DNF for me at 51%. So much background was given all the time. Like a million details about Gigi’s parents and their friends and every minute detail. I understand this is all showing what’s happened to characters from previous Elle Kennedy novels but it’s making me a little crazy. (Also, a lot of it doesn’t feel essential to the book in any way?)

Also- I feel like Gigi is cold in a way that’s not addressed in the book. Ryder is looked at as the closed off one, but Gigi often doesn’t seem the most sensitive or compassionate person, and she’s not really called on it.

I can entirely see how some people will love this book. The banter between the hockey players is often laugh out loud funny. They are quarky, loveable characters. And the Briar/Eastwood universe is well drawn out.

This book wasn’t nearly as good as The Deal in my opinion. Again, I see how high other people’s ratings are. Just wasn’t my cup of tea.