Mile High (Windy City Book 1) – Liz Tomforde

Mile High follows the fiery clash-turned-connection between Evan “Zanders” Zander, a brash NHL hockey star with a playboy reputation, and Stevie, a no-nonsense flight attendant assigned to his team’s private jet. Zanders thrives on chaos—penalty-box brawls, fake girlfriends, and pushing Stevie’s buttons. But as the season progresses, their constant bickering sparks something neither expects. Stevie, battling body image struggles and toxic past relationships, vows to resist Zanders’ charm. Yet his hidden vulnerability and relentless support challenge her resolve.

The story dives into Zanders’ complicated relationship with fame, his secret dedication to mental health advocacy, and his fear of losing his team’s loyalty. Meanwhile, Stevie’s journey to self-acceptance—bolstered by Zanders’ unshakable belief in her—unfolds alongside witty banter and steamy tension. Secondary characters like Stevie’s twin brother Ryan and Zanders’ teammate Maddison add warmth and humor, while the forbidden workplace romance trope heightens the stakes.

Themes of authenticity shine as both characters confront societal expectations: Zanders hides his true self to protect his career, while Stevie learns to prioritize her worth over others’ opinions. The book balances laugh-out-loud moments with raw emotional honesty, exploring therapy, family dynamics, and the courage to embrace vulnerability. A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc culminates in a heartfelt finale that celebrates growth, trust, and love on their own terms.