Author:
Liz Tomforde writes sports romance novels that depict realistic and healthy relationships. Her books offer a mix of witty banter and real-life struggles. Her heroes are alpha yet vulnerable, and her heroines are strong.
Born and raised in Northern California, Liz is the youngest of five children. She loves all things romance, traveling, dogs, and hockey.
When she’s not traveling or writing, Liz can be found reading a good book or taking her Golden Retriever, Luke, on a hike in her hometown in Sonoma County, CA.
For more information, please visit liztomforde.com. You can find Liz on Instagram @liztomforde.author
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