Mile High
Ratings104
Average rating3.8
Way too long for a rom com. We could have gotten from point A to point B in a lot less pages, without losing much from the story.
I enjoyed the characters, main and side, the setting, the mingling of sports, but if felt very repetitive.
The plot was good, the spice was good. I am interested to read the next book to see if it feels less drawn out and repetitive.
3.5 ⭐ Si hubiera empezado la serie con este libro, probablemente no hubiera leído los demás
Why did I wait so long to read this book?!
I love both MC so much. I love how they love each other for who they are, I love the family dynamics, because let's be honest ... they're real in today's world. The nicknames were cute, the story was solid. No complaints here.
I absolutely love this book. The characters, the storyline, the banter, the spice; everything is just amazing in this book.
Esta pareja es demasiado tierna, ame leer a Stevie y Zanders. Para ser el primero de una saga es bueno, una lectura muy ligera y fácil con personajes que se sienten genuinamente reales. Personalmente amé la forma de escribir de la autora, me atrapó desde la primera página.
3.5/5 - Honest question: Are hockey players considered celebrities? Like is TMZ really tracking their every move? I was warned that the first book in the series wasn't the best, but this wasn't as bad as I was expecting despite all of the controversy. This book didn't need to be as long as it was for a romance. Please I beg authors to put the pen DOWN!! The book began to lose steam for me at the 55-60% mark, but picked back up at the 80% mark.
The highlights were the following:
-The MMC - I'm sorry, but I LOVED his confidence. It made sense why he wore the mask with the public due to his upbringing.
-The bond between the MMC and his best friend! I adored their relationship and the bromance the MMC had with his bestie's family. It warmed my heart. I would love to get a back story on their relationship.
-The chemistry between Stevie and Zander was cute as I loved how he built up her self esteem because lord knows she needed it.
-The spice scenes were spicing and I wasn't mad at it! lol Zander and his gold chains...WHEW
And on to the lowlights:
I LOATHE a self deprecating FMC and Stevie was no different. I'm sick of reading about these types of women. Please help them find their self worth and NOT through a man!
The redundant words used in the book that drove me insane were the following:
Light brown skin
Freckles
Chestnut curls
Head on a swivel
Blue green eyes
Thick thighs
Curves
I honestly believe those sets of words were used at a minimum of 50 times and I was OVER IT!
I was close to DNF-ing the book, it felt a bit preachy at times between the senior dog shelter and the mental health awareness. I couldn't buy into the characters, I got their issues and they were well handled but they lacked enough detail to make it convincing.
The story arc itself was pretty standard and overall it felt too long and slightly repetitive. The MMC was clearly written by a woman (granted, all the best are :D but this one felt like it was written by a woman).
I think because I'd seen so many Bookstagram posts I had higher expectations, and if I'd just picked the book off a shelf it would have been a 3* read.
4/5
Wow. Okay. I didn't expect that.
The first 40% or so was very slow and boring for me. I usually love the tension and longing, but it was getting boring quickly. Especially that constant anxiety over potentially getting fired if they gave in. I didn't like that. But then, Zanders and Stevie finally hooked up and the plot started picking up.
I liked this book more and more with each chapter. I was forcing myself to read the first half but I was excited later! The characters were more likable and I could finally root for them!
Ngl, Zanders annoyed me at the beginning with his arrogance but I liked him the more I learned about him, like Stevie. I loved their “You following me?” joke, it was cute. We see him getting intrigued by Stevie once he realizes that she doesn't give a shit about his celebrity status, which then turned into a genuine interest and then obsession (in a good way!) And when Stevie finally gave in and they hooked up, Zanders became the boy obsessed. I LOVED THAT.
He lost all chill he has ever had and he was just so in love with her! And what was amazing was to see that he was aware that he was falling for her and he didn't try to escape or run away from it - he was emotionally mature enough to know what was happening and to recognize it as a good thing. He didn't want her to know him only for his reputation as the bad boy, he wanted her to know the truth - and he wanted her to choose him. because he chose her.
That's another thing I loved. He constantly chose her first, something that nobody but her brother had ever done. The way Stevie's ex treated her was horrible and it gave her many insecurities, but I LOVED that Zanders took time and effort to teach Stevie to love herself and to be confident in herself in her body, to have faith that someone loves her and chooses her first. And the way he praised her and worshipped her was hot and incredible. Stevie deserved it and I'm glad that Zander realizes what was going on and BELIEVED what he was saying, he was so horny for her, it was hilarious.
And I loved how much Stevie loved Zanders too and taught him that she was there and he deserved to be loved.
ZANDER ADOPTING ROSE WAS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS. It was just so sweet and thoughtful! And he bought her clothes in a few different sizes, it was so sweet of him! And he protected her from her ex-boyfriend, loved that! He was so sweet, obsessed, horny, unhinged, all because of, and for Stevie. ANOTHER THING that I loved: at the beginning he had notes of every girl he hooked up with in each city, reminding him who they were and how good they were in bed. And the INSTANT Stevie gave him a chance, he deleted them all to write only about Stevie: what happened between them in each city and how much he appreciates her. Even the mundane things like her wearing his t-shirt to bed. IT WAS SO SWEET I MELTED.
All the spicy scenes were well-written, I enjoyed reading them. Tey were both so into one another, it was both hot and adorable at the same time.
I knew Rich was playing Zanders since the beginning. I knew that he was a lying piece of shit and I was so frustrated with Zanders for keeping him for so long. Thank God for Maddison for having Zanders's back and firing Rich as well. He was such a good friend! Someone Zanders needed!
Ella was so CUTE AND ADORABLE! I loved her relationship with Zanders!
But the real MVP was Ryan for me. He was such a good brother! He helped Stevie get the job and moved her to his apartment, HE WAS SO SUPPORTIVE ALL THE TIME! The decision he made regarding their mother after learning how she treated Stevie, his absolute hatred towards his former friend (Stevie's ex) after he learned what happened between them, his support of Zanders and Stevie's relationship - even when he didn't like Zanders AT ALL at the beginning, his faith and belief in Stevie and his infinite love and support - he's the best brother there is and I'm super excited to read his book next. I can hardly wait.
Overall the book was good though it had a few bad things. One, the length - it was too long for me. two, the first half was so boring. Three, the third act breakup. Sure, Zanders was trying to protect Stevie but it was still a shitty move. Though the ending was so sweet and amazing that I can almost forgive i. But four, and I think it was the worst thing about this book was the representation. or a lack of it.
I forgot that Zanders and Stevie were supposed to be Black/mixed race all the time. Usually when I'm reading a book with diverse characters, I always remember their ethnicity or race, whether because of their name or cultural things being referenced or something. The books are just full of those little details that are subtle, but still there, reminding us of who those characters are. But in this book? i don't want to say too much since I'm white and I don't want to step on someone's toes and I' trying to be as respectful as I can. But I forgot about Zanders and Stevie's race all the time. I only remembered when Stevie's skin was specifically described as light brown and when Zanders jewelry - golden his rings and chain - were described again and again. Honestly, the story wouldn't change AT ALL if the characters were white instead, or any other ethnicity/race. Which is a shame.
It was about time I picked up a good hockey romance and this was just the right amount of everything I needed
This book was so incredibly hyped up. It made the rounds last year. I refused to read it without an audiobook.
As I mentioned... this made the rounds with the BookTube girlies and not ONCE did they mention the main characters were Black. I had to do a double take when I started reading this book.
I'm not going to get into it... I'm tired. Legit tired.
One... As a non BIPOC author in the year 2021, 2022, 2023 and beyond, you should know not to use descriptors such as wild and crazy when describing natural curly or kinky hair. It's rooted in racism. Stop using the excuse that your character spoke to you like this in your head. Go get it checked and check your character and let them know that is racist. If your character has self hatred, then they need to deal with it and not project that hatred onto a child. Which she did. Us wild haired girls have to stick together. UGH!
Second... stop writing about Chicago. Chicago being dangerous this and dangerous that. It's lame. Point blank period.
I went on to book two. I just pretended the characters were not Black and I enjoyed the book better.
rating - 5 /5
so so cute honestly.
I read this right after a dark romance, which made me appreciate it so much more
2.25/5
It wasn't bad, but it was unnecessarily too long. like 600 pages? a fantasy book, i get. but a basic romance with basic subplot? I don't fucking get.
ALSO. The fmc's mom is outright racist not just fat phobic, but racist.
E-BOOK & AUDIOBOOK
Great romance story between a playboy/bad boy hockey player and a feisty/lovable flight attendant. Filled with important topics like mental health, therapy, plus size representation, and body insecurities. It's incredible to watch the main characters transform. Playboy hockey player into a sweet, kind, and loving gentleman. And the shy flight attendant into a bold, confident woman.
I loved the connection that Stevie and Zanders had together. From their conversations on mental health, self doubts, insecurities, and fears, both Zanders and Stevie were so open and honest with each other that I found it refreshing. I also loved how passionate Zanders was about the foundation that he formed with Maddison. Zanders broke down the stereotype of men not needing therapy, instead Zanders was self aware and brought awareness to therapy and the tremendous help it brought to his mind. I also loved the focus on the dog shelter that Stevie volunteers with. Such a great happy ending!
Highly recommend!
I love how Stevie gets to have all the things she wanted. The dogs, his brother, the peace, and yes, okay, Z.
“You don't have to love your body every single day. That's unrealistic to expect, but I'll be here loving it for the days you can't.”
I'm beginning to think that maybe, just maybe I should avoid reading romance for a while. But one (maybe two or three) mediocre romance story does not mean they fall from the very same tree. Sigh. I'm kinda bummed, really.
... metal of his rings ignites my skin, and just for tonight, I try my hardest......The metal of his rings digs into my hipbone....the metal of his rings pressing into my body...
Why does a man wears more jewellery than an average woman? And the rings must be monstrous in size, no, to be digging into her hipbone? Why? Why? And do we need to be reminded every single time that he's loaded and wears only designers clothing? For fuck's sake. Overcompensating much, are we?
I can't. I just can't.
With all the issues – too many, I can't even point out which one to highlight. Mommy issues, daddy issues, body positivity issues, mental health issues, just to name some. I mean, man, go easy with the issues! You don't have to cram everything, all at once. I understand the need to highlight these issues, but there's too much going on. It's messy. But of course, that's just me.
Penat ah. Penat.
There aren't enough words to describe how much I love this book.
“Are you following me?”
UGH there was so much sweetness, angst, spice, and all of the good things.
A+ plus size representation.
Stevie and Zanders' back and forth banter was soooo good. Their chemistry is off the charts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I started reading this book because I wanted something easy to read to get me out of the reader's block I had and I have ended up discovering one of my top 10 reads of 2022.
The plot is great, it's not heavy at all, the tension scenes between Stevie and Zee, Zee's relationship with Madison and Ella, I loved every page of this book; not to mention how well and identified I felt with Stevie in many scenes because of his insecurity and with Zander's in others because of his fear of being loved.
Simply a wonderful book that I hope very soon it will become more recognized because it deserves it