Liz Tomforde

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.

Windy City #1

Mile High

Somya Verma

“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.”

"Your body is my favorite thing on this planet." He takes a deep, earned breath.

 "And wearing your hand around my throat like a necklace is my favorite piece of jewelry.”

the right people, the ones who deserve to be in your life, they're going to accept you for exactly who you are.

It sucks having feelings. It’s terrible when they’re not reciprocated.

Fiona

It hurts a whole lot less to be hated when you're not being yourself than it does not to be loved for who you are.

raia

“Thanks for not loving me enough to stay, Mom. It made it a lot easier to recognize the people who do.”

“Stevie. Curly hair and amazing ass. Won’t sleep with me, but I hope she changes her mind.” 

Scrolling to the Denver tab, she clicks on it. “Stevie. Has an attitude. Likes basketball and is down to eat burgers.”

She exits out, finding Washington DC next. “Stevie,” she continues. “Best sex of my life.” 

She keeps going to Calgary. “Stevie. Snuck her into my hotel room to watch movies with me all night.”

San Jose. “Stevie. Insane blowjob in the shower. Wore my T-shirt to bed.”

Next, she finds Vancouver. “Stevie. Came to my game. My favorite person to hang out with.”

“Why do you like thrifting so much?” 

"I think it’s cool to give a piece of clothing a second life. You have no idea where some of this has been. Maybe someone wore this dress the night they had their first kiss.” She pulls a floral dress off the rack. “Or maybe”—she excitedly grabs a collared shirt—“maybe someone was wearing this when they got their dream job. All of this”—she sweeps her hand, motioning across the racks—“has a story, and maybe it’ll be what I’m wearing when something important happens in my life too.”

"It’s perfectly okay to create boundaries when someone isn’t treating you the right way.” 

“You’re my personal version of heaven, Stevie girl.”

"Not having control over the way your mind affects you is one of the worst feelings in the world."

“Don’t you fucking dare.” My voice is as quiet as I can make it. “If you say anything, I will end you. Then I’ll marry your wife just to spite you, and your son will grow up calling me Daddy.” 

“Oh, fuck you!” Maddison isn’t trying to be quiet at all. “Stevie, Zee wants you to be his date to a charity gala in Chicago, but he’s too chicken shit to ask and doesn’t think you’d want to go with him.” 

“I fucking hate you. We are no longer friends.”

“You really should take that sweet girl home with you.”

“If only I could. Twin brother is still allergic.” 

“Ehh. I think I’d trade the brother for the dog.”

Once she’s gone, the realization hits me that I’m butt-ass naked, and I just ran out of my hotel room without a key, allowing the door to close behind me.

Glancing around the empty halls, I start my walk of shame to my best friend’s room across the hall from mine.

I don’t need a single fucking thing, but it’s like that light has been a magnet, and I can’t keep myself from pressing it, knowing that every time I do, a sexy flight attendant with a bit of an attitude gets delivered to me.

I realized it was no one else's responsibility to love me. So, I started loving myself. No one else was going to.

Sophia

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, you sap. Fine, you can buy me new jewelry. But I want the expensive shit.”

Her words are something I didn’t think I would ever hear, especially with the meaning behind them. They fill me with the hope that maybe one day there will be even more between us. That maybe one day I will love this woman, and maybe somehow, she will find a way to love me.

“First…” I kiss her lips, trailing my mouth against her jaw, grinding down on her. “I’m going to show you just how much I like you.” Pushing my hips into hers, I hide in the crook of her neck. “Then I’ll fuck you like I don’t.”

I pull away from Zanders as Rosie is led into the front room on a leash. She tugs away from Cheryl, wanting to get to the giant defenseman. As soon as Zanders bends down, Cheryl lets go, and Rosie runs right into his outstretched arms before flipping on her back, her butt moving a mile a minute.

That's not how you get him to like you lmao

My lips lift, trying to hold back my laughter. “You sure you want those details?”

Ryan is fuming at the moment, nostrils flaring.

Fuck. What is up with me today that I can’t keep my goddamn mouth shut? 

Stevie playfully nudges her shoulder into mine. “I know. You’re practically obsessed with me.”

Why can’t men like Evan don’t exist????

This love/hate relationship had me holding my breath!!!

Julia pinheiro

I UGLY CRIED.

Why can’t men like Evan don’t exist????

This love/hate relationship had me holding my breath!!!

I think this book is fine- not my fav but not the worst. Cute at some parts and cringey at others. I don't hate a little hockey romance tho..🤭🫣

Paige Leitner

When hockey player and ladies' man Evan Zanders boards his team's new plane for the first time, he is treated to the flight crew for the season which includes Stevie Shay, sister to basketball star Ryan Shey.  Zanders or Zee is attracted to Stevie, but the no fraternization policy of the airline means hands off, so Zee decides to tease Stevie mercilessly.  Stevie isn't immune to Zee's charms, but his reputation proceeds him, and Stevie isn't about to lose her job for a fling.  However, the longer the two spend together on the road, the tougher it becomes for them to stay apart.

Mile High is the first book in the Windy City series and introduces some of the characters that will be featured in future installments.  At the beginning of this novel, Zanders is not likable at all, and it takes some perseverance to keep reading about him, but his character arc draws to a very satisfying conclusion.  Stevie also has flaws such as not believing in herself, but her story also comes to a very constructive end.  Overall, Mile High's only real issue is that it is just too long, but even that doesn't detract much from this enjoyable story.

Lynn Braden

When hockey player and ladies' man Evan Zanders boards his team's new plane for the first time, he is treated to the flight crew for the season which includes Stevie Shay, sister to basketball star Ryan Shey.  Zanders or Zee is attracted to Stevie, but the no fraternization policy of the airline means hands off, so Zee decides to tease Stevie mercilessly.  Stevie isn't immune to Zee's charms, but his reputation proceeds him, and Stevie isn't about to lose her job for a fling.  However, the longer the two spend together on the road, the tougher it becomes for them to stay apart.

Mile High is the first book in the Windy City series and introduces some of the characters that will be featured in future installments.  At the beginning of this novel, Zanders is not likable at all, and it takes some perseverance to keep reading about him, but his character arc draws to a very satisfying conclusion.  Stevie also has flaws such as not believing in herself, but her story also comes to a very constructive end.  Overall, Mile High's only real issue is that it is just too long, but even that doesn't detract much from this enjoyable story.

The way Zanders is absolutely obsessed with Stevie is crazy hot. I loved this book and I never love the “I’m going to break up with you to protect you” trope, I still really enjoyed this book

Chloe Drewett

It was good, the breakup was horrible why tf did the author do that! 

Anyways didn’t know I was supposed to read the selfish series before but never mind. 

Ester Waclavova

It was good, the breakup was horrible why tf did the author do that! 

Anyways didn’t know I was supposed to read the selfish series before but never mind. 

It was sweet.

Isabella 

screaming giggling throwing up crying i devoured this book!! i love angsty books!! i rate romance books basedon how much i enjoyed the story and the relationship itself, and this book is LONG... but i loved the chemistry between the main characters and also with the side characters. an amazing romance book

Stevie is the best and more relatable mc and i think i love her as much as i love Evan 

soph 

rhegan🧋

i was enjoying but it’s just really long like damn

really hit me in the body insecurities and daddy issues 

Ralie Sutton

Nialani Thompson

So good. I literally love this book so much. All the TikTok hype was well deserved. The characters are just chefs kiss and I can’t get over the romance and the spice. I love the relationships that were made and the way the storyline progressed. I love the body positivity and inclusivity as well as the mental health representation for both male and female! This was just a super cute and spicy read, I absolutely loved it.

Great book! I am a sucker for a hockey, or sport in general, romance. 

Emma Kamer

adore vee and zee so much <3 they’re perfect

"flight of the stars" by zayn !!! - steviezander's song

adore vee and zee so much <3 they’re perfect

"flight of the stars" by zayn !!! - steviezander's song
"pov" by ariana grande
"snooze" by sza

Stevie and Zander got my heart in the very first moment. I really enjoyed this book because it also got me out of a reading slump in the best way

María | @AltroReader

enjoyed the start of this one but quickly felt the story line was dragging and found certain elements repetitive. 

wasn’t an overly big fan of EZ but i liked stevie’s character and I love to see plus size rep in romance novels. 

this one also felt too long at 500 pages and i wasn’t invested, i don’t get the hype for this one and won’t read the second book about ryan as i didn’t really care about his character if i’m being honest. 

Larissa Kirchberger

enjoyed the start of this one but quickly felt the story line was dragging and found certain elements repetitive. 

wasn’t an overly big fan of EZ but i liked stevie’s character and I love to see plus size rep in romance novels. 

this one also felt too long at 500 pages and i wasn’t invested, i don’t get the hype for this one and won’t read the second book about ryan as i didn’t really care about his character if i’m being honest. 

melina25

I postponed reading this book so much because I was afraid because of all the hype it got I'll get dissapointed but I absolutely enjoyed the shit out of this book and I literally cried during certain scenes 🥹

Longer than it needed to be. 2/5 spicy rating. Wholesome in the end. 

Sophia 

Mile High by Liz Tomforde is the first book in her “Windy City” series. I chose this book as part of the series summer option of the Kindle challenge program. My decision was based on a recommendation from a trusted romance blogger. Now this book was pretty long, (16 hours of listening) which is rare for this genre, but it was totally worth the hours. Mile High is hands down one of the best sports romance I have had the privilege to read.

Mile High introduces readers to Zanders and Stevie. Zanders is a professional hockey player. Hockey is his life, the one thing that keeps him sane in the journey of life. He shares his love of the game with his best friend and co-captain. Now, while is best friend is happily basking in the joys of family life, Zanders is contented with playing the role of the ultimate playboy. The thing is, though, most of the time this done as a ploy to feed the media frenzy and to placate his fans. The image he portrays to the public is a far cry from his true personality.

Stevie is a flight attendant who so happens to work on the plane which the team uses to travel on to and from their games. Her feisty, bold and daring nature will win you over in no time. A fact which Zanders will learn throughout the course of the story. Their first encounter started out on a rocky path. However, after several encounters, the path became less rocky and soon feelings began to develop.  However, insecurities on both their part coupled with past trauma and the no fraternization rule threaten to derail their happily ever journey. These two will need to face their demons and fight to preserve their relationship.

The romance between Zanders and Stevie was beautiful and endearing. Their connection was evident from the start. I enjoyed seeing how they moved from antagonists to a couple deeply in love with each other. Their fun and fiery banter will have you falling in love with them in no time. The way they stood up for each other warmed my heart. I especially enjoyed seeing how they brought out the best in each other. They both deserved happiness, and one cannot help but root for them in their journey of love.

The supporting cast added depth to the story.  Zanders's relationship with his best friend and by extension his family, as well as Stevie's relationship with her twin brother, will warm your heart. Stevie's growth, which got a boost from Zanders, throughout the story was phenomenal. It made me happy to see her accepting herself and finally standing up to her mother for all the emotional abuse she put her through. 

Mile High delivered a feel good romance that romance readers will find satisfying. This was a worthwhile read and one which I encourage lovers of sports romance to add to their reading list.

Winston James and Mari narrated.  While this my second experience with the male narrator, the female was new to me. Both narrators did a good job in bringing the characters to life. However, on the production side of things, the quality needed work. The background noises which sounded like birds chirping coupled with the sound of the narrators taking a breath and swallowing was quite distracting. This placed a damper on the narration experience

Totally Addicted to Reading

Mile High by Liz Tomforde is the first book in her “Windy City” series. I chose this book as part of the series summer option of the Kindle challenge program. My decision was based on a recommendation from a trusted romance blogger. Now this book was pretty long, (16 hours of listening) which is rare for this genre, but it was totally worth the hours. Mile High is hands down one of the best sports romance I have had the privilege to read.

Mile High introduces readers to Zanders and Stevie. Zanders is a professional hockey player. Hockey is his life, the one thing that keeps him sane in the journey of life. He shares his love of the game with his best friend and co-captain. Now, while is best friend is happily basking in the joys of family life, Zanders is contented with playing the role of the ultimate playboy. The thing is, though, most of the time this done as a ploy to feed the media frenzy and to placate his fans. The image he portrays to the public is a far cry from his true personality.

Stevie is a flight attendant who so happens to work on the plane which the team uses to travel on to and from their games. Her feisty, bold and daring nature will win you over in no time. A fact which Zanders will learn throughout the course of the story. Their first encounter started out on a rocky path. However, after several encounters, the path became less rocky and soon feelings began to develop.  However, insecurities on both their part coupled with past trauma and the no fraternization rule threaten to derail their happily ever journey. These two will need to face their demons and fight to preserve their relationship.

The romance between Zanders and Stevie was beautiful and endearing. Their connection was evident from the start. I enjoyed seeing how they moved from antagonists to a couple deeply in love with each other. Their fun and fiery banter will have you falling in love with them in no time. The way they stood up for each other warmed my heart. I especially enjoyed seeing how they brought out the best in each other. They both deserved happiness, and one cannot help but root for them in their journey of love.

The supporting cast added depth to the story.  Zanders's relationship with his best friend and by extension his family, as well as Stevie's relationship with her twin brother, will warm your heart. Stevie's growth, which got a boost from Zanders, throughout the story was phenomenal. It made me happy to see her accepting herself and finally standing up to her mother for all the emotional abuse she put her through. 

Mile High delivered a feel good romance that romance readers will find satisfying. This was a worthwhile read and one which I encourage lovers of sports romance to add to their reading list.


Winston James and Mari narrated.  While this my second experience with the male narrator, the female was new to me. Both narrators did a good job in bringing the characters to life. However, on the production side of things, the quality needed work. The background noises which sounded like birds chirping coupled with the sound of the narrators taking a breath and swallowing was quite distracting. This placed a damper on the narration experience

It was a okay book it accomplished the rom com esque vibe I was hoping for

Shai

Samantha 

Perfectly, wonderfully cute! 

Omg we love a big girl getting a win and getting the fucking guy! Loved Vee and Zee, I desperately need an indy\ryan book like right now please. Also rio, rosie, and EJ have my whole heart!!!

Yasmin Dunnewind

is this the book that is getting me out of my reading slump - finished in one day and actually really loved it

I am absolutely overwhelmed by this book. The plotline was so well developed and I loved the authors writing style. Absolutely loved the communication-part between Zee and Stevie. But the banter between the characters were my favourite thing. Loved loved loved this book! Couldn’t put it down

Ashley 

Cameryn Wright

I definitely enjoyed this one! For awhile I was wondering why I kept seeing 4 star ratings on what was solidly a 5 star for me. And then I feel like I got it. This went a little long. At about 80% I just didn’t feel compelled to pick it up but I got to the end eventually.

I loved the main character Stevie. She is such a relatable mix of confident and insecure. I loved some of their initial banter in that she wouldn’t get offended because she knew her sense of self and her worth. But I also appreciated her internal monologue of some of her self image hang ups and I thought it was handled really well. 

I legit gasped out loud and Zander’s player tendencies at the start. He had allllll the moves and quips it was honestly so entertaining. But overall I loved his slow reveal of his realness underneath.

This was a really sweet story and I read via audiobook- the narrators knocked it out of the park. 5/5 narration, it felt at times more like voice acting (not overacting though) and they did such an amazing job!

Abigail

I definitely enjoyed this one! For awhile I was wondering why I kept seeing 4 star ratings on what was solidly a 5 star for me. And then I feel like I got it. This went a little long. At about 80% I just didn’t feel compelled to pick it up but I got to the end eventually.

I loved the main character Stevie. She is such a relatable mix of confident and insecure. I loved some of their initial banter in that she wouldn’t get offended because she knew her sense of self and her worth. But I also appreciated her internal monologue of some of her self image hang ups and I thought it was handled really well. 

I legit gasped out loud and Zander’s player tendencies at the start. He had allllll the moves and quips it was honestly so entertaining. But overall I loved his slow reveal of his realness underneath.

This was a really sweet story and I read via audiobook- the narrators knocked it out of the park. 5/5 narration, it felt at times more like voice acting (not overacting though) and they did such an amazing job!

Mile High Windy City #1

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