He’s a hockey star with a headboard full of notches. She’s a shy NHL concession worker who’s never been kissed. LindyThey don’t call me Belinda Boring for nothing. It’s my name, after all. And for a 23-year-old with plain brown hair who still lives at home and gets tongue tied over nothing, it’s a fitting one. I’m not even one of those quiet girls with a hidden talent, unless making a mean order … making a mean order of nachos at the NHL arena I work at counts. My life consists of working, reading and harboring a secret crush on a hockey player who doesn’t know I exist. At least, until we accidentally meet and become unlikely friends.
Victor
I’m living the dream. A poor kid who worked his way into the NHL, I’ll never forget where I came from, though I try to. My past follows me, a nagging reminder that I’ll never be what everyone thinks I am. As the threat of my secret being exposed looms closer, my game slips, leaving me in danger of being cut from my team–the only family I have. I’m losing my hold on everything when a new friend helps me find hope. She’s nothing like the women I’m used to, but by the time I figure out that’s exactly why she’s right for me, I’ve lost my chance with her. Somehow, I have to convince a woman who thinks she’s invisible that she’s the only one I see.
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This is the third book in the Chicago Blaze series. I really got into this book. I really liked Lindy and her best friend. They have comic relief. Lindy is a sports nut like me so I really appreciated her. I also loved her awkward personality because I can relate. This book had a twist that left me gasping. I was completely unprepared for it. This book also acknowledges some serious issues. At times this book just hit me in the heart and a few tears in my eyes. Then you have the beautifulness that is Lindy and Victor. Those two warmed my heart. I loved the way Victor was with Lindy. This is an easy book to get lost into. It’s quick read, but an enjoyable one. I thought the epilogue was the icing on the cake. It left me with a happy heart.
One again Brenda Rothert has given us the perfect combination of a beautifully written book. Victor is book 3 in the Chicago Blaze series, and is definitely a favorite of mine from this series.
This book has it all, emotions pulling at you, heartbreak, and of course gives us hope as well. I don’t want to give anything away, but you’ll definitely want to read Victor if you’re looking for a book with all the feels.
When Victor and Lindy first meet while he’s struggling, and he’s at a make it or break it in his career as a professional hockey player. Lindy is just what Victor needs to turn it all around.
Ms. Rothert has written a beautiful story. A friends to lovers slow burn that will captivate you from the start. While Victor is a standalone I highly recommend the whole series. You won’t be disappointed.
In a sea of bad books, Brenda Rothert is always my life raft. Opening one of her books is comforting knowing I’m going to get top-notch quality writing, a great cast of eclectic characters with a hero and heroine you love to root for, and a story that is engaging, emotional (there’s usually a gut punch or two in there), unique, and generally hard to put down followed by a book hangover. And her hockey writing is always on point.
I don’t have enough words of praise for Victor! Victor & Lindy are the most unlikely couple that fit together perfectly. They’ve both overcome past hurdles (some of average size and some of very unusually large size) to get to where they are today. They both can help each other without even knowing they can. Their story is awesome! I’ve read almost all of Brenda’s 30+ books and Victor is definitely close to the top of my list of favorites from her!
Belinda “Lindy” Boring certainly doesn’t live up to her last name. Victor Lane shows there’s stuff off the ice that players need to deal with. For those of you that are hockey/baseball fans, you’re going to love Lindy’s dad – he’s a real hoot. You will also meet some of the other players on Victor’s team, the Chicago Blaze.
Lindy may have a connection to the reader if you’re a sports fan. Maybe you have a favorite hockey team. What would you do if your favorite player started talking to you? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work at the team’s home venue? The author shows that men who play sports are real once they’re off the ice. They have the same thoughts and wants as everyone else. The author shows that we don’t need to put them up on a pedestal because they’re just as human as we are.
It’s nice to see that the scenes between Lindy and Victor seem so natural. Our author builds their relationship and doesn’t rush our couple into anything. They have a lot going on in their lives before they met. It was also nice to see the connection Lindy had with her father. I can relate since I had one similar with my own dad. Ms. Rothert creates the perfect mix of personal and professional – it’s not all about hockey. Now with the heat getting into the 90’s, I may want to go and try to read in a freezer unit – not. I’m all about setting the mood so instead of a freezer unit maybe I’ll just get myself a cup of ice instead.
There are happy and chuckle moments. And there are even some hold your breath, heart hurt and sad moments. Our author creates plenty of things to make me happy and glad that I read her latest Chicago Blaze book. My sad moment came when the author left me hanging – is there a next book or not. It’s ok if you haven’t read any of the previous books. But I hope that if you like this one that you will go back and check out the ones you’ve missed. I can see having a Chicago Blaze marathon once hockey season starts up again.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
5 star Review Victor (Chicago Blaze #3) by Brenda Rothert
This will probably be one of the shortest reviews that I have written for a Brenda Rothert book, purely because I want you to experience this book yourselves.
Although this is the third book in the series, it is a stand alone and it is not necessary to have read either Anton or Luca before reading Victor. However, do yourselves a favour if you haven’t read them and one click. I know I have said this before but Victor is one of my favourite books from Brenda Rothert, ever.
Victor may well beat Anton and Luca in the swoon worthy department., His strength and determination in overcoming his childhood and becoming such a role model was truly inspiring, the support that he shows to those he loves is overwhelming. I freely admit to numerous snort worthy, laugh out moments whilst reading and I was riveted from the first to the last chapter.
Brenda Rothert has written a caring, compassionate and hot story that was at at times an emotional roller coaster of a read. There were times I laughed and times I cried and on one occasion I do recall yelling No, you can’t do that as she shattered my heart. However through our it all there was a feeling of hope, strength, and bravery in facing down situations that might well flatten others.
Belinda(Lindy) Boring was the perfect heroine for Victor, her kind, compassionate and beautiful heart was exactly what he needed and deserved.
I loved Victor and am anxious to read the next book in this phenomenal series.
Victor is an NHL star but lately he has been in a slump and that is putting his career at risk. Lily is a huge fan of Victor and the team but she is just a worker in the concession stand. When fate steps in and brings these two together both are very cautious and decide friendship is the way to go. The past and it’s secrets always seem to put a wrench into your dreams. I loved the sweet slow burn of this story. Brenda Rothert pushed the envelope with some of the issues in this story while also giving you all the warm hearted feels of innocent love.
Victor is an NHL star but lately he has been in a slump and that is putting his career at risk. Lily is a huge fan of Victor and the team but she is just a worker in the concession stand. When fate steps in and brings these two together both are very cautious and decide friendship is the way to go. The past and it’s secrets always seem to put a wrench into your dreams. I loved the sweet slow burn of this story. Brenda Rothert pushed the envelope with some of the issues in this story while also giving you all the warmhearted feels of innocent love.
I want to start by saying this book was everything I expected and so much more, it’s an amazing addition to the series of stand-alone books set in the world of the Chicago Blaze Hockey Team.
Lindy works in concessions at the Hockey stadium where Victor plays, she see herself as just an ordinary girl that no sports star would be interested in. Victor is struggling to stay on top of his game, his past has come back to haunt him and he is at risk of losing his place in n the team so he decides to put some extra hours on Ice and that’s where he meets Lindy…….
Lindy is the complete opposite to girls Victor normally dates but her openness and knowledge of hockey is just what he needs to get his head back in the game and an unlikely friendship soon forms. Friendship turns into so much more as this couple open their hearts to each other and once again this author proves she is not afraid to talk about issues so many shy away from. This book touched me on so many levels, at times I was left smiling like a Cheshire Cat and at times I was heartbroken but this book is a must read for all Hockey fans. Looking forward to more from the Chicago Blaze.
I devoured this amazing 5 star story that consumed me from the very first page read to the very last one.
Victor is a professional hockey player that is struggling to maintain the first line status. Lindy works in concessions at the arena. This is like a modern Cinderella kind of story.
I loved this amazingly written sports romance. These characters were just perfectly lovable. Lindy was a fierce and strong heroine. Victor had all kinds of facets. He had deep and heartbreaking secrets. This story was addicting and captivating. Highly entertaining. Bottomline is this is a must read.
This is the third book in the Chicago Blaze series. Although it can safely be read as a standalone. For better enjoyment, read them all in order. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Brenda Rothert is on a winning streak with VICTOR (Chicago Blaze Hockey #3). In this story, hockey star Victor Lane finds himself intrigued by shy concession employee, Belinda (Lindy) Boring. She’s not his usual type, but she might be what he needs. He just has to convince her and hope that his past secret doesn’t scare her away. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers.
VICTOR is a heartfelt read. I enjoyed the plot and characters. I thought it was clever how Lindy and Victor met, and the advice Lindy gives Victor. I love that Victor takes her suggestion. Victor is a good guy. He grew up poor and had a difficult childhood. He has some stressful stuff going on. He has never felt worthy or loved by anyone. His family is the team. He is humble. Lindy is a sweet character. She feels invisible and unremarkable. She is down to earth and funny. I love her dad and his friends. I like that Lindy and Victor appreciates each other for who they are. I love that they were friends first. They are a cute couple.
Brenda Rothert did a great job writing this story. It is skillfully executed and exciting. There are interesting occurrences. The story had a sweet ending that made the book feel complete. I recommend VICTOR to people who enjoy sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
This is what every girl that is fan of hockey dreams on! lol who wouldn’t want their favorite player to talk to you? their chemistry was there from the start and I really loved them together! I’m still going to say that I needed a little more hockey in the book, but it kept me intrigued until the very end!.
Once again were back to Chicago and boy are the players getting hotter than ever. We have Victor Lane who is on the verge of losing it all until the hockey whisperer comes along. Lindy knows her hockey and this is something Victor has not seen in his type of women. The attraction they have is sweet, can definitely see friendship is important for Lindy but dang so is the love. Lindy not only helps Victor but he is making her see that she can be much more than just working in the concession stands. I love that Brenda Rothert doesn’t just show us Victor and Lindy but we see Anton and Luca the other Blaze players. Loving the series cannot wait to see who is next from the team.
“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.”
When you are a professional hockey player you have to expect that every facet of your life is under the watchful eye of the media. So, the fact that Victor Lane is currently in a slump has been broadcast on every sports station… and caught the eye of his bosses. He knows he isn’t playing to his potential, knows there is something in his life that is distracting him from playing his best game… but figuring out what it is is another story. He has just been issued a warning from management, either he start to play the way they know he can, or he will lose his starting position, and that just can’t happen.
So he decides to get in some extra practice time at the rink and see if he can work the kinks out of his game… but little does he realize he is about to meet a woman who will not only get him back on track, but also work her way into his closed-off heart!
From the very first page Victor and his “game fixing angel” Lindy will lure you into their world and have you never wanting to part ways with them. Their beautiful story will mesmerize you, make you swoon, and put a healthy squeeze on your heart. I loved this newest installment in the series, it had an innocence to it that was really touching, and their relationship had a natural progression to it, making it feel quite real. I liked that Lindy didn’t give Victor any passes, she didn’t let him use his status to gain ground with her, she forced him to be accountable, and work for her time and attention. These characters played so well off of each other, coming from similar background they were able to bond over that, and thought along the same lines. I have to say this might just be my favorite installment in the series yet, it really got me good in the feels department, and the characters were perfectly suited for one another, a very believable pairing. Highly recommend this one, it’s got feels, a sexy hockey player that’ll make you swoon, and a feisty heroine that’ll inspire!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Just when I don’t think it can get any better it does!! I loved Victor!! It was a storyline that had me feeling every emotion. Loved loved loved Lindy and Victor. Definitely one book that needs purchased.
4
Victor and Lindy have a chemistry, that they feel out before it explodes between them. I fell in love with these characters and they kept me intrigued on what would happen next.
There were times when I wanted to shake them, but they pulled out all of my emotions in the HEA.
I felt this story could have been longer, but I’m hoping that Victor and Lindy will be seen in further books so I can check up on them.
Hockey, Secrets, Opposites Attract, Virgin, Slow Burn
4.5 stars for this friends-to-lovers romance.
“She’s my puck whisperer.”
Victor Lane has no idea that Lindy exists, until he meets her by chance, one evening. The shy, sweet young woman charms him with her honesty, her genuine manner, and her belief in him. The power of her faith in him turns his sporting performance around.
“He’s the only man in the world who has the power to crush me, and he’s practically begging me for a date.”
Lindy can’t believe it when her crush wants to befriend and spend time with her. She’s nothing like the women he’s normally seen with and is not surprised when he friend-zones her. However, the more time they spend together, Victor is surprised himself by his feelings of protectiveness and jealousy, especially when Lindy starts to date.
“She should discover what pleasures her sensually. Tenderly. Maddeningly slowly. With me.”
Victor and Lindy’s romance was sweet, sexy and really touching. I loved their connection and their respect for one another. They were both solid characters with lots of integrity and I loved the trust they built between them. Their banter and Lindy’s sassiness made me smile. A gorgeous story with a lovely ending!
Loving this Chicago Blaze series by Brenda! 5 hockey pucks for this one!
Meet Victor, Canadian hockey player on the Blaze. He’s in a bit of a slump, he’s got things on his mind that he can’t shake, and no it’s not the very public breakup he just went through! After a conversation with his coach, who’s basically threatening to put him on the third line instead of the first that he plays on, he decides to give his all and practice extra on his own. One late night he’s doing just that at the arena, when he see’s a girl sitting in the stands behind the bench watching him.
Lindy works the concession stand at the Blaze arena, always working extra shifts cleaning out the machines. She’s had a crush on Victor forever, and one night when she takes her break and goes down to the ice, she’s caught off guard when said crush comes out on the ice and skates around. She’s praying he doesn’t see her but when he does, he comes and sits next to her and finds out she’s a die hard Blaze fan and he gets her opinion on whats going on with his game.
Follow their story as they become fast friends, and their relationship develops. That’s all your getting out of me, read this book and follow their story, you will not be disappointed! Grab this asap, and if you haven’t read the first two, catch up now before this releases!
Belinda “Lindsy” Boring is a shy NHL concession stand worker who has never been kissed. Her life consists of working, reading, and crushing on a hockey player who will never know her. But when they accidentally meet everything changes for both of them.
This book was both heartbreaking and heart pounding. Victor has worked hard to be in the NHL and he doesn’t like that his game is slipping. He is being blackmailed and it is starting to affect his game so much that they are talking about removing him from first position. Victor is a hardworking man who has had a terrible past that won’t let him go. It takes meeting Lindsy to make him realize that he wants a family and to get over his past. I really liked Victor, especially since he was so sweet and supportive of Lindsy and her choices. He never pushes her to do things that she isn’t ready for.
Lindsy is a shy woman who loves sports. She is a huge Chicago Blaze fan. I loved how supportive she was when Victor told her about his past abuse and that she didn’t push him to talk about it before he was ready. Nor did she push for physical contact until he was ready for it. She was just the perfect partner for him. I also really enjoyed the relationship she has with her father. They were so close and you could just feel the strong family bond between them. Also his friends were great as well.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was Lindsy’s friend Ari. She just kept pushing Lindsy to have sexual encounters with people she wasn’t even attracted to. She wasn’t supportive of her friends’ feelings to wait for someone who she actually wanted to have sex with. Ari just felt like an abusive friend who is trying to pull others down into her negative atmosphere, which is why I didn’t like her. Luckily, she doesn’t have a lot of page time with her.
Rothert really knows how to write emotional stories that really tug at your heartstrings. I felt both sadness and love throughout this book and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Trigger Warning:
Child abuse, discussed
Sudden death of a side character
Grief
Victor is a star player for the Chicago Blaze but if he can’t get his head back in the game his first line position is in jeopardy. It is speculated that his break-up from his most recent celebrity girlfriend has him tied up in knots, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Victor is hiding something dark from his past.
After an adorable meet-cute Victor tried to friend-zone concession seller, Lindy, but soon can’t seem to get her out of his mind and dreams.
“…our happiness can’t be contained in words. It’s in the warmth of his touch and the gleam of his eyes. It’s in the beat of my heart,”
This story is low angst, but deals some sensitive subjects that will have your heart going out to these characters. Victor is book three and a standalone in the Chicago Blaze series.
-4 Stars!-
VICTOR AND LINDY…MORE ALIKE THAN NOT
Victor should be on top of the world….He is a starting forward for the NHL Chicago Blaze, and he’s making more money than he can ever spend….but Victor is in a slump…both personally and professionally….plus someone is blackmailing him…When he is told his job is on the line, Victor tries to regain his focus and starts eating and living cleaner and practicing more….when a cute quirky hockey superfan, with a huge heart, gives him advice on how to improve his game….he listens….
Lindy is unappreciated in a dead end job as a concession worker at the Carson Center, the Blaze’s home arena….Lindy lives at home with her dad and is a long-time Victor superfan who, late one night, while on a break at work, wanders into the empty rink….only to find Victor…”her Victor”….and when she helps him, their friendship is born….
VICTOR is a good book….good characters…good story….slow burn…lots of heat…I really like this series….