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redhairedashreads's review
4.0
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
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
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
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
lenoreo's review
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/05/15/victor-by-brenda-rothert/
3.5 stars — This is a case of a book being almost perfect for me, but failing to get out of its own way in certain areas. Like seriously, I know lots of people are tired of this trope, but I still gravitate towards it — so the book didn’t need to work very hard. And so many aspects were just spot on and I loved them!! BUT…then there were some little things.
Let’s start off with the good! In general I thought Lindy was pretty sweet, and someone I could easily connect with. I know that won’t be the case for most people, but I understood her need to please and not make waves. I loved how she was there for people, and how 99% of the time she wasn’t judgey (we’ll get to the 1%). I thought her friendship with Ari was a bit odd, but eh…it was nice to see her have a girlfriend to hang with.
Victor was actually pretty sweet too. I know the blurb gives him a manwhore vibe, but honestly? For the stereotype of a hockey player, he was actually pretty mild. I mean, maybe it was because of everything he had going on with him, but I just didn’t feel it that hard. He had a lot of work to do in the self-reflecting zone, but he got there with some help from his teammates. One thing that I absolutely ADORED about him is that he proactively confided in Lindy about his secret…I really loved that.
And I ADORED their meet-cute! That whole scene where they’re talking in the arena just made my heart tippy tap. I didn’t even completely mind that he friend-zoned her…he was pretty confused. And I enjoyed them hanging out and getting to know one another. I feel like I missed out a bit on their make out sessions — it was mentioned in passing, and sometimes I find those first kissing scenes more fun than the actual steamy scenes, but oh well.
So what went wrong? A bunch of little things.
1. They were both HORRIBLE when they got jealous. Just not attractive at all. Lindy behaved very out of character when she girl shamed the beauty contestants (implying they weren’t smart, etc). And Victor…*shakes head* He was almost controlling.
2. There was also Victor’s implication that Lindy is too good and is *worth* more in terms of sex/relationships than other girls.
3. There were some very serious moments/topics in this book that would have been great if they’d been explored in depth. As it stands though, they were super glossed over and felt thrown in for…shock value? I don’t know. Either give them their due and importance, or leave them out.
4. Lindy’s Dad and his friends were dicks. And not just dicks, homophobic dicks. I get that perhaps Ms. Rothert was supposed to be showcasing South Side Chicago blue collar folks or something, but I was not impressed. Especially since Lindy wasn’t internally cringing over the things they were saying. That group could have been endearing, but it completely fell flat.
*sigh* Those were the biggest. It’s *super* too bad, because without those things, I bet this would have been my fave in the series. As it is, I’m not sure if I’m going to round up or down. *womp womp*
3.5 stars — This is a case of a book being almost perfect for me, but failing to get out of its own way in certain areas. Like seriously, I know lots of people are tired of this trope, but I still gravitate towards it — so the book didn’t need to work very hard. And so many aspects were just spot on and I loved them!! BUT…then there were some little things.
Let’s start off with the good! In general I thought Lindy was pretty sweet, and someone I could easily connect with. I know that won’t be the case for most people, but I understood her need to please and not make waves. I loved how she was there for people, and how 99% of the time she wasn’t judgey (we’ll get to the 1%). I thought her friendship with Ari was a bit odd, but eh…it was nice to see her have a girlfriend to hang with.
Victor was actually pretty sweet too. I know the blurb gives him a manwhore vibe, but honestly? For the stereotype of a hockey player, he was actually pretty mild. I mean, maybe it was because of everything he had going on with him, but I just didn’t feel it that hard. He had a lot of work to do in the self-reflecting zone, but he got there with some help from his teammates. One thing that I absolutely ADORED about him is that he proactively confided in Lindy about his secret…I really loved that.
And I ADORED their meet-cute! That whole scene where they’re talking in the arena just made my heart tippy tap. I didn’t even completely mind that he friend-zoned her…he was pretty confused. And I enjoyed them hanging out and getting to know one another. I feel like I missed out a bit on their make out sessions — it was mentioned in passing, and sometimes I find those first kissing scenes more fun than the actual steamy scenes, but oh well.
So what went wrong? A bunch of little things.
1. They were both HORRIBLE when they got jealous. Just not attractive at all. Lindy behaved very out of character when she girl shamed the beauty contestants (implying they weren’t smart, etc). And Victor…*shakes head* He was almost controlling.
2. There was also Victor’s implication that Lindy is too good and is *worth* more in terms of sex/relationships than other girls.
3. There were some very serious moments/topics in this book that would have been great if they’d been explored in depth. As it stands though, they were super glossed over and felt thrown in for…shock value? I don’t know. Either give them their due and importance, or leave them out.
4. Lindy’s Dad and his friends were dicks. And not just dicks, homophobic dicks. I get that perhaps Ms. Rothert was supposed to be showcasing South Side Chicago blue collar folks or something, but I was not impressed. Especially since Lindy wasn’t internally cringing over the things they were saying. That group could have been endearing, but it completely fell flat.
*sigh* Those were the biggest. It’s *super* too bad, because without those things, I bet this would have been my fave in the series. As it is, I’m not sure if I’m going to round up or down. *womp womp*
emonroe26's review
3.0
I feel really let down by this book. I was surprised that I was actually really enjoying it and then it felt like there was the middle of the book missing. There was the meeting and the initial bonding and then BOOM they were exchanging “I love you” and getting engaged.
Also, I’m not complaining because I’m in the “less is more” camp when it comes to smut, but I feel like these covers oversell how much sex is actually in these books. Like, put some clothes on, dude.
Also, I’m not complaining because I’m in the “less is more” camp when it comes to smut, but I feel like these covers oversell how much sex is actually in these books. Like, put some clothes on, dude.
izziede's review
3.0
Nice story.
Shy virgin heroine.
Cinderella type situation.
Hero has some dark secrets from his past.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Hero's ex cheated on him but not much detail of their relationship and the Hero is offered a ONS.
Heroine goes out on a date with a workmate as the Hero has told her he and her are just friends.
I wasn't keen they don't start anything romantic until at least 55%.
HEA.
Shy virgin heroine.
Cinderella type situation.
Hero has some dark secrets from his past.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Hero's ex cheated on him but not much detail of their relationship and the Hero is offered a ONS.
Heroine goes out on a date with a workmate as the Hero has told her he and her are just friends.
I wasn't keen they don't start anything romantic until at least 55%.
HEA.
elylibrarysec's review
4.0
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.
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.
jaypeg's review
3.0
So hot hockey star Victor is losing his edge. A chance meeting with concession worker Lindy has him back on form and an unlikely friendship develops.
This is a cinderella storyline. Lindy is the lowly, down-trodden staff member who impresses Victor with her hockey knowledge and passion. It’s a trophe which I really enjoy. I love a heroine who properly enjoys hockey and knows her stuff. I liked Lindy’s dad and their relationship. It was really sweet.
Why only three stars?
This was a sweet tale but missed the mark for me personally. It was a bit too sweet. Lindy was 23 and had never been on a date, never kissed a boy, never been asked out. This struck me as a bit unreal.
Victor just wants to be friends for a large portion of the book which meant no hot bits until over 60% of the way through. Then it all felt a bit PG. it just wasn’t hot. I was gutted that the author kind of rushed through the beginning of Lindsy’s sexual awakening.
The h’s first ever orgasm is mentioned in passing. IN PASSING! you wait 23 years for it and it’s mentioned like you just went to Target for some shopping!
This book could been so much better to my mind. It just never quite engaged me.
This is a cinderella storyline. Lindy is the lowly, down-trodden staff member who impresses Victor with her hockey knowledge and passion. It’s a trophe which I really enjoy. I love a heroine who properly enjoys hockey and knows her stuff. I liked Lindy’s dad and their relationship. It was really sweet.
Why only three stars?
This was a sweet tale but missed the mark for me personally. It was a bit too sweet. Lindy was 23 and had never been on a date, never kissed a boy, never been asked out. This struck me as a bit unreal.
Victor just wants to be friends for a large portion of the book which meant no hot bits until over 60% of the way through. Then it all felt a bit PG. it just wasn’t hot. I was gutted that the author kind of rushed through the beginning of Lindsy’s sexual awakening.
The h’s first ever orgasm is mentioned in passing. IN PASSING! you wait 23 years for it and it’s mentioned like you just went to Target for some shopping!
This book could been so much better to my mind. It just never quite engaged me.