Ahhh I genuinely really enjoyed this, and it might be my favorite of the many romances I was all reading at the same time.

Something about the relationship in this one just CLICKED, and I loved how it developed as the story progressed. I loved seeing them go from enemies to rivals to lovers and their dynamic was so fun to read, especially when the banter was heavy (and it never really went away, even after they got together!) I also really enjoyed how, with both characters together, a lot of ground was covered in terms of social issues/family issues, and yet it never felt like the story was trying to contain too much. Everything got spotlighted, though the issues affecting Mickey more so of course, and I really appreciated the perspective this story seemed to give about depression, that even if you're considered 'privilege' you can still suffer from and struggle with it. I also really loved the support system that this book set in place, even if Mickey didn't always trust it would be there for him, and I loved seeing him grow to rely on those around him more and more.

I also just, really enjoyed the hockey aspects of this book, and I was so tense during so many of the game moments, which goes to show how well-written that part of this book was. Who would be the first draft pick?? Would Mickey be a team player or work towards furthering his own career first??? It was interesting to see how different characters made different choices based on what their focus was, and how hockey is both a solo and team sport at the same time in different aspects. Anyways, definitely want to go read a bunch of hockey romances now, haha.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it outshone a lot of other books I was reading at the time. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for other books by this author!