AbbyI only have one love now—the home furnishings business I’m building into an empire. Maybe money and success can’t love me back, but they keep what’s left of my heart safe. One-night stands are my way of scratching the occasional itch I get for something more. And no one’s better for that than a sexy as sin hockey player I’ll never see again after one very hot night together.LucaI used to love … together.
Luca
I used to love two things: hockey and women. But now my nieces and nephew are my top priority, because I’m raising them after tragedy stole their parents. Somehow I balance single parenthood and my career as a forward for the Chicago Blaze. There’s no time for women, until I get knocked on my ass by Abby Daniels. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted, but her devastating past may end us before we even get started.
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4 Stars
We first meet Luca in Anton’s book, and I have to say I was looking forward to his story. Luca goes from being a single professional hockey who loves the game and and his pick of women, to being a single parent with custody of his two nieces and nephew after the tragic loss of their parents. Life has taken on a new form for all parties involved. I adored Luca and how he is with the kids. Putting them first even with his busy schedule, and only enjoying the occasional hook-up when he is out of town for games, he doesn’t have time for a relationship.
Abby Daniels has built herself an empire and spends all of her waking hours working and trying to bury her past. Enjoying an occasional hook-up when she feels the need to scratch that particular itch. When she meets Luca, she can’t deny they have fantastic chemistry and share a night of amazing sex. What she didn’t count on was falling for him.
I couldn’t wait to find out Abby’s story, and when we finally learn her past demons, my heart broke for her. I loved her relationship with Luca’s kiddos and how they help her heal her demons. The chemistry between Abby and Luca is definitely there, but their relationship went from Abby digging in her heels to living with Luca and the kids when she wasn’t in New York for work. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the story immensely, but it went from nothing to I love you’s within the turn of a page. Even though I would’ve like more of watching them grow as a couple, overall I really enjoyed their story.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
5 star Review Luca (Chicago Blaze #2) by Brenda Rothert
Although this is the second book in the series, it is a stand alone and it is not necessary to have read book one, Anton before reading Luca. However, do yourselves a favour if you haven’t read Anton and one click. One of my favourite books from Brenda Rothert, ever; Now, on to Luca.
Luca is just as swoon worthy as Anton. His love of family, his strength and the support that he shows to those he loves is overwhelming. There are also many truly snort worthy, laugh out moments whilst reading and I was riveted from the first to the last chapter.
Chicago Blaze is fast becoming one of my favourite series and I cannot fathom how Ms. Rothert can top the two books she has written so far in this series. Emotional reads that will get your feelings going, this is a book you do not want to miss out on reading.
Abby is the perfect woman for Luca and I am so pleased that these two got together. Both have experienced so much tragedy in their pasts that they truly deserved to find happiness. This is an emotional roller coast of a read that I highly recommend. I laughed, I cried but throughout it all I loved Luca and Abby, both separately and together.
Not going to say anymore other than do yourselves a favour and one click this one on release. You won’t be disappointed and I cannot wait to read more in this series.
Well, Brenda did it again.
Who knew she could write an even better book boyfriend then Anton?!?!
Okay, I would be lying if I said me.
I absolutely loved this story!
Such heartbreak and loss formed a beautiful family which I really enjoyed. Luca… he’s an awesome book boyfriend. So selfless and loving. The perfect combination of a man.
And Abby… I loved her independence and fierceness. Let’s not forget the kids either. Such sweet kids.
I could fully picture these people and now I wish we had more of them. Maybe we will catch a small glimpse in the next book.
This is book 2 in the series, but can be read on its own with no issues.
The perfect hockey romance!
Luca is book 2 in the Chicago Blaze series by Brenda Rothert. I’m LOVING this series!!!
Luca and Abby’s book gives ALL-THE-FEELS!!! Two broken people come together finding what they need in one another.
I ADORED Abby!! She’s so strong, determined. And of course Luca is so swooning! You can’t help but love this man! I loved everything about their story. It’s beautifully told. Once again Ms Rothert gives us a story that captivates you, and characters you’ll love!
Oh man. I absolutely loved this story. It was full of heart and emotion. I cried multiple times, but you can’t help but love every single character in this story.
When Chicago Blaze player Luca Campbell crosses paths with businesswoman Abby Daniels, the attraction is immediate and mutual. Abby is strong, successful in her own right, and knows what she wants. But the Abby that Luca meets and falls for is not exactly who she seems to be. Because Abby has dealt with unimaginable loss and heartache, and she will keep that part of her life hidden, no matter how close she and Luca grow.
As book boyfriends go, it would be hard to find a better one than Luca Campbell. Sexy, nice, and a famous athlete, yes, but first and foremost, he’s a family man, dedicated to making sure that his nieces and nephew can experience normalcy, security, and, above all, unconditional love. Having dealt with heartbreak of his own, Luca knows that Abby is keeping a part of herself closed off, and he is determined to break down her barriers and know the “real’ her.
Proving that she knows her stuff, Brenda Rothert has scored big with LUCA, the second book in her Chicago Blaze series. These characters and their stories are more than just another sports romance. There are back stories here that add depth and interest, and make for an emotional and satisfying reading experience.
LUCA is definitely a romance book, but it is the emotion and heart that makes it more for me. Already a big fan of the first two books, I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Blaze players because Brenda has done such a masterful job with these characters and their stories. Victor is next up, and I’ll be anxiously waiting to see what Brenda has in store for him. If hot hockey players with heart that get their HEAs are your thing, these books are for you, so add them to the TBR and enjoy.
This story is about Luca and Abby. They start out as just friends with benefits but we all know that always turns into something else. Luca is a guy with a tough exterior and a soft interior. I adore that about him. He and Abby are just perfect for each other. I really enjoyed this book. It’s a good read, grab a copy and enjoy it yourself.
This was such a gorgeous story. It was sexy hot, heart-melting and moving.
Luca Campbell became a father by default when he became guardian to his nieces and nephew. Between hockey and the three kids, his life is busy and there’s no room for a serious romantic relationship. When he meets the beautiful Abby in a hotel bar and spends an unforgettable night with her, he’s happy to move forward with a hookup arrangement whenever she’s in town. However, as things progress between them, he realises that Abby is unlike anyone he’s ever met before and he can’t help himself from feeling more than he should.
Abby Daniels is a workaholic. She’s closed off and spends every minute of the day occupying her mind, so that she doesn’t dwell on the past. When she meets Luca, she knows that she’s different with him. He’s not part of her plan but he slowly breaks through her walls.
Luca and Abby were so good together. They had chemistry in abundance and I loved how they got under each other’s skin. Luca was such a beautiful, decent guy. He had so much patience and care for his nieces and nephew. Event though he may have doubted his parenting skills, I admired him so much for his attitude and fortitude. He was their rock. Abby was complicated but lurking under her tough-nut demeanour was a woman crying out for love, and who was so achingly vulnerable. However, she stepped up to the plate when Luca needed her.
This was a fantastic story with great pace that was sexy but also tugged at the heartstrings.
Luca is the second in the series, but can absolutely be read as standalone. There’s a few references to Anton from the first in the series and other characters, but this story focuses purely on Luca and Abby.
Abby has built her business empire, and meets Luca by chance while on a business trip in a hotel bar. There’s chemistry, a hookup. This is the arrangement they agree on because it’s what should work best for them. And it does… until it doesn’t.
I’m not shy about the eyerolls I get when characters agree to no strings. This felt different, was different, and was definitely about way more than it often is when that trope is used. Both Luca and Abby have been put through a ton of heartache in their lives and them together is the best way to mend the cracks, even if it isn’t an easy road to get there.
As always, great world, great characters, a wonderful romance. Recommend!
Good golly! Who’s ready for all the feels from Luca and Abby—two broken souls who have each experienced such tragedy, but really and truly need someone to love them wholly, even though they both deny that need.
Abby. I don’t even know where to start. You’re a pillar of strength. A true phoenix who’s risen from the ashes. But, girl, you need to open your heart to love again. Someone like Luca who’s dealing with something just as difficult and challenging. Someone who’ll love you through your pain.
And Luca. You’re enough. Let me tell you that again. You. Are. Enough. And you have enough love to open your heart to Abby as well as your nieces and nephew.
Ack. I can’t even right now with these two. Abby and Luca are perfect for each other. They balance each other out. And they have such huge hearts. I loved their interactions. Their denial of feelings until those feelings totally won out! Abby and Luca are super sexy together too—but they’re also great out of the bedroom and with those adorable, fantastic kids.
I couldn’t read Luca fast enough to make sure Abby and Luca had their happily ever after. I am so enjoying this smart, sexy Chicago Blaze series. And Vic is next!
Y’all! That cover!! Whew! And that’s not even the best part of this book! This is the second book in the Chicago Blaze series and I am very sad that I missed Anton (book one) when it first came out! I love a good sports series and Brenda Rothert killed it with Luca! This book truly has everything – heart, angst, swooniness, heat, and humor! FIVE HUGE STARS!!
Oh my heart!!!! Luca, Abby and the kids were simply amazing. Luca and Abby met when he rescued her at a bar and it took off from there. They had a one night stand that continued more than one night and it was fun as long as they kept the personal stuff out. They barely knew anything about each other just the basic stuff. They got closer but then Abby met the kids and this story took a turn into emotional territory with lots of tears. When Abby brought up her past it was really sad and you see her with a new set of eyes and how strong she is. Luca was just an angel especially with his nieces and nephew; it was beautiful. Great story no drama and lots of emotions.
I was excited to read Luca’s book after being introduced to him in the first book in the Chicago Blaze series. I couldn’t wait to find out which heroine would sweep Luca off his feet or vice versa. I’m happy to say he met his match in his book and I’m glad that Brenda Rothert got two characters together that both needed healing in some way.
Luca is a professional hockey player who plays for the Chicago Blaze. He becomes guardian to his brother’s children after his brother was killed while serving in the military and his sister-in-law passed away with cancer. He’s now guardian to his beautiful two nieces, and a handsome nephew and life have been a challenge, but he’s doing a darn good job of being their guardian. He even has put his love life on hold because his nieces and nephew get his full attention when he’s not playing hockey. He ends up meeting Abby while she’s in town on business and it’s not something that was planned. A one night stand turns into something else between the two, but Abby has a past that causes her not to be a relationship with anyone. She’s not looking for serious, but for some reason, she’s intrigued by Luca until she realizes something about him that makes her anxiety spike.
At first, I didn’t connect well with Abby in the book because of how to put off she was with being with Luca. The instant Luca tries to make something more of their heated relationship is when Luca sees another side of Abby. Luca doesn’t make it easy though for Abby. He’s determined to win her over and find out the truth about her; especially she didn’t say who she was at first. I loved though how Luca was persistent to win over Abby. He wanted to know her. It felt kind of like an instant-love connection for Luca to Abby, but not the same with Abby though. Brenda Rothert then had the back story come into play and let’s say I understood Abby’s character a lot more. The more woman had gone through a lot in her past, but she found a way to help others and also cope with what she went through. I won’t give anything away, but be prepared for some emotions to run wild after you find the truth of Abby’s past and also find out how sweet and caring Luca is towards her and his nieces/nephew. I loved Luca and was glad he finally got a HEA after he went through too.
If you love a contemporary romance with sports (hockey) element in it that includes characters that have overcome tragedies to find each other, then this is the book for you.
Now I’m going to wait patiently for Victor’s book next in the series. I’m loving this series from Brenda Rothert and glad I found a new author who has become an auto-buy author for me.
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 3.5 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of Chicago Blaze series, but each can be read as a standalone.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Sports/Hockey Romance
Hero: Hockey Player; Guardian of his nieces & nephew
Heroine: CEO of successful furniture business; dealing with loss
“Sometimes, the curve balls life throws at you end up becoming home runs.”
Brenda Rothert has this crazy ability to squeeze my heart and wring it dry and then fill it up again better than before.
I loved this book so much! It had me tearing up with the best of tears – the happy ones that come from sadness being replaced.
I loved each character’s back story and the characters themselves. They were all so easy to root for and truly want them to all have joy and peace in their hearts.
Abby is running her furniture business and building it into more. She just has one night stands to satisfy her needs and doesn’t do relationships. Luca is a hockey player raising his nieces and nephew after a tragic accident leaves them without their parents. He doesn’t have time to spend on a relationship. He meets Abby and after a one night stand can’t let go. Will Abby’s past keep them from beginning any type of closeness?
If you think book one hit you emotions, this book will definitely make you shed a tear. Luca didn’t expect to lose his Brother and sister-in-law within a year of each other. He definitely didn’t expect to become a guardian to his nieces and nephew. Love is the last thing on his mind, but when he meet Abby they come to an agreement that works for the both of them. Abby knows how it feels to lose people you love. That loss has left her empty inside and a workaholic. Can these two journey through the pain and responsibilities to find love with one another?
This book was amazing to read I absolutely love everyone in this book. I’m excited for what’s next.
Brenda Rothert brings all the feels with Luca: A Chicago Blaze Romance.
I absolutely love the strong female characters she has in this book. Not just Abby, but those around her who have faced tragedies in their past and not only continue to grow stronger, but to reach out to other friends to help them up.
This book is filled with laugh out loud moments and so many emotions, that yes, Rothert made my hard heart cry.
I love that Luca is so dedicated to his family. He shows strength while having a vulnerability about him, that makes him relatable and approachable.
This is a must read that will leave your heart full.
5 Stars
Brenda Rothert truly is one of the greatest authors, her newest work absolutely attests to this. I love all of her hockey romances but Luca is truly one of her best works. Luca and Abby are both healing from the loss of something great. How they wind up healing each other is truly beautiful. I adore these characters and would love ten more books for these wonderful characters. A five star read!!!!
Luca is a successful hockey player for the Chicago Blaze. He is also raising his nieces and nephews after the death of their parents. He doesn’t have time for women between hockey and the kids. But a one night stand with Abby isn’t enough. With each meeting he falls more for this beautiful woman who is determined to put up barriers.
This book was so good. It was emotional, heartbreaking, and full of love. I adored Luca. He was the perfect uncle and parent. He was so supportive and patient with all the kids. I loved that he never tries to hide his feelings from the children, especially when it comes to their parents. He works with them to confront their grief and never pushes them too hard. Like I said, I adored Luca and the kids.
Abby has lost the people closest to her in the worst ways possible. She created her own company which is now widely successful in the wake of that loss. She has buried her grief in work and refuses to talk about it with anyone, until Luca. I was so upset for Abby and just wanted to hug during her darkest moments. If you are a crier, be prepared with tissues. These two have gone through so much pain but together they have found a new happiness and life together.
Rothert does an amazing job at creating great characters and an emotional story. I cannot wait to read the next one because I know it will be an emotional and love filled story.
Reader Warning:
– Loss of close relatives
– Child death (referenced)
– Suicide (referenced)
– Depression