Mile High Review: Why This Hockey Romance is a Total Game-Changer

Whether you are a die-hard fan of the “puck bunny” aesthetic or just someone searching for a second chance at love novel with a fresh twist, you’ve likely seen this book everywhere. In this Mile High romance novel review, we are diving deep into the first installment of the Windy City series. This isn’t just another sports story; it’s a masterclass in modern enemies to lovers books that balances high-octane spice with genuine emotional depth.

For readers in the US and UK who devour contemporary romance books, Liz Tomforde has delivered something special. If you’re looking for any interesting novel to read that will keep you up until 2 AM, keep reading to see if Evan Zanders and Stevie Shay are your next favorite book couple.

Author Information: Meet Liz Tomforde

Liz Tomforde is a rising powerhouse in the world of new adult fiction. Known for writing “soft heroes and strong heroines,” she has a knack for creating characters that feel like real people you’d want to grab a drink with. Tomforde focuses on healthy communication (eventually!) and building worlds that feel lived-in. Her Windy City series has solidified her place among the famous english literature novels of the modern romantic era, particularly within the sports sub-genre.

Genre of the Novel

Mile High falls squarely into the romantic contemporary novels category. It leans heavily into sports romance (specifically professional hockey) and features the “forced proximity” and “enemies to lovers” tropes that make best romance novels to read so addictive. It’s also considered a “steamy” or spicy romance novel, so be prepared for some high-heat moments.

Story Line / Plot Summary

The story follows Evan Zanders, the “bad boy” of Chicago’s professional hockey team. He’s arrogant, incredibly talented, and knows exactly how charming he is. He’s the classic hero found in billionaire romance novels—wealthy, famous, and seemingly untouchable.

Enter Stevie Shay. She’s the new flight attendant for the team’s private jet, and she is absolutely unimpressed by Zanders’ antics. Having dealt with her own share of drama story based novels in her personal life, Stevie has no time for a playboy athlete.

The conflict? They are stuck together in the air and in various cities across the country. What begins as sharp-tongued banter and mutual dislike slowly morphs into something much deeper. Zanders begins to realize that his “bad boy” persona is a mask, and Stevie learns that letting someone in might be the bravest thing she’s ever done.

Main Characters

• Evan Zanders: The superstar defenseman with a reputation for being difficult. Underneath the cocky exterior is a man who cares deeply for his family and struggles with the pressures of fame.

• Stevie Shay: A hardworking, confident woman who struggles with body image issues and past insecurities. She is the “clumsy heroine romance novels” fans love because she is relatable and fiercely loyal.

Themes of the Story

The book touches on more than just sports. It explores self help novel books themes like body positivity, self-worth, and overcoming toxic past relationships. It deals with the “tragedy of a fallen country” in a metaphorical sense—how we rebuild ourselves after our world falls apart.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are looking for unputdownable novels similar to regretting you, Mile High hits all the right notes. It provides the escapism of a gothic vampire romance novel (in terms of intensity) but keeps its feet firmly on the ground.

The banter is top-tier. The dark humor and hilarious banter noveltoon style writing makes the pages fly by. Furthermore, the representation of a heroine who doesn’t fit the “perfect” mold makes it one of the best uplifting fiction novels in the genre today.

Who Should Read This Book

This is a must-read for fans of:

• Modern enemies to lovers books.

• New adult fiction with realistic adult problems.

• Anyone searching for famous and interesting novels that feature “found family.”

• Readers who enjoyed little women novel for the sisterhood/family vibes but want a much steamier, modern setting.

Writing Style: Emotional and Engaging

Tomforde writes with an “emotional romance story” lens. While there is plenty of humor, she doesn’t shy away from the characters’ internal struggles. The dual POV (point of view) allows readers to get inside the heads of both Zanders and Stevie, making the payoff of their relationship feel earned. It’s far more substantial than your average ebook romance novel.

Reader Reviews and Ratings

The consensus among the “romance bookstagram” community is overwhelmingly positive.

• The Spice: Readers frequently rate the “heat level” a 4 out of 5.

• The Heroine: Many praise Stevie as one of the most relatable heroines in literature and fiction books.

• The Length: While it is a longer book (over 500 pages), most reviewers say it doesn’t feel like a “bad novel opening sentence contest”—it grabs you from the start and stays interesting.

Conclusion

Mile High is more than just a hockey book; it’s an emotional romance story about finding the person who sees the real you. It’s one of the best novels of history within the sports romance sub-genre because it balances the “fantasy” of dating a pro athlete with the “reality” of mental health and self-image.

FAQs

Is Mile High a standalone? It can be read as a standalone, but it is part of the Windy City series. Characters from this book appear in the sequels.

What are the main tropes? Enemies to lovers, forced proximity (private jet), sports romance, and “he falls first.”

Is it suitable for younger readers? Due to the “spicy romance novels” content, it is recommended for readers aged 18+.

Readers Also Loved

• The Right Move by Liz Tomforde (Windy City Book 2)

• Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

• Pucking Around by Emily Rath