2.5⭐️3🌶️

Sports Romcom

Hockey romance

Pro-sports romance

Forced proximity

Fake dating

Slow burn

The main characters were charming, and I particularly enjoyed the ballet focus of the FMC (female main character). However, I felt that the potential for exploring themes like Misty Copeland and the broader impact of ballerinas of color wasn’t fully realized. I would have liked to see this aspect expanded upon.

While the characters were likable, they lacked depth, and I found myself not fully connecting with them.

The celibacy plotline felt forced and, at times, uncomfortable. It seemed out of place, particularly with the unexplained detail about the male lead’s piercing, which felt both strange and disconnected from the character.

As for the plot itself, it followed a fairly typical fake dating scenario, with social media acting as the central plot device. While the pacing was consistent, the story didn’t quite build the momentum I was hoping for, and the payoff ultimately felt flat.

Ultimately, the book didn’t leave as much of an impression as I had anticipated. I wanted to love it, but it fell short. Unfortunately, I don’t think this author’s style resonates with me.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.