What sets Mile High apart from standard sports romances is Tomforde’s exploration of vulnerability and mental health. The novel peels back the layers of Zanders' public image to reveal a man struggling with the weight of his legacy and the loneliness of his lifestyle. Stevie, too, is a well-rounded character with her own ambitions and insecurities, particularly regarding body image and self-worth.
One of the most satisfying elements of the book is watching the arrogant Evan Zanders crumble. While Stevie is determined to keep things professional, Zanders finds himself captivated by her wit and her refusal to take his bait. Watching a "player" become completely devoted to one woman is a hallmark of the genre that Tomforde nails perfectly. 2. Body Positivity and Realism
Mile High by Liz Tomforde is more than just a sports romance; it’s a story about looking past the surface and finding someone who sees the real you. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or just someone who loves a good "enemies-to-lovers" journey, this book is a must-read. Mile High By Liz Tomforde Vk
Mile High by Liz Tomforde is the explosive first installment in the Windy City series, a contemporary sports romance that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Originally self-published in 2022, this novel blends the high-stakes world of professional hockey with a deeply emotional "enemies-to-lovers" narrative. The Story: Banter in the Clouds
The novel is available on platforms like Amazon and in various online communities. If you’ve already read Mile High, let me know: What was your favorite banter scene? What sets Mile High apart from standard sports
The trope-heavy plot is perfection: (they share the confined space of an airplane and later hotel rooms), Grumpy/Sunshine (with a gender-bend twist), and Fake Dating . Zanders asks Stevie to be his fake girlfriend to improve his media image, while Stevie uses the arrangement to distract from her family drama.
The male protagonist, Evan Zanders, is introduced as the archetypal "bad boy" of professional hockey, known for on-ice aggression and off-ice playboy antics. However, Tomforde quickly reveals that this persona is a protective shield. Zanders’ performance of arrogance is a defense mechanism rooted in deep-seated abandonment issues; he believes that it is safer to be "hated for who you are not" than to be "unloved for who you truly are". His character arc represents a movement from performative masculinity toward emotional maturity, often facilitated by his commitment to therapy—a rare and refreshing theme in contemporary sports romance. Body Positivity and the Internalized Critic One of the most satisfying elements of the
Liz Tomforde’s 2022 novel Mile High serves as the foundation for her popular Windy City Series. While it follows the well-trodden paths of the subgenre—incorporating enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes—the novel distinguishes itself through its focus on public vs. private identity , the lingering impact of trauma , and body positivity . The Conflict of Personas
The protagonist, [main character's name], is a particularly compelling character, whose flaws and vulnerabilities make them instantly relatable. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into [main character's name]'s world, cheering them on as they face their fears and strive to create a better future for themselves.
Mile High is just the beginning. Liz Tomforde has built a connected universe that keeps fans coming back for more: Evan Zanders & Stevie Shay