Georgia is a Dr. for the Storm hockey team and Alexie is the enforcer. They absolutely loath each other yet find themselves married each for their own reasons. One for inheritance and the other for citizenship. Hate slowly turns into lust, that then turns to love.

This is a spicy yet sweet and funny continuation in the Vancouver Storm series. Georgia and Alexie are well developed characters and their story will make you laugh out loud and swoon.

Another 5⭐ read from Stephanie Archer! I have loved every book I've read in the Vancouver Storm series!

🔥The Banter (So Good, Chefs Kiss🤌 )
💘Enemies To Lovers
💒Marriage Of Convenience
🏒 Sports Romance (Player / Team Doctor)
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn

I want to say that this is my favorite book of the series but they are all so good it's really tough to decide. The author does an excellent job of crafting bingeable romances that will have you laughing out loud and rooting for the main characters. There was excellent character development in this story and I loved the side characters.

I will absolutely be recommending this one and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Thank you Stephanie Archer, Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine | Dell for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

So what happened is I thought I could read the ARC for this without reading the first 3, which I so could and did. Everything made sense, it was a great experience. It was such a great experience however that I read the first three and re-read this one within a week. Sleep is for the weak (or the smart idk).

I looooved this book. I am SUCH a sucker for enemies to lovers and I do love when the FMC has an impressive job. Like yes he’s a hockey player but she’s literally a doctor so if he isn’t acting right??? She’s soooo good to go.

The tension was so fun and OMG THE DAMON miscommunication had me actually giggling out loud. I love slutty little hockey romances and this is a banger!!!

Advanced copy kindly provided by publisher via Net Galley :)

💜Gloves Off💜
By Stephanie Archer

~~

- Review posted to Goodreads, BookBub, and TheStoryGraph on 3/20/25
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7384363746
https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/7e61de20-da41-439e-88e3-4b0661adb694
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1798892354
- Review to be posted to Instagram within the week leading up to pub date, around 6/10/25
- Review to be posted to B&N and Amazon on 6/17/25

~~

Yall, I am speechless. SPEECHLESS! And obsessed. And giddy. And so utterly dazzled, I’d be willing to bet tomorrow morning’s coffee I’ll be totally hung up on Alexei and Georgia for weeks and weeks to come!

Despite being the fourth book in Stephanie Archer’s Vancouver Storm series, Gloves Off was my first ever Stephanie read and I’m kicking myself for not picking up her work until now. This queen writes steamy tension like she was genuinely made to do it. The blurb says it best. Georgia and Alexei absolutely despise one other. I’m talking quick-witted insults, reputation-damaging assumptions, the most hilariously petty little pranks, ya know all the things we adore in a good enemies to lovers romance. Real talk, these two may hate each other more than any couple I’ve ever read before. Naturally, that had me kicking my feet from the very start.

But that character growth, though! How about a round of applause for the most all-consuming character arcs I’ve read in a hot minute 👏 Paced to perfection, watching these two gradually learn what it means to do life with a teammate, to accept care with zero conditions, to let go, risk it all, and fall… My heart definitely reached melted puddle status with this one! And they way their connection grew from shockingly intense attraction, no matter how adamantly it was denied, to something so pure and precious?? Freaking swoon.

Brb while I go beg my husband to surprise me with flowers based on their meanings and dive right into Behind the Net. And in the meantime pals, place this knockout story at the top of your TBRs! June will be here before you know it 🥰

Why you’ll love Gloves Off
💜 Sports Romance
💜 Dual POV
💜 Pro Hockey Player MMC x Doctor FMC
💜 Marriage of Convenience
💜 Grumpy/Possessive MMC
💜 Loathe to Love
💜 My Wife
💜 Fluffy Sidekicks

Big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for sharing an early copy! These are my honest thoughts 🖤

Good god Alexei Volkov the man that you are! So stubborn and full of hate fire and so so hot! I absolutely love a good enemies to lovers and throw in a marriage of convenience and I’m on board! Dr. Georgia is the most perfect opponent to go up against Alexei, she’s truly the only woman who can throw it back to him just as hard as he gives it. These two were so unbelievably fun together. The banter in this was hilarious and seeing how both of them grow and learn about each other was so sweet. How they both made assumptions for so long and eventually learned how soft and real each other could be so fun to discover. And the spice was unreal, Stephanie Archer does spice unlike anyone else! What starts as hate fucking really turns into the sweetest most honest relationship. God I just love these two so much. The entire series is an absolute banger but they just seem to keep getting better. I loved these two with my whole heart and soul. Please never stop writing in this world Stephanie, I’m too invested and would like to live here forever. Easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given.

This book has so much to love and was a speedy read for me- I just could not put the book down! I loved that this book was to the point and followed Georgia Greene and Alexei Volkov's relationship. These two are forced into a marriage of convenience but both seriously misunderstand each other but are desperate for what the marriage will be able to offer them; for Georgie, her trust fund to support her research and for Alexei, a green card to stay and play what he loves....HOCKEY!

These two are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet.

I think in any other book, the time skips would have driven me crazy but in Gloves Off, I kept thinking... THANK GOODNESS.

The other characters help bring Georgie & Alexei together, seemingly everyone knows they love each other before they do themselves. I loved that their families got so close so quickly. Not to mention the cutest lil rabbits- Damon & Stephan, making Alexei's mansion their own <3

Gloves Off (e-arc)

Special thanks to Siegmund and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an authentic review.

First off, THIS IS MY FAVORITE IN THE SERIES. I ate this one up. I love Alexei and Georgia!! The banter- the flirting- the tension yummmmm ate it all up! Personally, the three previous books in this series almost made me stop reading BUT I’m glad I didn’t drop it yet. I just love a good hate-to-love and with the forced proximity and marriage of convenience, I couldn’t help but just fall in love with this book! Prior to starting this book, I was picking up the crumbs and scraps that Stephanie Archer left us in book 3 about Alexei and Georgia! Okay, and now some possible spoilers ahead!

Y’all he got her flowers everyday (first just to mess with her) to tell her how he felt!! I DIED. OH AND THE DAMN NICKNAME, rotten tuber, LMAO tell me why I highlighted it because I thought the same thing as Georgia, thinking it meant ‘sweetheart’ HAHAH and our boy Alexei was jealoussssss since day 1 of their marriage! Also, I love both their families so much!! Loved it when Alexei’s parents came to visit Georgia when he was away for games. And I’m a sucker for “my wife” I FOLDED.

Overall, I felt like the characters and plot were great! And I’m ready for the next book, I have a feeling it’s going to be about Jordan and Tate <3 I can feel the tension rising between them! And also, can June 17 come any faster because I need this book in my hands!!

4.75 stars! The personal development in this book is hands down the best I’ve read in a book. Enemies to lovers in the best way & the hate sex…. HOT!!!!! The flowers & the meanings melted my heart. Volkov & Hellfire FOREVER!!

🏒 hockey romance
💒 marriage of convenience
🌻 language of flowers
💖 hate to love
😉 banter doesn't stop

Thank you to Dell Romance and Stephanie Archer for the eARC!

Alexei Volkov needs a wife to secure his Canadian citizenship with his retirement from hockey looming over his head. Georgia Greene needs access to her inheritance to fund her research program but can only get it if she's married. They both hate each other but need each other. It's perfect. 💖

This book was utter perfection! The marriage of convenience, the misunderstandings, a little groveling, and the banter? Perfect. I was crying-laughing and rolling around in bed squealing cause of how cute Alexei and Georgia were. I was utterly obsessed. Alexei not only had Georgia begging for more, but me too!! They are probably my favorite couple in this whole series. It just hit different!

I loved that Alexei and Georgia's competitive and petty banter continued throughout and didn't go away once their fake marriage turned real. A lot of books take away that banter after they get together but im so glad Stephanie Archer had them keep the jokes that now come from loving-teasing place. Their antics and little battles were very entertaining. Especially Alexei's language of flowers. He went from roasting her to romancing her!

I was obsessed with Georgia constantly poking the bear that is Alexei's jealousy. It was side splitting hilarious.

Their tender loving side was also sooo sweet. When it came to it, they understood and listened to each other well. The build up of their relationship felt so real and I honestly loved it start to end. They grew together so much, overcoming grievances from their past 🥺

Both of the characters' journeys were an amazing ride to be on. Both of them had to truly figure themselves out as their worlds expanded being both career focused people. Georgia especially with learning that she can let go of control finally. I loved that they were on this together but also independently.

Special shout out to the bunnies Damon and Stefan 🤣 they didn't really do much but they were so cute and hilarious anyways! The cast of characters also made the book as usual. I enjoyed the supportive girl friendships especially.

I loved this book a lot! It's definite reread once it comes out officially. I'm looking forward to the next book which was subtly teased throughout. I've been screaming about this potential couple since book 1!

The Vancouver Storm series is always full of fun loveable characters and delightfully spicy!

This hockey season for the Storm brings the sophisticated team doctor and the gruff defenseman together for a marriage of convenience. Georgia and Alexi hold on to their erroneous assumptions about each other with a death grip. Alexi thinks Dr. Georgia Greene is a superficial, pretentious, material girl and she believes him to be a controlling chauvinist who only sees women as accessories. These assumptions are, of course, completely false and based wholly on their own previous experiences with their exes. But he needs citizenship for himself and his parents and she needs to be married to access her inheritance or her cherished medical rehab program will be unfunded, so off to the courthouse they go.

I did really enjoy this book, but with some caveats. The main characters were so MEAN to each other at the beginning! I get an enemies-to-lovers premise, but seriously- ouch! Also, why did they let each other’s assumptions continue? Honest conversations would have solved so many misunderstandings.

Things I loved…
-They both fell HARD!
-It was a slow burn for the trust, but the spice was fire!
-Georgia’s pet bunnies were so cute and Alexi’s initial jealousy was hilarious and sweet!
-Their families were wonderful and so welcoming!
-And the SHOES! I want a pair in every color (although how she walks in them while doing doctor stuff, I’ll never understand.)
-And finally, seeing Alexi bloom while helping the girls’ soccer team and mentoring the rookie just gave me all the feels!

Stephanie Archer writes characters I’d like to know and I can’t wait for her next book! I’m guessing we get Ward and Jordan (fingers crossed)!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing an eARC of this book for me to review!

This romantic comedy, *Behind the Net* by the viral TikTok author, is a fun, witty, and surprisingly heartwarming take on the marriage of convenience trope. The story centers on Georgia Greene, who finds herself in a fake marriage with Alexei Volkov, a grumpy, no-nonsense hockey player. The twist? Their marriage is the only way for Georgia to secure her inheritance.

At first, Alexei is the epitome of the "brooding jerk," with his competitive streak, jealousy, and icy demeanor. He insists that his feelings for Georgia are purely transactional—he's marrying her for citizenship, not love. But as the story progresses, the cracks in his tough exterior start to show. Despite his gruffness, Alexei proves to be surprisingly caring, protective, and generous, going out of his way to make Georgia feel special with thoughtful gestures, secret flower meanings, and acts of kindness.

The dynamic between Georgia and Alexei is electric, full of banter, tension, and undeniable chemistry. Their constant bickering, while initially humorous, gradually reveals deeper emotional connections. What starts as a marriage based on mutual inconvenience transforms into something more complex as Georgia starts to question if this fake marriage is, in fact, the real deal.

The author does a fantastic job of balancing humor with emotional depth, making Alexei's character more than just the stereotypical "grumpy hero." His development is subtle but impactful, showing that even the toughest exteriors can conceal vulnerability and tenderness. Georgia, too, is a relatable and likable protagonist, navigating her own feelings and insecurities while caught up in the whirlwind of her fake marriage.

Overall, this story is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and romance. It's an enjoyable read for fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes and those who love a good "fake marriage" turning into something much more. With its witty dialogue, charming characters, and sweet moments, *Behind the Net* is a delightful escape into a world where love catches you when you least expect it.

Thank you so much for the arc!
I really enjoyed the book. There isn’t a Stephanie archer book that I don’t like.
The banter between the characters were top tier. I enjoyed the character development throughout the story. The daily flower delivery basically has its own character development and I love it.
I will say I was confused on a few minor details almost where I felt like I missed a conversation between the characters but it was still really good!

This was so good, it was like a dessert as soon as i bit into it i was enjoying it. I definitely enjoyed my time with this story. It had the banter paired with enemies to lovers vibes yes please. The story was well written, it had everything you would want in a sports romance.

Georgia needs to marry to unlock her inheritance and save her research program for sports rehabilitation. Alexei needs to marry a Canadian to secure his citizenship. Despite their mutual hatred, they strike a deal that solves both of their problems: a marriage.

I LOVE a marriage of convenience trope with a dash of enemies to lovers. It's the perfect combination, and this book delivers all the teasing, banter, and tension. There were so many “my wife” moments…perfection.

This is, hands down, my favorite Stephanie Archer novel that I've read. As a huge fan of hockey romance, I can confidently say this one really hit the mark. When I talk about loving sports romance, I mean books like Gloves Off! This was the perfect balance of plot and spice. We get to see both characters grow individually, alongside the development of their growing love, which makes the reader even more invested in them ending up together. I absolutely adored this romance.

Read if you like:
- Marriage of convenience
- Hockey romance
- Banter
- “Enemies” to lovers
- Strong FMC
- Down-bad MMC

This was EVERYTHING I wanted. After gobbling up their interactions like a peasant for three books, finally being able to read their story was the highlight of my week and I was not in ANY way disappointed.
Georgia and Alexei were absolutely chemical together. Watching them grow to love each other, overcoming their preconceived notions about the other, and finally getting their happy ending!!?? Perfection.
The pacing of the story was great, I love that it slowed down a bit at times to show domesticity and how they were growing together. I liked the involvement of all the past couples and characters I loved and the hints at a possible upcoming story line.
This series is incredible and I’ve loved every single book!

I really enjoyed this book! The plot was fresh and interesting and I really enjoyed the characters, as well as their different personalities!

My first Stephanie Archer book and let me tell you I could not put it down. I need to find out how it turns to love and both characters were stubborn about their feelings.

The hate to love was good. Alexei and Georgia, the banter, the trying to one up each other. The possessiveness that creeps in with both characters but more so with Alexei, how can you not fall for him. Both of them were down to earth expect they didn't that about each other and once they care they care for those they love. The little details as they began to fall for each other, Alexei with flowers and their meaning and Georgia and her bunnies.

Gloves off is a nice rom-com. My minus points was it came off a bit repetitive, maybe some of it could have been edited, in my opinion and you still would have a good story. Miscommunication right off the bat, both characters too proud to show their real colors to each other, which I didn't mind because it was the story.

It was engaging, fun and a good read.

Stephanie Archer is a top author, and Gloves Off did not disappoint! I have loved this series from book one and it's so amazing to revisit this world and these characters, and to see how past book couples have grown. I am obsessed with Alexei and Georgia! It was incredibly frustrating to have them both be so biased in the beginning, but it made the growth of their relationship all the more beautiful.

This book is filled with a grumpy, possessive man obsessed with calling Georgia "my wife" and I am here for it all the way. I love that all of Stephanie's female characters are bad ass women with goals and lives that don't get pushed aside to make way for a man. Get it, Steph! I am beyond thrilled that Stephanie get picked up by a trade publisher and it makes me so happy to see her books on the shelf!

Ahhhh the way I loved this book so much like it was such a fun read. When i say all i was thinking about was reading the other books in the series. This is a hockey romance with marriage of convenience for a visa. The banter was great, the steam was good and i just loved the characters! The fmc is a doctor and she and the mmc, a hockey player on the cusp of retirement hate each other at first because of a misunderstanding. They agree to a marriage of convenience and while they try to keep their distance they obviously cant stop the attraction and chemistry.

I loved just the friendship, romance and spice as well as him falling first. I loved both characters background and how it impacted the relationship. This book was just so cute and a fun spicy read. Thanks to Dell Romance for the arc for an honest review.

Read for:
- Hockey romance
- Opposites attracts
- Enemies to lovers
- Steamy scenes
- Hockey player mmc and Doctor fmc

I’m not usually one for enemies to lovers when it feels really angry or hate filled. While this one did have those elements, I found I was somehow cool with it when it came to Alexei and Georgia?? Slow burn at its finest here and I really liked seeing these characters bend and make hard but necessary changes to be with each other.

This is the fourth book in a series that I haven’t read, and I didn’t mind or find it tough to join the obviously well established gang of characters at all. I can’t wait to go back and read through the series!