4.5/5 ⭐️, 2.8/5 🌶️, 0.2/5 💧

👠 Marriage of Convenience
👠 Hate to Love
👠 Sports (Hockey) Romance
👠 Dual POV

This is easily my favorite of this series. The previous ones weren’t super memorable for me, but I remembered these characters. I loved that they had personality, and their own stories that set them apart (when you read so many hockey romances they sort of all blend together).

The hate to love sometimes feels forced at times because I think it’s really hard to express, and I thought this one did it pretty well. Even the miscommunications (a trope I typically despise) made sense in this one.

I also found myself laughing often in this book, which I’m looking for in a light hearted sports romance! If you’re looking for a good time with an easy romance and some laughs, I would recommend this one. There was some great building tension, banter, and push and pull between the characters. I really enjoyed it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Dell and Stephanie Archer for the arc.

Thank you to Dell Romance & Stephanie Archer's team for the ARC!

I'm a big fan of hockey romances and I have always loved Stephanie Archer's Vancouver Storm series! Gloves Off only furthered my love for the series & these characters!

Both Georgia & Alexei's character were incredibly fun to read & get to know. Both are stubborn, feisty, & hold such strong personalities. I adored getting to see both of their characters grow throughout their story!!!

Georgia's determined, hard-working, and caring personality is so wonderful. Seeing her work in full detail, everything she does as a doctor & for the things she cares about was so lovely. I loved getting to see more into her mind & her world!! My girl doesn't back down from a fight & I love her for it!!! Alexei's (equally as) determined, broody, and caring personality is literally such a delight. As the oldest member of the team, his struggles with knowing who he is outside of hockey & what his life would look like otherwise was so well-done. Him being portrayed as this grumpy, impenetrable wall throughout the entire series made getting in his head & learning his personality so, so enjoyable.

The romance!!! This is a hate to love story with marriage of convenience, and a bit of workplace tied in. These two quite literally can't stand each other & getting to see them tear through their issues was so fun. The chemistry & tension was radiating off of the pages. The banter was top tier, so funny to read, & I loved seeing it develop from actual dislike to playful teasing. I love them so much!!! They're so hot & funny & perfect for each other!!!

Per usual with Stephanie's writing, this was wonderful, fun and great all around. I loved it so much & truly can't recommend this book, or this series, enough!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5


Gloves Off is hands down my favorite book in the Vancouver Storm series, and I'm happy I had the opportunity to read this amazing book early!

I’ve been intrigued by Georgia and Alexei since they’ve been introduced! I just knew their story would be perfect, and I was not disappointed! The whole fake-dating trope fits them so well and by the start of their story I just knew I was going to be sucked in.

Gloves Off truly was a fun read full of so many cute moments, and let’s not forget all the hot moments between them both, and it was so hard to put down because I just had to know how it was going to all turn out. Not only did I fall in love with both Alexei and Georgia, but I also loved and adored their parents. They were sweet, and it was cute to see that they were friends.

The whole enemies-to-lovers vibe that they had going on was so interesting, especially when they pretended to fake date so that each of them could get what they wanted, which you’ll find out about as soon as you dive in. At first, Alexei was cruel and had a whole bad boy reputation about him. Still, when we truly got to see his personality deep down and how he ended up being a total sweetheart for Georgia, I fell more in love with him, and I did not want this book to end.

The best part about enemies to lovers and fake dating is the hot moments we get between the main characters, and let me tell you, the chemistry between the two did not disappoint at all! You could tell throughout the book that both Alexei and Georgia really cared about one another and really couldn’t live without each other!

Overall, I highly recommend the fourth installment of the Vancouver Storm It was great to come back and see the characters we love from previous books in the series.

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to read and review this early on NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion!💙

✩4.5

✦What to Expect✦
•Hockey player x doctor
•Marriage of (in)convenience
•Forced proximity
•Hate (dislike)to lovers
•Age gap
•”My wife”

✦Characters✦
•Alexei Volkov
•Dr. Georgia Greene
 
✦Fav Quotes✦
I can’t stop looking at her. I can’t stop thinking about the kiss. I can’t stop thinking about her. I hate this.

“Like that, do you, Hellfire? You like being called a good girl?”

I thought I hated Dr. Georgia Greene, but I think I may have been very, very wrong.

“Ask me what the flowers mean, Hellfire,”

✦Thoughts✦
I have been waiting for these two and OMG!!!
IT WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED & HOPED FOR!

The back and forth between these two was so good & funny! Hands down one of my favorite hate(dislike) to love couples/books!

These two also were so insanely hot together!
Also the mouth on Alexei!! Hot dammmmmmm!

The flowers of it all🥹!!! I loved that detail!

SO EFFING GOOD!

The next book!!!!!! YASSSSSSSSSSS

Thank you so much to Dell Romance, Stephanie Archer, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title before release!

I love a good banter-filled, enemies to lovers romance and when you throw hockey players into it, I'm just done for! There was a perfect mix of secret pining and yearning that neither Georgia or Alexei wanted to give into (because of their stubbornness) and it was so, so good. Their relationship growth from marriage of convenience and not being to stand each other's presence to being attached at the hip and renewing their vows was such a heart warming process. I loved seeing their relationship grow from the flowers that Alexei would have delivered to Georgia each week to their quiet confessions to each other when no one else was around.

Stephanie did such an amazing job depicting both the medical field and hockey in the story all while showing the development of Georgia and Alexei's relationship. Seeing Georgia's tenacity as a doctor in both her work with the hockey team and research projects at the hospital is so inspiring coming from someone who is up and coming in the medical field. I adored the scenes of Alexei mentoring Luca and seeing their relationship grow on the ice. Also not to mention the couples from previous books in the series absolutely melting my heart<3

I can't wait to see where Stephanie goes next with this series!!

The Vancouver Storm series has brought us the dreamiest MMCs, a found family that truly is there for one another through it all and couples that will tug at your heart but, Alexei & Georgias story? Immaculate. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Immediate top couple, no question.

Alexei is struggling with knowing his career may be coming to an end, making him feel lost and on edge. Georgia is fighting for her research program, fighting with the broody hockey player who thinks she’s incompetent and trying to balance it all. Will a potential citizenship hiccup and research funding solve their problems & turn these enemies to lovers?

Alexei & Georgia’s story was everything I was hoping for, and honestly more. The tension, banter, the complicated characters who have been let down before coming together to heal and the emotional depth that will pull at your emotions on every page. I didn’t expect myself to sob so much, but watching these two come together was truly an honor.

The disdain between these two is so strong, but the way Stephanie transitions this to true respect, adoration and a love that makes them feel seen is truly impressive. Their character development, separate and as a couple, was done so well giving a true look into each of them and seeing how they come to know each other for their truest selves.

I just knew Georgia and Alexei's story is gonna be good!

They were hinted at the previous book and they did not disappoint.

Their relationship was explosive, with simmering tension and great banter all throughout and I am here for it.

Cannot wait to the next one!

I'm settling at a 3.5 star rating. I love this series but I felt like this book fell flat for me. The beginning felt slow to me and I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters. The second half redeemed it but I still didn't love it!

I've devoured all of Stephanie Archer's hockey romances and couldn't wait for Alexei and Georgia's book especially after that final scene from the previous book. She built up the enemies-to-lovers throughout the series and wowza, IT PAID OFF! The tension, the slow burn, the banter, the witty remarks - everything was *chef's kiss*. I wish I could read it all again.

Oh, and THE FLOWERS! Swoon! Who knew Alexei was such a softie.

You'll like this book if you enjoy:
- marriage of convenience
- enemies to lovers
- dual POVs
- workplace romance
- hockey romance
- broody MMC
- black cat FMC (I'd call this one grumpy x black cat since I don't feel that Georgia was all sunshine)

Thanks to NetGalley, Stephanie Archer, and Random House for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Of all of the books in Stephanie Archer's Vancouver Storm series, I was looking forward to Alexei and Georgia's the most! I loved their enemies to lovers storyline (which was all a giant misunderstanding) and the chemistry between these two was burning off the pages!

I'm also so glad we'll see Tate and Jordan's story and this series is not over!! (Can we have one for Walker, pleeeease?)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

thank you so much for the approval- i cannot wait to dive in, this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year! i will be sure to leave a review on GR/retailers to come! 💞

This book could’ve been cute but it really wasn’t holding my attention. Ultimately I ended up DNFing it.

I really didn’t love the banter in the beginning of this, it was really aggressive (for me) and that was a big reason why I chose not to continue with it.

Georgia and Alexei have never seen eye to eye. Their verbal sparring matches are sights to behold. But when Georgia needs to marry to earn her inheritance and Alexei needs to marry to obtain citizenship, things take a turn as these two become newlyweds. They both get to know each other and realize the other is actually tolerable? There’s no way right? They’ve been enemies for too long. Will they succumb to their feelings or will they be left out in the cold on the ice?

THIS BOOK!! Every time I read a book in this series I think it cannot be topped but then Stephanie Archer goes ahead and does just that. I truly think this may be my top favorite in the series. I’ve been waiting for Alexei and Georgia’s story, and it definitely did not disappoint. The enemies to lovers trope was alive and well here and I loved every moment of it. Truly one of my favorite tropes in the romance genre. I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. Seriously, if you haven’t read this series yet I’m not sure what you’re doing with your life. I can’t recommend it enough!

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH 🥹
Georgia & Alexei are EVERYTHING - their banter is top tier 🔥

Thank you to Stephanie Archer & Ballantine/Dell for the eARC & ALC. All opinions are my own.

✦ tropes & stuff:
💍 marriage of convenience
💥 enemies to lovers
🏒 pro hockey player mmc
🩺 team doctor fmc
✨ workplace
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting
💞 dual 1st person pov

📝 mini blurb:
Georgia needs her inheritance, & Alexei needs citizenship - marriage solves both their problems, and who better to fake it with than someone you believe you’ll never EVER fall for? 🤭

•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•

I could NOT put this one down!
I’m torn now if this is my new fav or if the Fake Out still holds the top spot 🙃

🎧 audio/ebook | ⭐️: ♾️ | 🌶️: 3 |

💭 what I loved about this one:
- their wedding vows 😅
- that they BOTH actually needed a marriage of convenience
- Damon & Stefan 🐰🤭
- love that that call each other “my wife” & “my husband” in their own inner dialogue
- the flowers & their meanings
- all the little things Alexei does for Georgia 🥰
- the way she feels/reacts when he gets hurt 🥹

🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I’m always a fan of duet narration, and Stella Hunter & JF Harding were FANTASTIC at bringing Georgia & Alexei to life 😍

5 STARS!

I absolutely DEVOURED "Gloves Off" by Stephanie Archer! Holy cow, this is one of the best books I have read this year! I haven't read the other books in this series yet, but you can bet your sweet bippy that I'm going to remedy this as soon as possible. Archer's writing style is right up my alley! It is the perfect mix of hockey and romance. It is fast-paced, intriguing, and full of witty banter, laughs, and excellent steam. 'Marriage of convenience' has become one of my favorite tropes in the past year or so, and Stephanie Archer's take on it had me SWOONING from start to finish. Alexei and Georgia HATE each other, but that makes their passion and relationship development even more delicious! He needs to get citizenship, and she needs to get an inheritance. Thrust together for their mutual benefit, they must find a way to make their 'marriage' work... but bubbling just below the surface are very real feelings of loathing and lust that eventually turn into real big-time love. My favorite part of this book is the character development. Alexei and Georgia both have preconceived notions about one another. Alexei thinks Georgia is a spoiled, shoe-obsessed brat, and Georgia thinks Alexei is a grumpy old jerk with no redeeming qualities. Once they get to spending time with each other because they have to keep up the appearances of their fake marriage, they start to realize that they were wrong about each other. They slowly but surely come to realize that they are both good people at heart, people who have been hurt and have sky-high walls up to protect themselves. They have terrific character arcs, both separately and together. I loved the way they fought with each other. The banter in this book is top-notch. I feel like I learned about hockey while reading this book, too. Like I mentioned, this book balances the romance and the hockey play really well. Ugh, I LOVED this book. You're doing yourself a huge disservice by not reading it!! It's full of humor, heart, spiciness, and fun!

Thank you to NetGalley, Stephanie Archer, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Dell for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

I LOVED this book!!

Alexei is one of my favorite MMcs and the fact that these two are TRUE ENEMIES had me feral.

This book is hot, then tension is unreal and gosh did I laugh, swoon, kick my feet and cry.

The first time I picked up a novel by Stephanie Archer, it was Behind the Net, and from that moment I knew I’d found a new favorite author. Now, with book four in the Vancouver Storm series, she delivers another unforgettable romance that absolutely belongs on your summer reading list. This time around, we’re treated to a fiercely protective male lead and a heroine who’s strong, grounded, and quietly captivating thanks to her resilience and humility. Georgia and Alexei are the couple to watch.
Their initial impressions of each other couldn’t be more off, but the sparks between them ignite immediately. What starts as a transactional arrangement — a fake marriage born out of necessity, thanks to Alexei’s visa issues and Georgia’s inheritance stipulations — quickly transforms into something far more real. As they begin to share a life, Alexei realizes Georgia is far from the pampered, high-maintenance woman he assumed she was. Instead, she’s a dedicated physician with a demanding job and a powerful work ethic, someone who’s earned every bit of success she’s achieved. She even serves as the team doctor for the Storm.
Meanwhile, Georgia starts to see beyond Alexei’s gruff, intimidating surface. She uncovers a man who, like her, rose from humble beginnings and carved out a life through sheer determination and the unwavering love of his family. He might be nearing the end of his hockey career, but he’s still fiercely driven—and more emotionally layered than she ever expected.
Once the pretense starts to blur and passion takes over, their emotional connection deepens. Alexei doesn’t just desire Georgia; he begins to truly value her, showing her care and affection in ways that are tender, unexpected, and impossible to ignore. She finds herself falling for a man she never thought she’d even like:
“Oh god. I think I might be developing a crush on my fake husband...”
As their time together stretches on, Alexei comes to terms with what he really wants in life — and Georgia is a big part of that future. The retirement he once dreaded starts to look a lot more appealing with her by his side:
“I like waking up to her messy hair and sleepy scowl. I enjoy hosting dinners, making meals for her, overhearing her friends tease her about us…”
And when it all comes to a head, neither of them shies away from honesty. One of Archer’s strengths as a writer is her ability to create characters who actually communicate. Yes, there’s tension, and yes, misunderstandings happen, but these characters grow. They learn. They open up — and it makes their love story that much more rewarding.
I’m crossing my fingers for a Coach Ward book next — I’ve got a pretty good idea who his match might be, and if there’s a single-dad angle involved? Archer’s fans are in for a steamy treat.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved Stephanie's writing since I first read her Queen's Cover series and my love for her hasn't stopped since.

Alexei and Georgia are the perfect pairing for each other, except they don't believe it. In fact, they just despise each other. However, they have the perfect amount of tension and banter and these two are the perfect enemies to lovers (contemporary style). I freaking loved everything about these two and their entire story. They decide to marry to help each other out, and of course, we all know how that goes LOL

Alexei & Georgia
marriage of convenience
forced proximity
hockey romance
enemies to lovers

The hockey player and the doctor…that agree to a marriage for his citizenship, and her inheritance. What could go wrong, other than them falling total head over heels for each other, when they thought they couldn’t stand each other.

Because at first they nitpicked everything about each other. Then they slowly started caring and letting each other in. It started as little hate messages and never going to happens. But then he went from sending her flowers with secret meanings that she is always looking up (first not so great, but then to the meaning of love). She sleep walks while he is playing, and he realizes its while he’s playing, so he knows that she is concerns about his safety. Which leads to him just making him sleep in his bed because she ends up there anyway.

I feel like I waited for Alexei and Georgia’s story for so long and loved every second of it. They were butterfly, kick your feet worthy. I love watching them get to know each other more and the duet narration between JF Harding and Stella Hunter really brought all of the banter and tender moments to life. The way this book ended too…I need to know what Stephanie has up here sleeve.

This was my first book from Stephanie Archer and I received it as an arc from NetGalley. I absolutely loved this story. This is book 4 in the Vancouver Storm Series and now I definitely need to get the other books. The tropes are:
🔹 Hockey romance
🔹 Enemies to Lovers
🔹 Marriage of convenience
🔹 Grumpy vs Sunshine
The only way for Georgia to receive her inheritance is to marry the NHL’s handsome and yet grumpy enforcer, Alexie Volkov. He’s an arrogant and competitive jerk who insists he’s not attracted to Georgia. However, Georgia has way too much fun fighting with him and discovers he’s actually a caring, protective and generous person. I rate this story 5 stars and definitely will be reading the previous books in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Stephanie Archer for this ARC. Be sure to grab your copy on June 17, 2025.