He’s known as Father Anton to his teammates—the brooding, sexy captain of the NHL’s Chicago Blaze has a reputation for…not having a reputation. Just like his diet and sleep routines, celibacy is part of Anton Petrov’s on-ice mojo. Or so they say. Anton stays mum on the subject. If the world thinks he chooses to abstain from sex, so be it. Better that than the truth getting out: there is a woman … woman he burns for, but he can never have her. She’s his teammate’s wife, after all.
Mia Marceau is finally on her own. Now that she and her husband are living apart, she’s finding the peace she was desperate for. She spends her days in classes and late nights bartending, making her own way in the world at last. After what she’s been through, as long as her husband leaves her alone, she doesn’t plan to rock the boat. He still has the power to hurt those dearest to her, and she can’t demand a divorce with such a high cost.
A chance encounter with Mia has Anton hoping for a shot he never thought he’d get. And while she’s drawn to the intense, serious hockey center, Mia’s leery about playing with fire. That’s all Anton has ever known for Mia, though—a living, burning desire that won’t be denied—no matter the cost.
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A great slow burn read. I enjoyed the friendship Anton and Mia developed, very sweet and caring that turns flirty and sexy. Anton is definitely a swoon worthy alpha! Their relationship is not without some struggle but love how they stayed true to themselves and each other. A fantastic way to start off a new series and can’t wait to read more.
Another hockey romance but this one hardly had any action on the ice, it was all about the love story. Twins Anton and Alexei Petrov were brought from Russia when they were five years old to live with an American family and train in hockey. Alexei is the natural athlete, with the highest scores, and Anton is the highest paid, both captains of their teams. They don’t play together because they play the same position in a team. This leads to friendly competitive squabbles between the twins. As can be expected, Alexei is the rowdy twin, loves to drink and party, while Anton is the serious twin, and lives a quiet life. Since Anton doesn’t have the natural talent his brother does, he substituted with tenacity, discipline and insistence. He eats well, sleeps well, exercises constantly, all in order to play at the top.
Anton is called Father Anton because of his celibacy, in contrast to his teammates’ constant hookups. The reason is that for the past two years, he’s been in love with the wife of a team mate, Adam Marceau. He was felled as if by striking two years ago when she first appeared at a team event. Disgusted by Adam’s constant cheating on his wife, when he chances upon her tending bar in Southside Chicago, he approaches and offers friendship.
From the start, Mia gave me the impression of an abused wife. She has no friends, is separated from Adam and wishing for a divorce but can’t afford one, penniless and living a hand to mouth existence. She’s working and studying to get a better future and take care of her Gramps. Anton is as much a serious guy as a caring and generous person, and when he sees the object of his love going through a bad time, he offers help without expecting anything in return. His sole purpose is to make her life easier.
You could say that Anton is a stodgy fellow, but he’s so caring and so giving that he’s excused. The fact that he only eats chicken or salmon with veggies is almost a sin, but it’s forgivable also. He’s relentless in his effort to help Mia, same as in the care of his obnoxious adopted uncle Dix. When Mia accepts a job taking care of Dix is when the best dialogues and fun times we have in the book. Mia is at times a spitfire and other times a scaredy cat who is afraid of the future because she has so few options. When her roommate had a meltdown, she came to the rescue and organized their lives so her friend could get ahead of her troubles. This gave me the idea of all she could be, if she had the resources. She’s a great character, just very down in her luck.
I liked that this time the hero is not a playboy or a cocky athlete, but a serious and dedicated man, responsible and tenacious. The book is somewhat predictable but the characters are so endearing that you can’t help but like the story.
I love hockey romance. I think it’s my favorite out of all of the sports romance genres. I’m not sure what it is, but the books just seem to have so much energy to them. And I’m always on the look out for something new. This author is one I’ve not read before, but I’ve heard a lot about. The blurb sounded interesting, and I have to admit, that cover jumped at me! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this one!
Mia is a strong woman that has been beaten down by life. Even though she was raised in a rougher part of Chicago, she was brought up in a loving home with her grandparents. She has watched her grandmother die, and her grandfather’s health deteriorate to the point that he doesn’t know who she is anymore. The one person that she should have been able to count on, tried to destroy her mentally. And he almost succeeded. But Mia is slowly pulling herself out from under the pile of garbage that he has buried her under. She is making her way in the world, despite his continued verbal assaults.
Anton is a NHL player. He has worked tirelessly to get where he is, devoting his entire life to the game that he loves. But the past few years something else has kept his mind equally occupied. Mia. He wants her, but knows that he can’t go there. Until he realizes that things aren’t exactly how they seem. He just has to be patient and wait for things to play out in his favor.
This book was amazing! The chemistry between Mia and Anton was fiery, and their devotion to each other and doing things the right way was beautiful! I was captivated from beginning to end. (And even though Mia was married in this book, there is no cheating!)
4.5* Mia has been through a lot especially with her husband Adam. He’s a bully to say it nicely and I want to punch him in the face! Anton sees Mia and notices how different she is and falls for her. He’s not the type of man to go after a married woman so he looks from afar.
When Anton finds out that they’re separated though all bets are off. Anton could give her the world but that’s not her. She wants to make it on her own. I loved seeing her want to be independent, she wants to do it for herself, not take a hand out.
Anton is such a great guy. Loved meeting his brother Alexei and Uncle Dix. Uncle Dix cracked me up and definitely kept everyone on their toes!!!
Slow burn with some definitive aaw moments.
Anton is known to look out for everyone else at work and in his family. Anton is living is dream playing hockey but there is something missing. Mia thought she was going to have the a great life but things happen that change that.
Anton and Mia’s relationship starts out as friendship but you tell that they both want more but with current status things can’t move forward. Anton is determined to show Mia what it is like to be in a healthy relationship.
What can I say about Anton and Mia? I loved their interactions with each other and how Anton always put everyone else first before himself. I felt that Mia and Anton’s relationship is just what they both needed. I cannot leave out Uncle Dix. He had me laughing throughout this whole book. I can’t wait to read more from this series!!!
“The measure of a man is in how happy his woman is. You can take that to the bank.” Was one of my many favorite lines in this book. I highlighted so much while reading my book by this author. She was recommended to me by a friend and I wasn’t disappointed at all with this book, and I will definitely be checking out her other books. It hooked me from the first page until the last. I couldn’t put it down until I finished and I definitely didn’t want Anton and Mia’s story to end, I fell in love with both characters and the way this author their story was absolutely amazing. I laughed and cried a little while reading Mia and Anton’s story no matter what this was their perfectly imperfect story. “I’m broken. So imperfect, but still here and still fighting. And for me, love means letting you see those imperfections.” This line left me completely breathless absolutely loved it. Everyone must read Anton and Mia’s amazing journey to understand their whole prefect, imperfect love story.
Anton is the first book in Brenda Rothert’s new hockey series called Chicago Blaze. The story is so good and emotional that I read it all at once. The characters were likeable and real. Mia and Anton were so good together, even with so many obstacles standing in their way. Looking forward to the next book.
My first hockey novel from Brenda Rothert and it was most definitely worth the wait. The emotion in this book is so raw and passionate. The anticipation and all around angst will keep you on the edge of your seat. A forbidden love that will leave you breathless but still shouting for more. Mia was sure she had it all until she had to flee to the life of paycheck to paycheck, living in fear and basically on her own. Anton was the star center for the Blaze, intense and focused solely on hockey or was this just a front, a mask he wore for the crowd to see. This forbidden love story has a slow burn that will keep you caught in its net from start to finish. I am sitting patiently by my kindle for more from this amazing hockey team.
My first hockey novel from Brenda Rothert and it was most definitely worth the wait. The emotion in this book is so raw and passionate. The anticipation and all around angst will keep you on the edge of your seat. A forbidden love that will leave you breathless but still shouting for more. Mia was sure she had it all until she had to flee to the life of paycheck to paycheck, living in fear and basically on her own. Anton was the star center for the Blaze, intense and focused solely on hockey or was this just a front, a mask he wore for the crowd to see. This forbidden love story has a slow burn that will keep you caught in its net from start to finish. I am sitting patiently by my kindle for more from this amazing hockey team.
4.5 stars
When I read the blurb for Anton by Brenda Rothert, I was very intrigued, and I am glad I read it! It was a forbidden love story that was emotional and sweet with great characters! I had never read this author before and though this is a part of a series, I did not feel lost, though I am now excited to go back and read more of this series!
I fell for Anton right from the start. He was sweet, caring, strong and determined. He was in love with a woman he could not have. His morals were strong, but when he found he could help her, he did everything he could. Even if it meant only friendship, because he was that kind of man. Mia broke my heart. She was sweet, caring and so vulnerable. She was dealing with some very difficult circumstances in her life. When she finally got away, she was just trying to keep her head down and move forward any way she could.
Anton by Brenda Rothert was so much more than a sports romance. It was touching, sad at times and full of hope and second chances. I devoured the book. It was not an easy journey for Anton and Mia, but it was one that was captivating and have you cheering for the main characters. I loved it and cannot wait to read more both from this series and this author.
~ Liz
I am, as a rule, not a fan of sports in real life. I don’t mind them so much in fiction. This was my introduction to Blaze Hockey, and I will be exploring this author’s other stuff for sure!
Anton – dubbed ‘Father Anton’ for his clean living and lack of womanly companionship, has a secret love interest. Mia is trapped in an abusive relationship with one of the Kings, Adam, and scraping trying to make ends meet. These two just have to figure out how to make things work with their situations because they are clearly meant to be together!
This was a fast-paced, unexpected read. I really enjoyed the style and feel of this story! If you need a good romance with a little sports background and flavor, this is a great one for you!
Anton Petrov is the swooniest of heroes! A quiet leader on his team. He is hiding deep feelings that he can never reveal while the object of those feelings belongs to someone else.
“Anton’s got an inner wolf, I’m sure of that. But he’s also patient and a gentleman.”
The story is a slow burn that made me feel warm all over.
“I never realized there was a hole in my heart until Mia filled it. And now, I want more than just hockey in my life.”
I adored crotchety Uncle Dix who completely stole any scene he was in.
The author handled a difficult and emotionally charged subject with care. She sprinkled in humor without making light of heaviness. I’m pretty new to this author’s books but she has won me over with this story!
-5 Stars!-
She gave up her friends for him and his love, but left eight months ago she could take no more, and walked out the door and away from their marriage.
Their eyes meet across the bar she works in. Shocked isn’t the word.
He knows her, he wants her, but it’s complicated. He knows her husband, and together they make up part of Chicago Blaze.
She knows him as her husband’s team mate and prays he can keep her secret.
Her life isn’t as rosy as you might first think, but neither is his. It’s both stressful and exhausting but still they smile and hide their pain.
Brenda Rothert is fast becoming one of my favourite authors to read.
I’m not the biggest fan of sports romance if I’m 100% honest but I knew there would be so much more to this and I was right!!
A rich detailed back story, of things hidden from the public eye. Betrayal and hurt, love and loss this book has it all!!
Anton the adorable, protector of those treated unfairly and all round good guy. One drool worthy athlete!
Mia the mistreated, so undeserving of what is thrown at her. She’s beautiful, tough and resilient.
Characters that steal your heart, your mind and thoughts and leave you an utter mess.
I can’t wait to meet more of the Chicago Blaze team!! I bet they are all heart stealers!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was my first Brenda Rothert book and now, I’m a big fan! We all know I love my Hockey Romances and this one was so swoony!
Anton Petrov is the Captain of the Chicago Blaze hockey team. And he has eyes for only one woman. The problem is, that woman is married…to his teammate.
Mia Marceau is working on herself and putting her life back together once she separates from her cheating, jerk of a husband. She’s doing her best to balance work, school, and family while trying to avoid her husband, who tries to make things harder for her.
One night, Anton walks into the bar where Mia works. He sees her. She sees him…it’s the beginning of an amazing story, right?! I won’t spoil anything for you, you’ll have to pick it up to find out what happens between these two.
I will say, I enjoyed this story very much! The main characters were wonderful, their interactions with each other, with other characters, everything about them was wonderful! Then there’s the supporting characters, I absolutely loved them! They gave the story an extra layer of awesomeness! The minute I finished the book I needed to know who’s story came next because I NEED to know more about these people. I NEED their stories!
If you love a swoony romance, if you love hockey romance, if you love romance period, I’d recommend checking this book out!
Well this is the kind of story that I just adore. I basically devoured it in one day. I started it and couldn’t seem to be able to put it down for very long. This 6 star story came with an amazing storyline and characters.
Anton is an all star hockey player that is focused on his game. But he does have a weakness, Mia. She’s also unavailable and unattainable.
This story came with all the feels. It was romantic, funny and heartbreaking all at once. I loved these amazingly created characters. Mia is strong an independent woman who doesn’t let herself get down. She cares very much for her loved ones. Anton a swoony kind of man. His devotion to his family and to Mia is just incredible.
The storyline was addicting, entertaining and captivating. Beautifully written with a seamless plot that flowed well. There were a few side characters that complimented this already amazing story. They were funny and entertaining. Bottomline is this is a must read.
Standalone for now, told in a dual POV with an amazing HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Great new series by Brenda!
Follow the story of Anton, he’s a twin, his brother is Alexei, they both play hockey but on different teams. Anton is the quiet twin, he’s got himself on a sex hiatus since he met his team mates wife, Mia. He finds her absolutely beautiful, and he wants her but he will never do anything with a married woman.
Mia is struggling, her husband or as she wants him to be her ex. She’s had enough of his cheating & manipulating ways. When she see’s Anton and his brother enter the bar she’s working she panics, she doesn’t want her ex to know where she is.
They develop a friendship, and he’s there to help her through this rough spot. Follow their story, see her struggles and fall in love with Anton in the process! 5 hockey stars for this one!
Ever since he meet Mia, Anton the captain of Chicago Blaze hockey team, he hasn’t gone a day without thinking about her. There’s only one problem, she’s married and not happily. The things that Mia has to ensure in this book is see something no person should have to. I love Anton because he sees her for a woman who should be worshipped and cherished. I didn’t expect for this book to make me cry but it did and that’s a hard thing for a book to do. I’m excited for what’s next in this new series and I can’t wait!
When I read the blurb for Anton by Brenda Rothert, I was very intrigued, and I am glad I read it! It was a forbidden love story that was emotional and sweet with great characters! I had never read this author before and though this is a part of a series, I did not feel lost, though I am now excited to go back and read more of this series!
I fell for Anton right from the start. He was sweet, caring, strong and determined. He was in love with a woman he could not have. His morals were strong, but when he found he could help her, he did everything he could. Even if it meant only friendship, because he was that kind of man. Mia broke my heart. She was sweet, caring and so vulnerable. She was dealing with some very difficult circumstances in her life. When she finally got away, she was just trying to keep her head down and move forward any way she could.
Anton by Brenda Rothert was so much more than a sports romance. It was touching, sad at times and full of hope and second chances. I devoured the book. It was not an easy journey for Anton and Mia, but it was one that was captivating and have you cheering for the main characters. I loved it and cannot wait to read more both from this series and this author.
Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading!
Anton by Brenda Rothert is absolutely phenomenal! Rothert addresses what many of us have encountered with raw grace and dignity. She doesn’t simply the situation, but yet she still manages to weave in humor and romance throughout the storyline.
This is a definite slow burn that you will want to read immediately and won’t be able to put down.
I loved Mia and Anton. And I wanted to adopt Uncle Dix! He is a character, and has enough sass for all of us.
“The measure of a man is in how happy his woman is. You can take that to the bank.”
5 Huge Stars!!!
What a great start to the new Chicago Blaze Series from Brenda Rothert.
You know you are reading a great book when you struggle to put it down and when you wake up a couple of hours later thinking I need to finish that book I need to know if Anton and Mia get the HEA they so deserve. I really don’t want to give too much of the story away because I think you will get the best from this book without knowing the full story what I will say is If you love Sports theme romance this is a must read if you love romance this is a must read, what I’m really trying to say is this is a must read…….
Once again this very talented author has given us characters we will swoon over, characters we will laugh with and not at as well as a story we will not want to end. Anton and Mia are the most adorable couple with many obstacles to cross on their path to true love and I have to say Brenda Rothert has given us a love story that’s beautifully written and full of compassion. I’m hoping the next book in this series is Anton’s twin brothers story (oh did I forget to mention that titbit earlier) …….