Mile High

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.