Book Summary Contents

1 Mile High Book Summary: A Deep Exploration of Love, Healing, and Hockey by Liz Tomforde

Mile High Book Summary: A Deep Exploration of Love, Healing, and Hockey by Liz Tomforde

Liz Tomforde’s Mile High stands out as a remarkable entry in the sports romance genre, weaving together slow-burn romance, authentic NHL hockey details, and profound mental health themes. As part of her Windy City series, the novel spotlights two compelling protagonists: Stevie, a flight attendant navigating grief and anxiety, and Zanders, a charismatic but emotionally guarded hockey star. The story not only captures the essence of athletic culture but also offers an honest portrayal of trauma, healing, and the transformative power of love and trust.

About the Author: Liz Tomforde

Liz Tomforde is a contemporary romance author best known for her Windy City Series, which blends steamy sports romance with deep emotional storytelling. Her books, including Mile High and The Right Move, have gained a dedicated following for their authentic character development, mental health representation, and slow-burn love stories.

Background & Career

Former Profession: Before becoming an author, Tomforde worked in corporate marketing, bringing a structured yet creative approach to her writing.
Debut Novel: Mile High (2022) introduced her signature style—sports romance with emotional depth—and quickly became a fan favorite.
Rising Star: With her relatable characters and nuanced exploration of anxiety, grief, and healing, she has carved a niche in the romance genre.

Writing Style & Themes

✔ Slow-Burn Romance – Builds tension and emotional connection before delivering satisfying payoffs.
✔ Mental Health Awareness – Normalizes therapy, anxiety, and personal growth in romance.
✔ Found Family & Team Dynamics – Her books often feature tight-knit friend groups (especially hockey teams) that add humor and heart.
✔ Dual POV – Lets readers experience both protagonists’ inner struggles and desires.

Popular Books

Mile High (Windy City #1) – A flight attendant and a hockey player navigate love and emotional scars.
The Right Move (Windy City #2) – A fake-dating romance between a single mom and an NHL team captain.
Caught Up (Windy City #3 – Upcoming) – Expected to continue her streak of heartfelt, steamy sports romances.

Overview & Premise
Why This Book Stands Out
Themes & Emotional Core
Character Analysis
Writing Style & Pacing
Critique: Pros and Cons
Who Should Read This?
FAQ
Statistics
Ten Best Quotes from Mile High

1. Mile High Book Summary and Analysis and Premise

Mile High is a story of two damaged souls slowly finding solace in each other. Stevie, a flight attendant to a professional hockey team, and Zanders, the team’s notorious star, embark on a no-strings-attached arrangement that gradually deepens into a heartfelt romance. Their journey reflects real struggles: grief, anxiety, and emotional barriers that are delicately unpacked throughout the novel.

This novel does more than offer an entertaining sports romance; it challenges clichés by exploring mental health with authenticity and compassion. Tomforde’s insider knowledge of the hockey world creates a believable and immersive backdrop that fans of the sport will appreciate.

2. Why This Book Stands Out

Slow-Burn Romance

The narrative’s pacing respects the complexity of healing, opting for emotional build-up over instant gratification. This slow burn amplifies tension and makes every connection feel earned.

Sports Romance Done Right

Tomforde’s depiction of the NHL setting is refreshingly accurate, incorporating hockey culture, team dynamics, and the pressures of fame.

Mental Health Representation

Unlike many genre counterparts, Mile High foregrounds anxiety and grief through Stevie’s eyes and Zanders’ emotional struggles, creating a compassionate dialogue about trauma and recovery.

Found Family & Team Dynamics

The presence of teammates and friends enriches the story, emphasizing communal support beyond romantic love.

3. Themes & Emotional Core

Healing from Trauma

Stevie’s journey through anxiety and grief is raw and relatable. Her panic attacks and guarded heart reflect the real-life complexities of mental illness. Zanders, hiding behind a flirtatious façade, confronts deep abandonment wounds, showcasing that vulnerability often lies beneath bravado.

Key takeaway: True love is not about “fixing” but about standing beside someone as they heal.

The Illusion of Perfection

Both protagonists struggle to reconcile their public personas with private realities, revealing the pressure social media and societal expectations exert on individuals to appear flawless.

Consent & Communication

Mile High emphasizes the importance of ongoing consent and healthy communication, making the romantic and intimate moments feel respectful and genuine.

Found Family

The supportive network around Stevie and Zanders—especially Zanders’ teammates—portrays love as a broader communal experience, not limited to romance.

4. Character Analysis

Stevie

A witty and independent flight attendant who carries emotional scars from past loss. Her character arc involves learning to accept help and embrace imperfection, allowing herself vulnerability.

Zanders

A charismatic hockey superstar with a reputation for being a player. Beneath his charm, he is deeply loyal but struggles with fear of abandonment and redefining masculinity beyond stereotypes.

Their chemistry crackles through sharp banter and tender, intimate moments, illustrating a mature, evolving relationship rather than a simplistic love story.

5. Writing Style & Pacing

Liz Tomforde employs a dual point-of-view (POV) narrative, allowing readers intimate access to both protagonists’ thoughts and emotions. This style enriches character development and deepens empathy.

The slow-burn pacing is deliberate, mirroring real emotional growth and healing. Humor and heart balance steamy, intense scenes, enhancing overall readability and emotional impact.

6. Critique: Pros and Cons

Pros

Empathetic portrayal of male anxiety, a rarity in romance novels.
Avoidance of common romance tropes, with conflict arising from genuine emotional struggles.
Authentic NHL atmosphere backed by thorough research.

Cons

The novel’s slower first half might challenge readers craving fast plot progression.
Some side plots involving teammates feel underdeveloped and more like teasers for future books.

Overall, Mile High scores 4.5/5 for its depth, authenticity, and sensitive portrayal of mental health in a sports romance framework.

7. Who Should Read This?

Sports Romance Enthusiasts: Hockey fans and sports romance readers alike will appreciate the rich details and cultural accuracy.
Readers Seeking Emotional Depth: The novel balances passion with profound psychological insights.
Mental Health Advocates: A refreshing portrayal of anxiety and healing within a romance narrative.

8. FAQ

Q: Is Mile High just a typical sports romance?
A: No, it transcends genre conventions by integrating mental health issues and slow, realistic emotional growth.

Q: How does the book handle mental health topics?
A: With nuance and empathy, avoiding stereotypes and showing the complexity of anxiety, grief, and healing.

Q: Are hockey details authentic?
A: Yes, Liz Tomforde’s research shines through in her portrayal of the NHL environment and team culture.

9. Statistics

Mile High is part of Liz Tomforde’s Windy City series, which has collectively sold over 100,000 copies across various platforms.
The book holds an average rating of 4.3 stars on major romance review sites, with readers praising its emotional realism.
Approximately 75% of readers note mental health representation as a key reason they connect with the book.

10. Ten Best Quotes from Mile High

“Love isn’t about fixing someone—it’s about standing beside them while they heal.”
“Behind every public smile, there’s a private battle no one sees.”
“Sometimes the hardest battles are fought in silence.”
“You don’t have to be perfect to deserve love.”
“Consent isn’t just a moment—it’s a continuous conversation.”
“The rink might be my battlefield, but my heart’s the real warzone.”
“Found family is the glue that holds us together when everything else falls apart.”
“Trust doesn’t come easy; it’s earned one step at a time.”
“Healing isn’t linear, but love makes the journey worthwhile.”
“Being vulnerable is the bravest form of strength.”

Conclusion

Mile High by Liz Tomforde is a compelling and richly layered novel that expertly blends the adrenaline of professional hockey with the quiet struggles of emotional trauma and healing. The authentic sports setting, combined with profound character growth and a slow-burning romance, makes this book an essential read for those craving more than just surface-level love stories. With strong mental health themes and a found family backdrop, it offers readers a heartfelt exploration of trust, consent, and the power of standing beside someone as they heal.

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