What is Mile High about?

• Opposites Attract in the Sky: Mile High explores the evolving relationship between Evan Zanders, a confident and somewhat notorious hockey player, and Stevie Shay, a no-nonsense flight attendant. Their initial interactions are marked by playful banter and underlying tension and chemistry, which gradually develops into a deeper connection.
• Balancing Public and Private Lives: The story delves into the challenges of maintaining a public persona while navigating personal desires and vulnerabilities. Zanders, known for his playboy image, finds himself drawn to Stevie's authenticity, while Stevie struggles to reconcile her professional boundaries with her growing feelings.
• A Journey of Self-Discovery: As their relationship evolves, both characters embark on a journey of self-discovery, confronting their fears and insecurities. Zanders begins to question the life he's built, while Stevie learns to embrace her true self and set boundaries.

Why should I read Mile High?

• Compelling Character Dynamics: The contrasting personalities of Zanders and Stevie create a dynamic and engaging relationship, filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Their interactions are both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
• Exploration of Vulnerability: The story delves into the complexities of vulnerability and authenticity, as both characters grapple with their public personas and private desires. This exploration adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
• A Journey of Self-Discovery: Mile High is more than just a romance; it's a journey of self-discovery, as both Zanders and Stevie learn to embrace their true selves and navigate the challenges of love and life.

What is the background of Mile High?

• Contemporary Setting: The story is set in the contemporary world of professional sports, specifically the NHL, and the fast-paced lifestyle of athletes. This setting provides a backdrop for the characters' personal and professional struggles.
• Cultural Context: The story explores the cultural context of professional sports, highlighting the pressures and expectations placed on athletes. It also touches on the challenges of maintaining a public image while navigating personal relationships.
• Emotional and Psychological Themes: The narrative delves into themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and the importance of genuine connections. These themes add depth and complexity to the story, making it more than just a typical romance.

What are the most memorable quotes in Mile High?

• "You following me?": This recurring line, often used by Zanders, highlights the playful and teasing nature of his relationship with Stevie, while also hinting at a deeper connection. It becomes a signature phrase that defines their dynamic.
• "I'm not sure you have a sweet bone in your body, sweetheart.": This quote, used by Zanders, encapsulates the initial tension and playful banter between him and Stevie. It also highlights the contrasting personalities that draw them together.
• "I'm not the bad guy that the media makes me out to be.": This quote reveals Zanders' internal struggle with his public image and his desire to be seen for who he truly is. It underscores the theme of authenticity and the challenges of living in the spotlight.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Liz Tomforde use?

• Dual Narratives: Tomforde employs a dual point of view, alternating between Zanders and Stevie's perspectives. This allows readers to understand their individual thoughts, feelings, and motivations, creating a more nuanced and engaging narrative.
• Dialogue-Driven Narrative: The story relies heavily on dialogue, using witty banter and playful exchanges to develop the characters' relationship and build tension. This technique keeps the story moving at a fast pace and allows readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
• Emotional Depth: Tomforde uses vivid descriptions and internal monologues to explore the characters' emotional and psychological complexities. This adds depth and resonance to the narrative, making it more than just a typical romance.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• Stevie's Thrifted Clothing: Stevie's preference for thrifted clothing, often described as oversized and worn, contrasts with Zanders' designer wardrobe. This detail highlights her down-to-earth nature and her rejection of superficiality, which is a key aspect of her character.
• Zanders' Gold Chain: The gold chain Zanders wears becomes a recurring symbol, representing his public persona and the wealth he has accumulated. However, it also becomes a point of focus for Stevie, who is drawn to the man beneath the image.
• The Playlist: The playlist included at the beginning of the book is not just a list of songs; it's a carefully curated collection that reflects the emotional journey of the characters. The songs often mirror the themes and moods of specific scenes, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• The "You Following Me?" Line: This line, initially used as a playful tease, becomes a recurring motif that foreshadows the characters' growing connection and the way their lives become intertwined. It also hints at the idea that fate may be playing a role in their relationship.
• The Sparkling Water: Zanders' initial request for sparkling water with extra lime, which Stevie refuses to get for him, becomes a recurring motif that highlights their power dynamic and the way their relationship evolves. It also foreshadows the way Zanders will continue to seek her attention.
• The Name "Sweetheart": Zanders' use of "sweetheart" as a nickname for Stevie, initially used sarcastically, becomes a term of endearment that reflects his growing affection for her. This subtle shift in language foreshadows the depth of his feelings.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• Ryan and Brett's Past: The revelation that Ryan and Brett were college teammates adds a layer of complexity to Stevie's past relationship with Brett. It highlights the interconnectedness of the characters' lives and the challenges of navigating personal relationships within a small community.
• Logan and Stevie's Friendship: The bond between Logan and Stevie, initially formed through their connection to Zanders and Maddison, evolves into a genuine friendship. This connection highlights the importance of female friendships and the support they provide.
• Zanders and Stevie's Shared Past: The subtle hints that Zanders and Stevie have crossed paths before, even before their first meeting on the plane, add a layer of fate to their relationship. This connection suggests that their meeting was not entirely accidental.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Indy: As Stevie's coworker and friend, Indy provides a source of support and understanding. Her own experiences with relationships and her genuine nature make her a valuable confidante for Stevie.
• Maddison: As Zanders' best friend and teammate, Maddison serves as a voice of reason and a source of support. His grounded nature and family life provide a contrast to Zanders' more chaotic existence.
• Logan: As Maddison's wife and a friend to both Zanders and Stevie, Logan offers a unique perspective on their relationship. Her empathy and understanding help bridge the gap between their public and private lives.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Zanders' Fear of Vulnerability: Beneath his confident exterior, Zanders is driven by a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and rejection. This fear stems from his past experiences with his family and his desire to control his public image.
• Stevie's Need for Independence: Stevie's guarded nature and resistance to Zanders' advances are driven by her need for independence and her desire to avoid the pitfalls of relationships with famous athletes. She is determined to maintain her own identity and not be defined by her connection to others.
• Maddison's Desire for Balance: Maddison's constant need to be with his family and his desire to have a settled life are driven by his need for balance and stability. He wants to be a good father and husband while also being a successful athlete.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Zanders' Internal Conflict: Zanders struggles with an internal conflict between his public persona and his private desires. He is torn between the need to maintain his image and his longing for genuine connection and love.
• Stevie's Insecurities: Despite her strong-willed nature, Stevie grapples with insecurities about her body and her worthiness of love. These insecurities stem from her past experiences and her fear of being seen as just another conquest.
• Maddison's Need for Control: Maddison's need to control his environment and his desire for a settled life are driven by his anxiety and his need for stability. He is constantly trying to balance his career with his family life.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Zanders' Vulnerable Confession: Zanders' public confession of love for Stevie marks a major emotional turning point, as he finally allows himself to be vulnerable and open about his feelings. This moment is a testament to his growth and his willingness to embrace his true self.
• Stevie's Confrontation with Her Mother: Stevie's confrontation with her mother empowers her to set boundaries and embrace her true self. This moment is a turning point in her journey of self-acceptance and independence.
• Zanders' Decision to Adopt Rosie: Zanders' decision to adopt Rosie is a major emotional turning point, as it reflects his desire for unconditional love and his willingness to open his heart to others. This moment is a testament to his growth and his capacity for empathy.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• From Banter to Intimacy: The relationship between Zanders and Stevie evolves from playful banter and underlying tension to a deeper connection marked by vulnerability and intimacy. Their interactions become more meaningful as they learn to trust and rely on each other.
• From Rivalry to Friendship: The relationship between Zanders and Maddison evolves from a fierce rivalry to a supportive friendship based on mutual respect and understanding. Their shared struggles and experiences create a bond that transcends their contrasting lifestyles.
• From Professionalism to Personal: The relationship between Stevie and Zanders evolves from a professional dynamic to a personal one, as they navigate the challenges of their respective careers and their growing feelings for each other. This evolution highlights the complexities of balancing work and love.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• The Future of Zanders' Career: The story leaves the future of Zanders' career somewhat ambiguous, as it is unclear whether he will be able to maintain his success while being true to himself. This ambiguity adds a layer of realism to the narrative, highlighting the challenges of navigating a public persona and personal desires.
• The Long-Term Impact of Stevie's Past: While Stevie makes significant progress in her journey of self-acceptance, the story leaves open the question of how her past experiences will continue to affect her. This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity to her character and her future relationships.
• The Nature of Zanders' Transformation: While Zanders undergoes a significant transformation, the story leaves open the question of whether he will be able to maintain his newfound vulnerability and authenticity in the long term. This ambiguity adds a layer of realism to his character and his journey of self-discovery.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Mile High?

• Zanders' Initial Treatment of Stevie: Zanders' initial interactions with Stevie, marked by arrogance and a sense of entitlement, may be seen as problematic by some readers. This aspect of his character raises questions about power dynamics and the challenges of navigating relationships with different levels of influence.
• Stevie's Decision to Sleep with Zanders: Stevie's decision to sleep with Zanders, despite her initial reservations, may be seen as a betrayal of her own values and boundaries. This aspect of her character raises questions about the complexities of desire and the challenges of maintaining independence in a relationship.
• The Portrayal of the Media: The story's portrayal of the media as a force that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and invades personal lives may be seen as controversial by some readers. This aspect of the narrative raises questions about the ethics of journalism and the impact of public scrutiny on individuals.

Mile High Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• New Beginnings: The ending of Mile High sees Zanders and Stevie together, having navigated their personal and professional challenges. They are both committed to each other and the life they want to create, marking a new beginning for their relationship.
• Embracing Authenticity: The ending emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability, as both characters have learned to embrace their true selves and let go of their fears. This theme underscores the narrative, highlighting the power of self-acceptance and genuine connection.
• A Hopeful Future: The ending leaves readers with a sense of hope and excitement for the future, as Zanders and Stevie embark on a journey of love and self-discovery. The story suggests that with courage and honesty, it is possible to overcome challenges and create a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful.