Teamwork

1. What is "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem about?

• Contemporary Erotic Romance: "Teamwork" is a steamy contemporary romance novel set in the world of professional ice hockey, focusing on the relationships between a physiotherapist and two NHL players.
• Love Triangle and Ménage: The story centers on Fiona Wrigley, a holistic physiotherapist, who becomes entangled in a passionate and complex relationship with Raven Starr, a brooding defenseman, and Todd "Pretty" Carty, his charming teammate.
• Healing and Self-Discovery: As Fiona helps Raven recover from his injuries, all three characters confront their desires, insecurities, and the meaning of love, teamwork, and personal fulfillment.
• Part of a Series: This is the fourth book in Lily Harlem’s "Hot Ice" series, but it can be read as a standalone.

2. Who are the main characters in "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Fiona Wrigley: A skilled, independent, and passionate holistic physiotherapist from Wales, hired to help Raven recover from his injuries.
• Raven Starr: A surly, enigmatic, and physically imposing NHL defenseman with Native American heritage, struggling with both physical and emotional wounds.
• Todd "Pretty" Carty: Raven’s best friend and teammate, a flirtatious, charming, and supportive forward for the Orlando Vipers, who also becomes romantically involved with Fiona.
• Supporting Cast: Includes other Vipers players, their partners, and figures from Fiona’s and Raven’s pasts, adding depth to the hockey world and the protagonists’ personal journeys.

3. What is the central romance or relationship dynamic in "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Love Triangle/Ménage: The novel explores a ménage à trois dynamic, with Fiona attracted to both Raven and Todd, leading to a consensual, passionate threesome.
• Emotional Growth: The relationships force each character to confront their vulnerabilities, desires, and what they truly want from love and partnership.
• Jealousy and Resolution: While the ménage is initially thrilling, the story ultimately focuses on Fiona and Raven’s deepening emotional connection and commitment.
• Teamwork On and Off the Ice: The title reflects not just hockey teamwork, but also the collaborative, sometimes complicated, nature of romantic and sexual relationships.

4. How does the hockey setting influence the story in "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Authentic Sports Backdrop: The world of professional ice hockey provides a high-stakes, masculine, and competitive environment that shapes the characters’ personalities and challenges.
• Injury and Recovery: Raven’s injuries and the physical demands of hockey are central to the plot, driving Fiona’s involvement and the characters’ emotional arcs.
• Team Camaraderie: The camaraderie, rivalries, and friendships among the Vipers players add depth and realism, highlighting themes of loyalty and support.
• Contrast with Romance: The roughness and aggression of hockey contrast with the tenderness and vulnerability explored in the romantic relationships.

5. What are the main themes explored in "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Healing and Transformation: Both physical and emotional healing are central, as characters recover from injuries and past heartbreaks.
• Identity and Self-Worth: Raven’s struggle with his career, heritage, and sense of self is a recurring theme, as is Fiona’s journey toward self-acceptance.
• Love Beyond Convention: The book challenges traditional relationship norms, exploring ménage, bisexuality, and the fluidity of desire.
• Teamwork and Trust: Whether on the ice or in the bedroom, the importance of trust, communication, and working together is emphasized.

6. How does "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem portray sexuality and eroticism?

• Explicit Erotic Content: The novel features detailed, explicit sex scenes, including ménage à trois and double penetration, written with a focus on mutual pleasure and consent.
• Sex as Connection: Sexual encounters are used to deepen emotional bonds, reveal vulnerabilities, and drive character development.
• Exploration of Fantasies: The book openly explores fantasies, kinks, and the thrill of breaking taboos, especially through the threesome dynamic.
• Body Positivity: Fiona’s curvy, real-woman body is celebrated, and the narrative embraces diverse forms of attraction and desire.

7. What role does Fiona’s profession as a holistic physiotherapist play in "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Catalyst for Plot: Fiona’s expertise brings her into the world of the Vipers and is the reason she meets Raven and Todd.
• Healing and Intimacy: Her treatments (acupuncture, massage, hydrotherapy) serve as metaphors for emotional healing and create opportunities for intimacy.
• Empowerment and Independence: Fiona’s professionalism and passion for her work highlight her independence and self-worth, making her more than just a love interest.
• Holistic Approach: The book emphasizes the value of treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—mirroring the holistic approach to relationships.

8. How does Raven Starr’s background and personal struggles shape the narrative in "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Native American Heritage: Raven’s cultural background is woven into his identity, influencing his values, tattoos, and sense of family.
• Career Uncertainty: His injuries threaten his career, leading to self-doubt, frustration, and a crisis of identity.
• Emotional Guardedness: Raven’s gruff exterior and reluctance to open up create tension and drive much of the emotional conflict.
• Growth Through Love: His relationship with Fiona (and, to a lesser extent, Todd) helps him heal, accept vulnerability, and envision a future beyond hockey.

9. What is the significance of the ménage à trois (threesome) in "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Exploration of Desire: The ménage allows the characters to explore their sexualities, fantasies, and boundaries in a safe, consensual way.
• Symbol of Teamwork: The threesome is a literal and metaphorical expression of teamwork, trust, and mutual support.
• Emotional Complexity: It introduces jealousy, insecurity, and questions about exclusivity, ultimately clarifying what each character truly wants.
• Transition to Monogamy: While thrilling, the ménage is a stepping stone to the deeper, exclusive love between Fiona and Raven.

10. How does "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem address issues of jealousy, trust, and commitment?

• Jealousy as Conflict: Jealousy arises naturally from the ménage dynamic and the characters’ insecurities, especially as feelings deepen.
• Open Communication: The characters are forced to communicate honestly about their desires, boundaries, and fears, leading to growth.
• Trust Building: Trust is built through vulnerability, shared experiences, and the willingness to let go of control.
• Commitment Resolution: The story resolves with Fiona and Raven choosing exclusive commitment, symbolized by Raven’s marriage proposal.

11. What are the key takeaways or messages from "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem?

• Love Requires Teamwork: Successful relationships, like successful teams, require communication, trust, and a willingness to work together.
• Healing is Holistic: True healing involves addressing both physical and emotional wounds, and sometimes requires help from others.
• Embrace Desire and Vulnerability: It’s okay to explore fantasies and be open about desires, as long as there is consent and respect.
• Be True to Yourself: The characters find happiness by embracing who they are, what they want, and not settling for less.

12. What are some of the best quotes from "Teamwork" by Lily Harlem and what do they mean?

• “You’re as ballsy as they get. Who else would try and tease me, the Raven Starr?” – Highlights Fiona’s unique ability to challenge and connect with Raven, breaking through his tough exterior.
• “If we all consented to a threesome then where is the problem?” – Emphasizes the book’s open-minded, nonjudgmental approach to sexuality and relationships.
• “Love and desire are the ultimate team sports.” – (Paraphrased from the book’s themes) Underlines the central metaphor of teamwork in both hockey and romance.
• “I want you to be mine and mine alone. It was fun with Todd but that’s it. No more. No one else. Ever.” – Marks the turning point where Raven claims his love for Fiona, moving from exploration to commitment.
• “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. You’ve taken my heart so completely. I want to spend my life with you.” – The emotional climax, expressing the depth of Raven’s transformation and the novel’s ultimate message about love and belonging.