Behind the Net

Pippa Hartley loved Jamie Streicher in high school. Jamie Streicher loved Pippa Hartley in high school. The downside? Neither of them knew it. Not until Pippa becomes Jamie's new personal assistant 8 years later. 

Don't be tricked by the innocent-looking cover, there is loads of spice inside this grumpy-sunshine + forced proximity romance. The chemistry between Pippa and Jamie was *chef's kiss* amazing! I enjoyed the way that Jamie helped Pippa move on and regain confidence after her difficult breakup. Pippa also helped Jamie open up and be willing to let people in a little more. 

Not only was the chemistry wonderful, but the mental health portrayal was well done. Stephanie Archer did a good job explaining panic attacks and legitimate, research-backed methods to deal with them (i.e., distraction, empathy, grounding, belly/diaphragmatic breathing). I suppose the one thing that I was not able to get passed was Jamie's inability to talk to Pippa at times. If you have read any of my other reviews, you might have picked up on my love of healthy communication (aka the #1 predictor of relationship health). The character's communication definitely improves with time, but the starting grunts and overreactions from Jamie were annoying at times.

Overall, definitely worth the read. A great weekend read if you love a hockey romance!

Favorite Quotes:

"His sleeves are pushed up, and my gaze lingers on his forearm. Jamie Streicher’s forearms could get a woman pregnant."

"Jamie isn’t just the hot hockey player I had a crush on in high school. He’s so much more. Under his surly, chiseled exterior, he’s kind and caring and protective. He cares more about the people in his life than about himself." 

"The air hums with excitement. This feels like a date. No. Not a date. This feels like… something more. Something natural, easy, and necessary."

Rating: 4.8 stars

WRITING STYLE: 0.9/1

CHARACTER LIKEABILITY: 0.9/1

ENTERTAINMENT: 1/1

PLOT: 1/1

ROMANCE: 1/1