Alexei
I 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 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.

Alexei by Brenda Rothert was powerful look at addiction.

The book opens with Alexei Petrov at this lowest point…. he finds himself in rehab after a DUI.

Rehab brings therapist Graysen and her dedication and hard nosed approach; despite treating those well off and in a high priced rehab facility she still makes the patients to the work and sets a high bar for “graduating.”

Her professionalism and desire to want to do good shone through. Yes, a bond develops during treatment no I am not going to tell you… read the book.

I will say the look the reader gets a Alexei as he opens up and is honest with himself was so very engaging.

I truly enjoyed the use and visit with Alexei’s brother Anton the hero of book 1 in the Chicago Blaze Hockey series.

It was fascinating and true to life to learn how these brothers processed the experiences of their childhood so very differently… such a  great life lesson.. it is not about what happens but how the person sees and takes in all in.

The happy Alexei and Graysen find is one that takes time….. time that is so perfect for them.

Graysen knows Alexei needs to be ok with himself, he needs to be sober for himself before he can be with her. There is no quick fix, no love “cures” all and that made this book so very real feel.

I am very much looking forward to returning this world when we get Dman Erik Zimmerman’s story in Easy!

For those who have not read this series yet… I highly recommend it and at least at the time of publishing this post book 1 Anton is FREE!