A review by sarah_ae13
Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

Gracie has two solid rules for dating. The man must love books and not love hockey. But Felix, a pro-hockey goalie for the local team that her entire family loves, lives next door and is determined to change her mind about her second rule. Gracie is shocked to see him at her symphony concert and the sounds of classical music floating through their shared wall. And she begins to wonder if she truly can judge a book by its cover. Her complicated history with hockey keeps her focused on keeping to her rule, but as she learns more about the bookish hockey star, will she find herself ready to let go of the past?

Give me a classical music-loving, bookworm, cooking, hockey goalie... and I'm sold. Felix's POV had me swooning constantly, and I love how thoughtful he was. The way he supported those around him was heartwarming. But I appreciated the representation of his anxiety and how it played into his need to be the one helping others as well as his self-awareness to be working through these challenges. But honestly, the scene of him at the bookstore was so sweet. Gracie's stubbornness was difficult at first but as we learned more about the negative impact hockey had on her youth, it was understanding of why she wanted to distance herself from the sport. I loved the situation that brought them together because it allowed Gracie to see the man behind the goalie mask. The narrators did an excellent job, and I loved the life that they gave to the characters. 

Read if you like: 
🥰Forced Proximity
📕 Bookish Characters
💕Dual POV
🏒 Hockey Romances
📚MMC Who Buys You Books