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A review by downtown_kb
Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Stephanie Archer just has a way of writing rom-coms that I just love.
They are fun and playful, sweet and heartfelt, and just very human. She never fails to give her characters their moment that you have been waiting for the whole book and balances the humor with some very genuine moments.
This book was no exception and I devoured it in a day. There was so much to like.
The cute dog, Daisy, the mutual pining! the steam 🥵, and a good representation of PTSD (side character) and anxiety. This story did not go where I thought it would but I loved it. There is such a good steady slow build.
Jamie is a star NHL goalie and he’s been traded back to his home team in Vancouver. Pippa is just starting over with life, crashing with her sister, and desperately needs a job. She gets hired as an assistant to a professional hockey player. It just so happens that the hockey player is her high school crush. No problem, it’s been 8 years, right?
Jamie, our MMC, is the perfectly captured gruff grump who is hard on the inside but just the kindest once you get to know him. He is always working to care for his mom and others, achieve, perform, and please others. I loved how much he wanted to spoil Pippa, in every way. He was so incredibly supportive but also the perfect amount of feral possessiveness one needs in a romance.
Pippa’s story line was a pleasant surprise. It took us to so many places. A gaslighting ex, trying to please your parents, the fear of not being good enough, having your dreams crushed and being brave enough to try again, insecurities in the bedroom. I didn’t expect to enjoy her singer/songwriter storyline as much as I did.
I think Stephanie just wrote her most steamy read too. I love that she incorporates s*x toys into her stories and normalizes them. That whole first scene with Jamie and Pippa, coaching her and supporting her! Good god that was hot. And the way Jamie is so controlled and disciplined but he can’t resist her at all.
I cheered when Jamie got his moment with his mother. And that final scene was so sweet.
Also, these side characters! I hope Hayden gets a story. I am already excited for Rory and Hazel’s story. And Jordan? Give me all that drama! I'm excited to keep reading this series.
Thank you so much Stephanie for the opportunity to read this ARC!!
They are fun and playful, sweet and heartfelt, and just very human. She never fails to give her characters their moment that you have been waiting for the whole book and balances the humor with some very genuine moments.
This book was no exception and I devoured it in a day. There was so much to like.
The cute dog, Daisy, the mutual pining! the steam 🥵, and a good representation of PTSD (side character) and anxiety. This story did not go where I thought it would but I loved it. There is such a good steady slow build.
Jamie is a star NHL goalie and he’s been traded back to his home team in Vancouver. Pippa is just starting over with life, crashing with her sister, and desperately needs a job. She gets hired as an assistant to a professional hockey player. It just so happens that the hockey player is her high school crush. No problem, it’s been 8 years, right?
Jamie, our MMC, is the perfectly captured gruff grump who is hard on the inside but just the kindest once you get to know him. He is always working to care for his mom and others, achieve, perform, and please others. I loved how much he wanted to spoil Pippa, in every way. He was so incredibly supportive but also the perfect amount of feral possessiveness one needs in a romance.
Pippa’s story line was a pleasant surprise. It took us to so many places. A gaslighting ex, trying to please your parents, the fear of not being good enough, having your dreams crushed and being brave enough to try again, insecurities in the bedroom. I didn’t expect to enjoy her singer/songwriter storyline as much as I did.
I think Stephanie just wrote her most steamy read too. I love that she incorporates s*x toys into her stories and normalizes them. That whole first scene with Jamie and Pippa, coaching her and supporting her! Good god that was hot. And the way Jamie is so controlled and disciplined but he can’t resist her at all.
I cheered when Jamie got his moment with his mother. And that final scene was so sweet.
Also, these side characters! I hope Hayden gets a story. I am already excited for Rory and Hazel’s story. And Jordan? Give me all that drama! I'm excited to keep reading this series.
Thank you so much Stephanie for the opportunity to read this ARC!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Gaslighting
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent