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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We were introduced to Alexei in the first book of the Chicago Blaze series, Anton. He struck me as an unapologetic, womanizing hockey player who lived his life as one big party. Alexei’s excessive drinking (followed by random one-night stands) was the result of some deeply rooted issues.
He is given an ultimatum – either clean up his act or practically lose everything he has worked for. He is forced to check into rehab and that’s where he meets his therapist Grayson. Grayson has a heart of gold and wants the very best for every patient she encounters. Alexei spends individual and group therapy with Grayson and starts opening up. He is very charming and throughout the time she spends with him, she is finding it extremely difficult to fight the chemistry between them. Without giving too much away, let’s say that I was blown away by Alexei’s determination to prove to himself and Grayson that love is truly worth the wait.
I love Brenda Rothert’s characters. They aren’t perfect but flawed in the most perfect way. Alexei was a heartwarming read! I expected no less of Brenda Rothert! Highly recommended.
I love this Chicago Blaze series. Alexei and Anton are twins from Russia. Alexei has always been the bad boy and getting into trouble. When he gets himself into some real trouble, he has to go to rehab. This is where he meets his therapist, Graysen. I wasn’t crazy about Alexei in past books, but I was glad to see another side to him in this book. I have always heard that many people have to hit rock bottom before they get help. Alexei hit his bottom and found some truths about himself he never realized. Graysen is such a good therapist and knows how to bring people to talk about their demons. I was surprised about Graysen’s background and how she became a therapist. I feel bad for the people who do t make it and don’t want to change.
There is an especially funny part in this book with the hockey team. I was laughing out loud just imagining it! This is a good book that I strongly encourage you to read. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
This was a super story, which dug deep into addiction and how it affects everyone in the addict’s life.
“We’re clearly incompatible, but I can’t deny she’s attractive, in a sexy librarian kind of way.”
Alexei Petrov is a well-known good-time guy. He loves to have fun – drinking, women and hockey. Unfortunately, one fun night leads to him in a coma. On waking, he finds out that his career is on the line and the only way to redeem it is by going into rehab.
“The therapist in me thinks his vulerability is a positive step in the right direction. But the woman in me finds it sexy as hell.”
Graysen Wells is really good at her job as a therapist. On own childhood experience drives her to help people. Always professional and able to maintain a certain detachment, her equilibrium is tested by a certain sexy pro athlete.
“Graysen tells us all to envision what we want for ourselves after rehab. And the only things I ever envision are returning to hockey and her.”
I really enjoyed the connection between Alexei and Graysen. They got off to a rocky start but as Alexei comes to terms with his addiction, it was gorgeous to see how invested both he and Graysen were in his recovery. I loved that he seemed to completely change during his time in rehab and he came out a better man with a better understanding of how his life was before his accident. I loved his reconnection with his twin and the realisation that things are not quite how he saw them. I really enjoyed Graysen’s honesty with herself, as well as the sweet relationship she develops with Alexei. Their commitment to one another was heartwarming. Overall, a great read with real human emotion, and a recognition that, sometimes, you can only help people who help themselves and that life really is what you make it.
Alexei Petrov is Anton’s twin brother. Alexei is a professional hockey player who plays hard on and off the ice. After a terrible car accident, in which he got a DUI, he must go through rehab to get his job back. Graysen is a therapist at The Beckett Recovery Center. She has a long history of dealing with addicts and is dedicated to helping others. The two of them form a bond and are attracted to each other, but can’t act on it because it’s against the rules. I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and fun and sometimes funny. And as always I enjoyed getting a glimpse of previous characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next story in the series.
I’ve got to admit, this isn’t my favourite trope but Brenda managed to do it in a way where I actually enjoyed the story. A lot of hard topics are broached in this book, and the chemistry that develops between Alexei and Grayson is strong. Looking forward to more of this series.
I always get that giddy feeling when I see start a new Chicago Blaze story and with Alexei, there was a frisson of excitement to see how this bad boy and self-imposed black sheep of the family would fall into the fold of the Blaze.
Alexei has hit the proverbial rock bottom, without even knowing he needed to. He’s confronted with the fact that out of a job unless he gets clean. He certain he’s not really an addict, he just likes to party. It’s only in getting clean that he can look back and see how his actions indicate there was something driving him to drink. Therapy is the best thing that could have happened to him, and meeting Greyson, his in treatment therapist, allows him to see things much more clearly and provides the opportunity to fall in love.
I loved this story for both the honest portrait of addiction and recovery, and of two people so unaware they found their person in each other. Rothert handles the scenario by injecting the story with a “forbidden” aspect as Greyson is forced to deny her attraction to her patient. But Alexei will have none of that, he’s feeling something he’s never felt before and he’s not convinced that his recovery is jeopardized by a relationship and their connection is beyond simple attraction. In fact, who could be better for him?
There’s a bit of drama in the therapy group, but there’s also incredible friendships formed as well. One thing I loved is that they were perfectly balanced to provide each other with clarity and what the other person needed. I just really liked both characters. I thought they were immensely likable and deserved happiness. Both characters experience personal growth and their togetherness made me happy.
It’s a long circuitous path for Alexei, but the second line of the Chicago Blaze just got an injection of pure heart. He ends up right where he belonged, closer to his family and in love with life. And Greyson finds a man who provides her the much needed emotional support and protection, and membership in a family that deserves her loyalty and love. 5 Stars and recommendation!!
Alexei was a wonderful story of redemption. I loved watching his transformation and his realization of who he needed to be.
The troubled hockey player meets his person in the most unexpected place. Graysen was very professional and compassionate but there was something about Alexei that rugged at her. Alexei was troubled and had his demons but couldn’t help falling for the doctor. It wasn’t easy and it was uncommon but they were what each other needed especially Alexei. He still couldn’t believe that the beautiful therapist chose him. It was great seeing him mend his relationship with his twin brother and it was great catching up with all the others.
I really loved this book and it might be my favorite from the series by far! it was so heartfelt, deep and beautifully written, that I had to read it in one sitting!
Broken does not mean you can’t find you HEA! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Alexei is the hockey player that supposedly has it all, until he doesn’t. Graysen is a counselor who uses her past to help others. Alexei is a broken soul can Graysen help him find himself and even more! Brenda takes these two broken souls and shows them their HEA!! A great read! I could not put it down!!!
The life of a professional hockey player is one of privilege and decadence. And Alexei Petrov has certainly lived his life to the fullest. In excess. And after almost killing himself by driving drunk, the only way he’ll be able to continue to play the sport he loves is if he goes to rehab. How hard can it be, right? He can stop anytime—he’s not an addict or an alcoholic.
Too bad he’s in denial.
Alexei is the story of a man who’s a bit broken and while on his path to recovery, discovers the perfect woman to spend his life with. Too bad it’s his current rehab therapist, Graysen. A woman who’s got a personal stake in helping addicts recover, and a woman who’s carefully guarded her heart from falling for one.
Graysen and Alexei have an undeniable attraction. A spark. A connection. But a doctor/patient relationship beyond a professional level is not allowed. But a relationship after treatment certainly is.
And, wowza, is it awesome! I wholly enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Alexei and Graysen. They both needed to work on themselves and their personal “baggage” that would impede them from really moving forward and falling in love. Alexei’s recovery felt honest and true. I loved how Graysen helped balance him—and forced him to heal some of his personal relationships, including his relationship with his brother Anton. I loved how Alexei fit in with the rest of the Chicago Blaze team too. I can’t wait for Easy’s story too!
I am completely addicted to this series. In all honesty, I started reading these books because of the extremely hot covers!! 😉 But the entertaining stories and hunky hockey player heroes have kept me hooked.
Alexei is the fifth story in the Chicago Blaze series. Each book is a complete standalone story.
In Alexei, the author deals with the serious subject of drinking and addiction. I love that she is sensitive to the weight of the issue without allowing the the romance of the story to lose its sweet and swoony feel.
-5 Sweet & Swoony Stars!-
Alexei won’t disappoint!
So if you’ve kept up with this series, you’ve probably shaken your head about Alexei’s antics and how they torment his brother, Anton. So finally we get his story and Brenda Rothert turns an annoying character into one you will definitely be rooting for. I’m not a huge fan of the therapist falls for her patient stories, but this one was done so well and there is such realism to this story.
Addiction is real and this book does not shy away from its consequences – both from the ones addicted and the ones who are touched by it. This book doesn’t pull a lot of punches with the chaos that can cause.
This book was beautifully done and there is one scene in there that is hilarious in its descriptiveness (you’ll know when you read it). While you will hurt with some of the pain – this is an enjoyable story and the love between Graysen and Alexei is so very sweet.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Read the series!
Brenda Rothert has written a book that shows Alexi Petrov going through rehab and finishing so he can play for the Chicago Blaze after his current team released him when he had an accident at three times the alcohol limit. Alexi had to hit bottom and actually face that he had an issue before he could figure out why he was drinking.
The attraction between Graysen and Alexi is there but Graysen knows that Alexi needs the time to figure out his new normal before they can date.
So you need to read Alexi and all of the Chicago Blaze series.
Brenda Rothert’s Alexei (Chicago Blaze #5) has an epic comeback. Alexei Petrov is the brother of Chicago Blaze captain Anton (Chicago Blaze #1). Anton didn’t paint a pretty picture of Alexei. After DUI car crash, Alexei is released from the Comets. Blaze team owner, Oliver Durand, offers Alexei the opportunity to play for the Blaze contingent on cleaning up his act, entering rehab, and healing his injuries. Alexei didn’t plan on his feeling for his rehab group leader Dr. Graysen Wells. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers.
Brenda Rothert does an amazing job with this story. There are a lot of deep topics in this novel: mental health issues, alcoholism, and ethics. Not only do we hear about Alexei’s issues, but we learn stories of the people who are in his rehab group. It is interesting and emotional to see how the various individuals responded and changed throughout the story.
It was thought-provoking discovering Alexei’s perspective. I love that Alexei was given a second chance and could heal mentally, physically, and his relationship with his family. The attraction Alexei and Greyson feel for each other was a noteworthy situation. They handled themselves well and became stronger for it. The story does a great job demonstrating how the right people supporting you is important, but ultimately it is up to the individual.
Alexei has become my favorite book in the Chicago Blaze series. It was skillfully written. It tied in well with the rest of the series. It was powerful, heartfelt, and it had the perfect ending. I am looking forward to Erik’s (Easy) story next. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Alexei Petrov has a problem, but he doesn’t want to admit it. He loves to drink, spend his evenings with beautiful ladies vying for his attention, and he does it often… too often. He for one thinks there is nothing wrong with blowing off a little steam and enjoying himself, but one night his enjoyment gets a little out of hand and he finds himself waking up in a hospital bed with no recollection of the night before. Now not only is his body paying the price, but he is also about to lose his job, that is unless he agrees to go to a treatment program and get himself back on the straight and narrow.
It seems easy enough to do, he’ll be a good boy do the program, and be back on the ice in no time. But then he meets his counselor and he realizes he may have just signed up for far more than he bargained for! She is beautiful, pushes his boundaries, and truly sees the man underneath the jersey, and that is a little more scary than he cares to admit. For the first time in his life he feels like he has met someone who understands and accepts him for who he really is… but she pushes him away at every turn because them being together is wrong on so many levels. But he is a determined man, one that really wants the girl, and he will do anything to win her heart!
Alexei is a moving tale of new beginnings, healing old wounds, and embracing love. This one took me by surprise a little, while it had the expected steamy side to it, it also a deep emotional punch to it too, at times the words stole my breath. The pain these characters carried could easily be felt, their addictions or associations with addiction lead them down similar paths, and ultimately united them. Both caring for one another, but knowing that care could lead them down a dangerous path, one that could cost them deeply, or reward them with something they both craved dearly. Watching these two fight their hearts and minds and try to keep things strictly business was a little torturous on the heart, but totally worth it in the end. I absolutely adored these characters, the story they had to tell was enlightening, heartfelt, humorous, and passionate… a story I loved every single second of! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
In this book we get to see Anton’s brother Alexei. Alexei has been broken for awhile. He continues to party hard and doesn’t care who he will hurt as long as his pain will go away. So when he wakes up in the hospital with broken bones and given a ultimatum to give up playing pro hockey or go to rehab he needs to think fast. He soon realizes that it ain’t a walk in the park but meets someone who feels he can talk to. Grayson is a doctor who is also flawed and finds herself attracted to a patient which is not allowed. Can she help this hard group graduate and stay sober. Can Alexei stay on the right path or will his inner demons take over. This is a very realistic and strong story. Highly recommend even to those who do not like sports romances
I am becoming addict to the Chicago Blaze’s series… I am looking up for the other books but I have to tell you that this one is so emotional and true. I have alcohoolics in my family ( I am sad to say) and it is a long, difficult, emotional path for both the individual and the family. I am glad that the author has demonstrated in this book and was sensitive dealing with this difficult disease in the book. One thing that is great is that the book also tells the therapist side, which we do not often see… How hard it is to deal with so many problems everyday and still be true to yourself and have fun. Alexei and Graysen have met in an unusual way but their bond is so strong in the book, their path is diffult and it is great that they decide to take it slow and respect each other, loving and caring.
I loved this book because it is honest, truthful and sensitive.
“Alexei” Book 5 of Brenda Rothert’s Chicago Blaze Series is a story about addiction, recovery and love. Alexei has a problem with both alcohol and sex. He uses both to mask a childhood trauma that he doesn’t even realize he suffers from. After a DUI he is forced into rehab were he meets and falls in love with his therapist Dr. Graysen Wells. Graysen’s whole life evolves around her job. Having grown up the daughter of an abusive alcoholic father, she makes it her life’s work to help people recover from their addictions. Both Alexei and Graysen fall hard and fast for one another and despite the inappropriateness of their budding relationship they decide to pursue it slowly, respecting Alexei’s recovery time. Watching them get together and grow to love one another is a bittersweet journey. I am a huge fan of Brenda’s Chicago Blaze Series and recommend you TBR this one and the ones before it. Enjoy.
I started reading this story and finished it in one sitting. This amazing 5 star heartfelt story was an amazing page turner.
Alexei is an NHL hockey player who loves to party a little too much until he goes through someone’s barn drunk. According to him he doesn’t have a problem but the team says otherwise. Grayson is his therapist at the centre. Feelings will develop but it’s not the right time.
This story deals with addiction. I like the way the author spined the story around. I was afraid that patient/therapist would blurb the line but they were professional and waited. So it made the story much more believable and heartfelt. I loved these amazing characters that were perfectly created. Bottomline this is a must read.
Although it’s part of a series, I can safely say it can be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story and the entire series as well.