AlexeiI guess the party’s over—for now. When I wake up in the hospital after a DUI car crash, my new NHL team owner gives me an ultimatum – get sober or get packed for the minor leagues. So I talk the talk and go to rehab. I plan to breeze through, get sprung in 30 days or less and hit the road with my new team, the Chicago Blaze. All I have to do is charm my attractive, uptight rehab group … rehab group leader into thinking I’ve changed—how hard could it be?
Graysen
I see right through Alexei Petrov.
My calling to save addicts from themselves before they self-destruct is deeply personal. Alexei’s hot and successful, sure. But he’s not okay, and he’s got a lot of work to do before graduating from my group. No one’s ever tested my boundaries like he does, though. I fight my desire and keep things professional, because the stakes couldn’t be higher—it’s not just my job that’s on the line, but also his life. The deeper we fall, though, the more he makes me question the mantra I live by: never trust your heart to an addict.
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There’s only one way to go from rock bottom
The road up from rock bottom is a hard bumpy climb. Seeing big tough hockey stud realize how vulnerable he is and get his therapist to actually gain some insight into her own demons was very touching. They support and compliment each other perfectly. And try to see a future together, if possible. Not just recovering from alcohol but recovering- or discovering – their best life.
I had the same problem with this book as I do with all Brenda Rothert books: I couldn’t make it last. I’m so pulled in from the very first sentence by her writing, characters, and storyline that I literally cannot put the book down. I end up reading it all in one day. I try to stretch it out but when I put it down I just crave to be back in. I guess I have my own addiction to her books. It’s not such a bad problem to have though.
I loved this book! I was so moved and completely invested in Alexei & Graysen’s journey. I loved hearing from some of the other players from previous books and I’m really looking forward to more stories of other teammates.
When Alexei wakes up in the hospital after a DUI car crash he is given an ultimatum – get sober or get packed for the minor leagues. Rehab ends up being a lot harder than he expected and makes him realize the truth about himself, he is an alcoholic. It helps that his therapist is beautiful and he can’t stop thinking about her.
Alexei is Anton’s brother and has been in trouble from the beginning. He parties hard, slacks off, and doesn’t realize how his life was spiraling out of control. Going to rehab opens his eyes to how addicted he really is and how much it has affected his life. I liked Alexei but even though we got a lot of emotion from him he never really clicked for me, which was a little disappointing.
Graysen was an interesting woman. She had a troubled childhood and used it to fuel her need to help people. She is a control freak who has problems opening up to Alexei, especially because he is an alcoholic. I liked her but I feel that we didn’t get enough of her side of the story for me to truly fall in love with her. I was really expecting to learn more about her once they became a couple but that didn’t happen. Also there was never any outcome from her mother visiting her. She made that out to be a big deal and yet nothing came out of it, so that felt like an unfinished piece of the story.
Overall, this was still a good story and a good addition to the series. I just didn’t connect to these two as well as I have with previous couples. I still liked them both but wish we had more development with them as a couple, instead of all the time skips.
Omg! I love to read Brenda Rothert stories. Alexei is the fifth book in the Chicago Blaze series. Alexei is the brother of Anton. Alexei loves to party alot. Until oneday it went alittle too far. Grayson is the therapist at a rehab center. That’s where Alexei mets Dr. Grayson Wells. I love the chemistry between them. Grayson and Alexei are so perfect together. This book will keep you the edge of your seat. This story deals with overcoming being addicted to either alcohol, drugs, and sex. Grayson had to overcome some stuff from her childhood. It can be read as a standalone but I suggest that you start from the beginning. It gives you alittle more insight on the brothers. I recommend this series to you. I couldn’t put down the book I had to know what would happen. I can’t wait to read Easy’s story soon. Keep up the amazing work girl!!
4
Quick read but a slow burn. Though their connection is instant, I loved the build up with Alexei and Greysen, it seemed to be very needed with their individual pasts.
This HEA did leave me feeling like the last couple chapters were rushed. Once they were together it just seemed glossed over. I felt this could have been a little longer to get rid of that feeling, but I definitely will read more books in this series.
Hockey, Therapy, Rehab, Forbidden, Redeemable
I’ve loved every book in this series but Alexi particularly touched my heart. Ms. Rothert has done her research well and Alexi’s journey is portrayed authentically and so beautifully.
ALEXEI WAS WORTH THE WAIT
Alexei Petrov….Anton’s twin brother and NHL center for the Austin Comets has been a problem for Anton since this series began….He’s been the all fun, jokes and party brother…..Alexei has so much natural talent, but everything is fun, alcohol and sex for Alexei….much to Anton’s dismay….When Alexei has a car accident, while under the influence, he not only gets a DUI, but his team drops him, and now he has broken bones to heal before he can get on the ice again…the light at the end of the tunnel? The coach for his brothers’s team, the Chicago Blaze, comes to see him while he’s still in the hospital and makes him an offer he can’t refuse…If he goes to rehab, and he seriously tries to get and stay sober, Alexei will be part of that team…so Alexei goes to rehab…
Dr. Grayson Wells is an addiction therapist at the Beckett Recovery Center, and she’s a really good person and a really good therapist….Her patients’ sobriety is Grayson’s number one priority…..Having feelings for a patient is foreign and unacceptable to Grayson, until Alexei walks in and turns her world upside down…
Alexei is healing….and falling in love with his doctor…(and vice versa) and not being able to be with her is unacceptable to him…Grayson always puts Alexei’s sobriety before her feelings…And it becomes quite the dilemma for Grayson….and Alexei…But Alexei is not giving up…
I absolutely loved Alexei and Grayson…their chemistry…that slow burn….Alexei may be my favorite hockey player of the Chicago Blaze….maybe….. and ALEXEI may be my favorite book of this series….but I’d have to re-read all of them to be sure…I really do love this series….And the book covers are as hot as the book!! Thank you, Brenda Rothert…..
This is Brenda Rothert’s most touching book yet! This one has all The feels and pulls at your heartstrings. A very emotional but great read!
Alexei is Anyone troubled brother. He likes to drink and party. After hitting rock bottom and having an injury he decides to go to tenants beginning a new course in his life.
Grayson is The therapist at the rehab center who has been provided to work with Alexei but she finds herself physically attracted to her client…
I loved Graysen and Alexei. I Loved their chemistry. I loved that they both just couldn’t fight their feelings towards each other.
Ah these Petrov brothers sure know how to make your heart skip a beat but man do they have issues lol. Alexei is a man who is well always behind the shadow of his high profile brother, Anton in the hockey world. These two have always had a competitive relationship and boy does it take a strong woman like Graysen to really see the real Alexei Petrov. Seeing him in her world, rehab is a real opener not just for Alexei but for her as well remembering her past as well. The chemistry of course is all there but there is so much of Alexei he doesn’t show to the world and wow Graysen totally makes him wide open to the whole crew at the rehab. In a way this is another great addition to this series and boy the whole Chicago Blaze team just keeps getting hotter and hotter.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
I do enjoy this series a lot. They’re quick reads for me, but they pack a punch. This is one that grabs you right from the beginning. It shows the effects addiction has not just on the person with addiction, but the people in their lives. This was an emotional read watching the road to recovery for some of the characters. It’s also inspiring because the end of the book is such a reward. I really liked Graysen. What she has gone through in her childhood to turn out to the woman she is today is beautiful. She really loves her work and she is in it to help people. That as a reader you can feel rolling off the pages. This is a great installment to the Chicago Blaze series and I can’t wait for the next book. I have a feeling it’s going to another emotional read.
This was a first time author for us and we have to say that our first time read by them was quite enjoyable.
We enjoyed the story it was heart felt and engaging and had character’s that were all flawed.This story had a serious under- tone and had it’s character’s living with some sort of addiction some owning it and others others refusing to face their reality just yet.
Alexei was one of those cocky bad boys that never thought about much more than his next party and next willing women until a little slip of a women made him start questioning his life and his life choices. I have to say we really loved Alexei from the moment we met him a new he was going to be one of those characters that would have us smiling throughout the story.
Graysen was one of those character’s that was down right love-able who truly cared about helping others and truly care about all her patients even the difficult ones.We found her sweet kind and loved how her own families dysfunction lead her to helping others.
Overall we enjoyed the story with these flawed characters and how they worked so hard to atone for the mistakes that they made some learning to live with them and others moving forward .We loved seeing the unlikely relationships & friendships forged.We also enjoyed that the story had a complicated love interest that lead to one party finding their soul mate. I loved the unusual courtship that went on between Graysen and Alexei as it was kind of sweet and different and we loved that.
Final thoughts are that we loved that love was found in one of the most unlikely place.
I love all the Blaze books and have been waiting to see what the troublemaking twin, Alexei had to say for himself. It would not be an understatement to say I was surprised by the direction his story took. His rehab with Graysen and the way their relationship developed was everything I love about Ms. Rothert’s style. I was a bit… suspicious I suppose that Alexei came to his senses and devoted himself so much so quickly to getting well, but happy for it.
Glad to see this ‘family’ all in one place and growing!
As I’ve been reading this series, I’ve often wondered if there would be a book about Alexei. He’s mentioned a lot, as he’s Anton’s twin, and he’s been portrayed as a very talented hockey player, but with drinking problems. He’s often embroiled in some fight, always related to his drinking, so I was glad to finally read his story.
I loved that the problems in his relation with Anton are presented, so we get into it deeply. Anton is hard-working and methodical, we saw that in his book. He didn’t get the natural ability for hockey like his twin Alexei did, so he made up for it in hard work. I had read that he resented Alexei for having the natural ability but wasting it by drinking and partying too much. Now in this book, we read the other side of the coin!
In this book, Alexei partied too much and ended up in the hospital. He was also released from his hockey team. The owner of Anton’s hockey team, the Chicago Blaze, makes him an offer he can’t refuse; if he fixes his drinking problem, he can join his team. With no other choice but to get into rehab, he goes unwillingly. He just doesn’t believe he has a drinking problem, it’s just that he likes to party, right?
In therapy, he makes new discoveries, finds a lot of hidden truths in his soul, he finds friends, and he finds love. It’s a beautiful love story and I loved his girl.
Dr. Graysen Wells is the daughter of addicts. Her experience is what took her in the route of counseling addicts to help them overcome their habits. She’s very guarded with her heart and has a conflict falling in love with a patient.
The author’s treatment of Alexei’s addiction and Graysen’s heart is delicate and beautiful. Alexei’s negation of his problem feels real, and Graysen’s kind and giving heart feels just like what Alexei needed. This couple was made for each other and there was a lot of caring and consideration between both. As always, I love this author’s stories because there’s a little bit of angst with a lot of love and sweetness. In this case, there’s a little darkness because of the subject theme and it added spice to a lovely story.
Alexei is book 5 in the Chicago Blaze series by Brenda Rothert. And I’m HOOKED on this series!!! Man can Ms Rothert write sweet and sexy hot alpha males?!?! Yes she can, YUM!!!
Alexei the bad boy hockey player has a reputation of being the life of the party, and drinking way to much, and also loves women, way too much, and When in winds up in rehab he realizes he’s gotta shape up, or risk losing his career.
Graysen is therapist while in rehab, and she has an immediate attraction to the cocky hockey player. But shes determined to keep it strictly professional.
Alexei and Grayson have a slow burn romance, and their attraction to one another is SMOLDERING!! I can’t get enough of this series!! Ms Rothert gave me everything I look for in a hockey romance!
Alexei is a hockey player with an alcohol problem. A car accident and trip to the ER leads to him meeting Graysen. Graysen is a counselor for a rehab program. She is take no mess from anyone. She doesn’t fall all over Alexei like other women in the past. She also has a painful past with addiction as does Alexei. These two were a match for each other. This is a good series and read.
I knew going into this book that I would be meeting a man at a crossroads. Because Alexei Petrov has been the proverbial bad boy of hockey, leaving a trail of bad behavior that his brother and his team has had to clean up. But now it’s time for him to deal with his demons. Forced to enter rehab or lose the opportunity to play hockey, Alexei is about the start down a road of both discovery and recovery.
Grayson Wells has her work cut out for her. Faced with a man that doesn’t want to admit that he has a problem, and her own growing attraction to him, Grayson is walking a fine line between doing what she needs to and giving in to her feelings. Helping Alexei may well be one of the toughest jobs she’s ever had.
Brenda Rothert handles the issues of addiction and the way that it affects not only the individual, but those that care for them, in a human and real way. While the relationship between Alexei and Grayson goes deeper than counselor and patient, the focus is on them getting Alexei to where he needs to be in his recovery, to an honesty and acceptance that will allow him to put his past to rest.
As with the rest of the books in the Chicago Blaze series, there is so much more than just a typical sports romance. Brenda continues to instill these stories with heart and soul, and I look forward to EASY, Erik’s story.
After meeting Alexei Petrov in his brother Anton’s book I knew his story was going to be intense…and it definitely was. In dealing with his sex and alcohol addictions some hard truths were revealed throughout the story that kept readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Alexei may start off with a carefree attitude about his kind of fun, but when his career and his future are put in jeopardy he knows he must put in some hard work to truly reach HEA. Along the way he has his strong-willed counselor Greyson giving him the strength to deal with his past while keeping their burgeoning attraction on the back burner.
Alexei is always the life of the party…and getting more and more out of control. The night he crashes into a barn, discovers he’s way over the legal limit, and loses his place on his hockey team because of severe injuries is an eye-opening experience that means the party’s over. It’s off to rehab for him, rehab for his body and mind, and while there he learns things about himself that make him a better man in the end. It’s a journey that’s difficult, and Alexei doesn’t always sound heroic, but by the end he’s accepted his imperfections and made amends to those who needed it. Alexei is clearly a charmer at the start but has used those charms for far too long to keep his real feelings at bay, with him facing the truth about himself though I found him at his most attractive and he slowly endeared himself to me with each turn of the page.
Greyson Wells is a cool, calm, collected heroine who’s a great support to others which leaves her heart open to pain. After a childhood dealing with her father’s issues, and now her mothers, she’s closed herself off. She may not be interested in relationships right now, but the moment she meets Alexei her heart starts to race. She knows it’s wrong though and early on set boundaries to keep his recovery in the forefront of their actions. They lean on each other as friends, but nothing more is acted on until months later which left me counting down the chapters until they finally crossed that line…and at times it slowed the story down to a crawl. Despite that small quibble I liked this heroine. She was smart, honest, and didn’t take crap from Alexei, she made him think and forced him to stop laughing off life. She pushed him and I was cheering her on as she helped him become a better man.
The issue of addiction takes up a large part of this story and the author definitely didn’t sugarcoat things. She depicted characters with vivid realism, imperfections and all. Alexei’s therapy group were an intriguing blend with some individuals you’re clearly meant to like and know will succeed while some will stay stuck in a dangerous cycle. These scenes are intense at times and it’s where a lot of interactions occur between Alexei and Greyson as they slowly become friends. They both open up their hearts and it’s a sweet foundation for their much later romance. It’s a romance that’s ultimately a slow burn, one that I wished had progressed faster, but one that was steeped in realism and that needed to move slowly in order to flourish. I enjoyed seeing Anton, and Mia again too, and how much he clearly loves his brother and their reconnection warmed my heart. From the first page to the last this was a book that captivated me while introducing readers to a man made all the more admirable for embracing his imperfections. It’s about acceptance and unconditional love, and though not much hockey is played, it’s a fine addition to the Chicago Blaze series!
Loved Alexi. I’m glad to finally read his story. Can’t wait for you to read it too and love him as much as I do.
This one is a different romance story from your typical man meets woman. These two meet as patient and doctor. But they don’t technically start a physical relationship until months later. The emotional relationship start date is a bit fuzzy. You make the call.
Alexei and Graysen are perfect for each other. Alexei ends up in rehab and does a 180 with his life. For the better. He respects her when she draws a line in the sand. These two are a very supportive unit.
Oh and the scenes with Anton and his family – I loved them!
I really enjoyed this one.
My one complaint – no epilogue. I need something Brenda!!!
Possible triggers – This story does deal with an alcoholic overcoming his addiction. These are mentions of alcohol killing someone and someone relapsing.
P.S. Fruit salad!!!! Ha ha ha!!!
(You’ll understand when you read this one.)
4 Stars
I was highly anticipating this book and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Alexei’s story is, by far, my favorite in the series. Rothert takes the touchy subject of addiction and weaves everything throughout this book around it. Alexei is a pro hockey player with the world at his fingertips. On the outside, he’s on top of the world, but underneath it all he comes to realize he doesn’t. Alexei and Graysen do not meet under the best of circumstances, but she’s there to help him every step of the way. These two had some major chemistry going on, but I was glad that Graysen stuck to her guns on the rules. This one has some heartbreaking moments, but in the end most flourished and shined. Overall, I really loved this one. Great read.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Alexei by Brenda Rothert was emotional, touching and deals with some tough issues but the author does a great job weaving Alexei and Graysen’s story around them. On the surface, Alexei has it all. An NHL player with everything at his fingertips. But life is never as it seems and Alexei needs to turn his life around if he wants to keep playing hockey. Enter Greysen.
Graysen sees Alexei in ways he does not even see. She wants to help him, but he needs to want to help himself as well. I loved how patient and caring Graysen was. It may have taken a bit for Alexei to see the changes he needed to make, but once he does, he is all in. I loved the chemistry they shared, even when they tried to fight it. Alexei by Brenda Rothert was a bit angsty, full of so many emotions and heart-warming.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!