Assessment:

Plot: Hegger's hockey-centered, Canada-set romance is smart, sexy, and wholly entertaining. Readers will relish how the protagonists' disdain for one another transforms into understanding and passion.

Prose: Hegger's storytelling chops are evident throughout her even, polished prose.

Originality: Enemies-to-lovers romances are familiar, but Hegger's fine writing and knack for organic character development allows Elizabeth and Sam's chemistry to heat up the page. 

Character/Execution: Hockey and family plays lead roles in 'Roughing,' adding a layer of novelty and memorability to the story. Sam Stone is irresistible as a misbehaving hockey star in trouble, while down-to-earth, resourceful Elizabeth is equally vivid. 

Date Submitted: July 21, 2020