4.25⭐️ honestly
so this book started off very meh. and trust me i was excited to read this for many reasons:
-marriage of convenience ✅
-this series has me in a chokehold ✅
so when i started it and was noticing a few things that were bothering me i was a tad bit worried! (i will state those down below with a spoiler warning!) but gradually as the story went on i was pretty much HOOKED.

this is a SLOW BURN tbh. and maybe not in the sexual way…they have a few scenes throughout the midway point. but in the emotional way. i don’t think they begin trusting and opening up to each other till about 75-80% but honestly the pay off was pretty great! their relationship felt very real and like they’ve just gone through hell and back to get to where they are now and it was very wholesome.

and let me tell you. these two HATED each other. this is HATE/enemies to lovers to the MAX. some of the things they did or said had me thinking there could be no redemption but she did a great job of turning it around tbh! so if you are looking for a real and true enemies to lovers, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!

SPOILERS:
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so here’s what had me angry and annoyed throughout the book:
-in the beginning, it’s an off the bat miscommunication. one that could have EASILY been solved with one or two conversations. which they didn’t have and it felt childish.
-felt like the whole marriage thing was rushed a bit. also oh my god. THEY WERE TERRIBLE ACTORS! how could no one think this was fake? how were they not arrested???? they obviously did not like each other and were avoiding each other. it was bad.
-also thoughout the book, the author did this thing that i hate in books where the characters are thinking one thing but say another thing. so Georgia would think ‘wow i really want to kiss him’ and then say “no stay away from me” because she didn’t want to “give into the game” like girl. to me that’s unrealistic bc im not able to hold back like that LOL so i hate reading things like that! like just GIVE IN!!!!

anyways tho i did like this book but sometimes things just piss me off a little LOL

I love me some spicy and heartwarming hockey romance and Stephanie Archer just knows how to write a great one! This is the 4th book in this series and somehow it still manages to standout among the other books in the series. We've been teased about Alexei and Georgia in the Wingman and I couldnt wait to read their book - safe to say, I was not disappointed.

It appears to be your typical marriage of convenience story between the grumpy and elusive Alexei and the spitfire doctor Georgia. These two have a lot of hate towards each other so it seemed unlikely for them to want to be fake married. They did though thinking they'd be perfect to do it since they won't risk falling in love due to that hate. Im not gonna lie, for most of the half of the book, I was like its too much. How can they fall in love when they banter and hurl insults like theres no tomorrow? But of course, once they get to know each other and actually communicate, they find themselves questioning all that hate in the beginning. What I truly loved in this book is the found family aspect between the teammates and their partners. Its good to see glimpses of the couples from the previous books as well. I love the flowers and their meanings storyline. It's so sweet and showed the progression of their relationship. I love the rabbits - Damon and Stefan. Truly enjoyed Alexei's green flag moments (swooon).

So why not a 5⭐️? I felt like the spicy scenes were a bit lacking. For how much they hate each other, I didnt feel that chemistry there. I guess I expected more. I also did not like the whole miscommunication/assumptions in the beginning. I guess it makes the story but if they somehow just stopped and told one another that they were wrong with what they assumed this other person is or does, they probably would have gotten along fine and not constantly bicker. Like it didnt make much sense to me why.

Overall though, I still very much enjoyed the book. This whole series is the perfect romcom to pick up when you're in the mood to laugh and fall in love with hockey players.

Thank you to the publisher, Stephanie Archer and NetGalley for the early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!

I have loved this series and eagerly await each book. Gloves off was no exception to this series being great. I loved that it was a GENUINE enemies to lovers and they didn't immediately fold into romance as soon as they were forced together. I loved Volkov being a real yearner once he was crushing on Georgia and loved the slow burn of their relationship. And the sleepwalking was a great tool for sharing a bed. As always, Stephanie writes good spice! I overall enjoyed this book, but I still think "The Fake Out" is the stand out in this series.

Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer is the latest in her Vancouver Storm series and it doesn't disappoint. While it can be read as a stand-alone, you'll probably enjoy it more if you read the others in the series so you are already familiar with some of the secondary characters.

Georgia and Alexei don't like each other - at all - but they need each other. Georgia needs to be married to get an inheritance and Alexei needs to get married so that he can get his permanent residency. So OBVIOUSLY they decide to put their mutual hatred aside for one year to get married and achieve both of their goals.

Along the way to their happily ever after we get witty banter, to witness them starting to like and then fall in love with each other and to see some characters from previous books in the series.

The author takes us from them seriously disliking each other to wanting to be together forever and makes it believable. I really enjoyed this quick read and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Stephanie Archer hockey romances are sweetly romantic, a touch spicy, and low drama which is why they are so comforting to read. Gloves Off is an excellent addition to the series and you can tell Archer has grown as a writer if you've read her earlier works. The pacing and character development are better formulated and the plot, the whisper of a plot that exists in what is basically a series of romcom vignettes, gets the reader to a satisfying end with no third act break up. Georgia and Alexei's "hatred" for each other is both hilarious and extremely transparent. We all know these two want each other so badly but convince themselves that they don't in the cutest ways imaginable. I could see the beats of the story coming from a mile a way but Archer writes the characters so charmingly, I didn't care! Of course there will only be one bed! Of course they'll have to fake kiss! Give me more. This book is a warm hug beginning to end, top to bottom.

when i say they hate eachother!!! they hate each other.
a marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, hockey romance, Georgia and Volkov got off on the very wrong foot from the beginning. BUT they both ended up needing eachother for their own benefit!!

the TENSION and hatred between these two was insane, but the moments we got outside of that were so wonderful. this book really harped on the little things in relationships that hold meaning & i appreciated that. the flowers! the little gifts! the protectiveness! and the growth they both shared with eachother, and individually was all you could ask for. Another 10/10 for me

Look I know this is the fourth book in the series and I haven’t read any of the others but dang did this book have me hooked from start to finish.

This book gave me everything I needed. Marriage of convenience, banter & tension.

I loved Alexei & Georgia’s chemistry.

This is the first book I read from this author & it won’t be my last. Watch me pick up my physical copy on release date!

Thank you penguin random house for an early copy!

“Gloves Off” is the fourth book in Stephanie Archer's Vancouver Storm series. Having read the first three, I can confidently say that Archer is one of my favorite hockey romance authors. Georgia and Alexei were first introduced—and their story was set up in - “The Wingman,” which follows Hayden and Darcy. While it's not necessary to read “The Wingman” beforehand, I highly recommend it for plenty of sharp, tension-filled “enemies” moments between Georgia and Alexei.
This novel delivers a perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sassy dynamics, and a marriage-of-convenience trope. Unlike many enemies-to-lovers stories, Georgia and Alexei’s really do hate each other, making their journey all the more engaging. The tension between them? Absolutely delicious!
Thanks to NetGallery and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed seeing the characters progress in this story. The story was well paced and well written. I was hooked from the beginning and devoured it in just a few sittings.

I love a good hockey romance. And THIS ONE? *chef's kiss*

I am completely and utterly OBSESSED! Alexei and Georgia’s story is everything I never knew I needed. The grumpiest NHL enforcer meets the sassiest girl, and it’s pure MAGIC. Their fake marriage turns into a whirlwind of emotions, and I was sat and committed from page one. Stephanie Archer’s writing is witty, engaging, and full of laughs. If you love enemies-to-lovers and marriage of convenience tropes, this is your next read! Trust me, you won’t regret it!

A very hot and sexy romance! I loved it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Georgia needs to get married to receive her inheritance to save her medical practice and Alexei needs to get married for a green card. If only they didn't absolutely LOATHE each other based on one interaction years ago. Needless to say, they strike up a deal to get fake married for a year to each get what they want. Because there's no way they could fall in love with the other, right? ;)

This has two of my favorite tropes, fake relationship and hate to love, and they're actually done WELL. Alexei and Georgia actually hate each other for (semi) valid reasons and it's palpable in their banter which is top notch. Stephanie Archer has a knack for banter, I see it in all of her books but this one was particularly good. It was so fun to read and I didn't even skip over the more cheesy parts like I usually do.

Overall this had me squealing and kicking my little feet and I loved every second of it. I really hope the next book is Jordan and Coach Ward.

I LOVED THIS! This is my first Stephanie Archer, and it certainly won't be my last. The emotion to steam ratio was immaculate. Couldn't recommend more!!

Stephanie just keeps giving me more and more man to fall in love with. I cannot wait for people to read this book and scream with me about these two Alexei & georgia

This book delivers fireworks, on and off the ice, with sizzling chemistry, hilarious bickering, and a hero who pretends he’s immune but is actually down bad. If you love a slow burn that turns into an inferno, you need this.

Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer is an absolute knockout of a romance—grumpy-sunshine, fake marriage, and enemies-to-lovers all rolled into one deliciously addictive story. If you’re a fan of tension, banter, and a hero who’s equal parts brooding and secretly soft, this book is for you. The story follows Georgia Greene, a driven doctor who’s as sharp-tongued as she is brilliant, and Alexei Volkov, the NHL’s grumpiest enforcer and the last man Georgia would ever imagine falling for. But when Georgia’s inheritance hinges on marrying Alexei, they’re forced to play the part of a blissful newlywed couple—even though they can’t stand each other. Or so they think.

The chemistry between Georgia and Alexei is *chef’s kiss.* Their banter is razor-sharp, their arguments are hilariously heated, and the tension between them is off the charts. Alexei is the ultimate grump—competitive, surly, and perpetually scowling—but beneath that tough exterior is a man who’s surprisingly tender, protective, and downright swoon-worthy. The way he cares for Georgia, from cuddling her bunnies to sending her flowers with secret meanings, will melt even the coldest heart. And Georgia? She’s a firecracker—smart, independent, and not afraid to stand up to Alexei’s gruff demeanor. Watching these two go from enemies to lovers is pure magic, and the slow burn is worth every single page.

What makes this book so special is how perfectly Stephanie Archer balances humor, heart, and heat. The fake marriage trope is executed flawlessly, with plenty of moments that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even yell at the characters to just admit they’re in love already. The supporting cast, including Alexei’s teammates and Georgia’s colleagues, adds depth and charm to the story, and the hockey backdrop gives it an extra layer of fun.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts steamy and sweet, with characters who’ll steal your heart and a love story that’ll leave you grinning, this one’s a must-read. I’m officially obsessed with Alexei and Georgia, and I can’t wait to see what Stephanie Archer does next!

3.5 ⭐️

I was really looking forward to this after loving The Fake Out, but it wasn’t the best. The beginning started off very strong and I kinda started to lose interest over time & felt no emotional connection to the characters. With that being said, it is a classic marriage of convenience & and cute hockey romance if you’re looking for something easy!

Thank you to Ballantine for the advanced copy!

We LOOOOOOVE a hockey romance and marriage of convenience. This was SO good and I ate it up!!! This was my first book by Stepahnie Archer and I was not disappointed, it lived up to every expectation I had. Alexei is everything and I need an NHL star in my life. Way to go Stephanie, will recommend this to everyone.

Alexei Volkov and Dr. Georgia Greene can’t stand each other. Like, they are petty and dealing low blows at each other constantly. His body is ready for retirement, but he’s not emotionally there. Retiring would come with work visa issues and deportation. She’s losing funding for her athletic recovery program, but can’t touch her inheritance unless she’s married. Alexei and Georgia come up with a way to solve these problems. Of course, it’s a marriage of convenience!

Tropes include: hockey romance, enemies to lovers, and marriage of convenience. Plus lots of flowers ❤️

This series just gets better and better with each book! I am in love with Alexei and Georgia. The chemistry is perfect. One of the best enemies to lovers I’ve read in quite awhile!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

4⭐️

Marriage of convenience will always do it for me 🤭. Every time he said “my wife,” I died—like I haven’t heard it a million times before.

He’s so in love with her, and I love every second of it.

Enemies to lovers with hate spice? Epic. Their chemistry had me in a chokehold—their hate scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet like an idiot.

I love a smart-mouthed FMC. They’re the baddest, and they know it. And her taste? Immaculate. Shoes? Flawless. Husband? Perfect. 🙂‍↕️ I’m so jealous of her.

And him? He had her favorite designer create a pair of heels named after her in multiple colors. Oh, and he’s obsessed with her in heels—he lives for it 😩.

Their banter? Absolutely everything. 😩