This is a “maybe” rec from me.

Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer

(Vancouver Storm series - book 1)

✨ 3/5 stars ✨

Miscommunication and insta-lust aren’t my favorite tropes, so I nearly DNF’d this book. But I kept reading. It’s very spicy (that seemed very repetitive) and there’s barely any plot except for the last 100 pages. There’s barely any mention of hockey except for the last 100 pages too. So basically the first at least half of the book was spice and all of the character development and plot were packed into the last part of the book. I am unsure if I’ll continue this series.

#bookreview #bookrecommendations #reader #booklover #romance

3/12 Edited to

... Read moreReading "Behind the Net" was quite a mixed experience for me. The heavy focus on spicy romance scenes from the beginning felt a bit overwhelming and repetitive, especially since I prefer romance novels with a more balanced development of plot and character before diving into intense chemistry. What stood out was how the actual story only seemed to kick in during the final hundred pages, where the plot thickened and hockey finally became central to the narrative. This shift was surprising because being a sports romance, I expected more integration of hockey throughout the book. Instead, the early sections focus heavily on miscommunication and insta-lust between characters, which can be a hit or miss depending on your preference. I personally found it testing my patience but managed to push through because sometimes these tropes can lead to rewarding character growth later on. For readers who enjoy a romance-heavy read with spicy moments upfront and aren’t primarily looking for a detailed sports backdrop, this book might be worth a try. However, if you prefer your sports romance to offer a balanced mix of plot, sports action, and character depth from the outset, this might feel lacking. Considering it’s part of a series, I’m on the fence about continuing. The last section’s stronger plot and hockey elements suggest potential for deeper storytelling. If the sequels build on that and reduce repetitive romance tropes, they could improve significantly. For now, I’d recommend "Behind the Net" for readers who appreciate intense romantic dynamics and can tolerate a slower plot development tied loosely to hockey until the end.