The whole concept of "unlikable" characters means nothing to me, but I found this book so difficult to read because JT's narration was so irritating. It was difficult to feel sympathetic for her, even if she arguably deserved it, because of how bitter and negative she was about everything. I'm pretty sure she was meant to be charming and smooth in a lot of scenarios (like at the bar and flirting), but it always felt painful and cringing to me. I struggled with the world of hockey that Cochrane built up in her first book, and felt the same pains in this one. It's unfair to want a more realistic portrayal of women's hockey, but there were parts that stood out as so false and awkward that it took me out of reading. I'm sure lots of people will love reading this book, but personally I found it hard to get through.

I honestly don't think I could have liked this book any more than I did. Despite some of the outside conflicts with family, this book felt like the coziest warm hug that I think everyone needs at the holidays. When we met JT in Nat and Darcy's story, I knew there had to be a lot of layers under all that shameless flirting and I was not disappointed. JT goes back to her home town for christmas and meets up with Ali, who is her best friend's sister and JT's first crush. The chemistry between them was so good and only got stronger as they worked together to beat their competition in the holiday challenge. JT was so sweet and a little damaged by her past and my heart just ached for her in those vulnerable moments. And Ali was a bold little firecracker that did not shy away from what she wanted. They had so much love for each other you could practically taste it and I was so happy to see their happy ending. I liked Nat and Darcy's story, but I loved this story so much more. It was so so good. I really enjoy when the conflicts are external and we don't have to deal with a 3rd act breakup.