Re-read May 2025

******

Literally, I had to stop and just let tears stream down my face during the mirror scene. As a bigger Black woman who has struggled her entire life with body image and self acceptance, I fully felt the weight of Zee and Stevie’s journey of self acceptance and leading how to love and be loved. The entire story line of closeness and choseness hits so incredibly close to home it isn’t even funny. 

And it’s hard to write characters as dynamic as Stevie and Vee, and having them still very much be Black culturally, without the over pronounced cultural elements that “make” a Black protagonist. I don’t think I fully appreciated that my first read back in 2022, and I’m happy I revisited the story that started the Chicago family.  I think when I first read this book I was just looking to read a hockey romance. This re read healed something by in me or at least revealed the healing parts in my soul. 

The dynamics between their parents and the resounding growth of their characters is just so well done. Like, Liz really does this series justice with such a strong first novel. 

Zee and Vee truly mean everything to me. And forever I will love them and they will be my couple that started it all. Also I love how Ryan and Indy are introduced in this story as well. It really does support their growth in Right Move and makes their entire sorry of gentle and quiet love even more beautiful after you learn the depth of their stories and tie in their relationships with Zee and Stevie. 

AH. I LOVE THIS SERIES WITH EVERYTHING. 

AND WHEN IM BACK IN CHICAGO I FEEL IT. 🥹