Hooked by Brenda Rothert

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay | Nook

Book Blurb:

From the author of the On the Line and Fire on Ice hockey romance series comes a sultry novel featuring a brooding NHL player who’s hell on skates—and the no-nonsense woman who forces him to clean up his act.

Miranda: Even though I’m broke, putting myself through college, and working two jobs, I’m trying to make the best of it. Meanwhile, Jake Birch, hockey’s hottest bad boy, lives in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago—and still complains about every little thing in his penthouse. But after I tell him off, instead of getting me fired, Jake requests me as his personal housekeeper. Then he starts flirting with me. Only I’m not flirting back . . . at least, I’m trying not to. Did I mention that he’s hockey’s hottest bad boy?

Jake: I’ve met the best woman at the worst possible time. Miranda is the fire to my ice—a sexy, charmingly candid spark who breaks down my walls and reminds me what it’s like to feel again. But I’m being forced to date my team owner’s daughter to keep my job, so I can’t be caught with Miranda. Still, we’re getting closer—until Miranda finds out about my “girlfriend.” And that’s not the only secret I’ve been keeping. But Miranda’s the one I want . . . even if she doesn’t believe me.

You can read chapters 1-4 of Hooked on Instafreebie!

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

_________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

Brenda Rothert has proven time and again that she knows how to write a hot hockey story. Alpha heroes, heroines that range from broken to strong and sassy, and always a love of the game, her books never disappoint.

HOOKED is Brenda’s newest book and, while all of the usual suspects are here, there is something more, too. Jake Birch is just as alpha, just as hot, and, like other of Brenda’s guys, he’s got baggage. Gutted by the loss of his brother, he’s cut himself off emotionally from everyone and everything, interested only in scoring, both on and off the ice. Finding himself falling for the strong, sassy, take no crap woman cleaning his room at his 5-star hotel is not on his radar. But, fall he does, because he truly has never met anyone like Miranda Carr.

Miranda is one of my favorite of Brenda’s ladies yet, and another solid example of how she continues to grow at her craft. Sure, Miranda’s suffered infidelity and heartbreak like the rest of us, but she’s strong. A great family life, really smart, hardworking, and savvy, she doesn’t need to rely on anyone to complete her. But what made HOOKED such an enjoyable read is the way that she and Jake do come to realize that it’s okay to have a soft place to land, that it’s good not to have to take life on on your own. And, another kudo to Brenda for not having the relatively speedy progression of their relationship result in insta-sex. It’s really nice to see a strong, sexy guy that literally has ladies throwing their panties at him to want to take things more slowly and wait and build a solid emotional relationship.

So, my take? HOOKED is everything that I’ve come to expect from one of Brenda’s books, and more. An easy and engaging read that tugs on the heartstrings and steams up the windows, it’s 4.5 sexy, emotional, HEA stars, and I’m happy to add it to my list of books that you should read.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

*****

Michel’s Review

Hooked is the first book I have read by Brenda Rothert.  This novel was right on mark with the title, I was hooked in the first chapter.  The story was engaging with well developed characters that were easy to bond with as a reader.  The writing was consistent and the pacing was perfectly synchronized .

First impressions can be misleading.  For Jake Birch and Miranda, their first encounter was not one that left a positive impression.

Miranda is a college student working two jobs to make ends meet.  Her job as a hotel maid is demanding and at times degrading.  When she is assigned the penthouse suites it is a bit stressful.  Her boss demands perfection.  Soaps and toiletries must be lined up in perfect order, vacuum lines need to be perfectly straight, and dusting must pass the white glove inspection. The suites must be cleaned to perfection while the guest is out.

Rule number one is broken when Miranda encounters Jake Birch, the egotistical NHL Hockey Player living in one of the suites while his apartment is being remodeled.  Rule number two is broken when she engages with the guest.  This leads to rule number three being broken, franternizing with the guest.

Jake and Miranda build a solid friendship that leads to more.  Both have issues that hinder their budding romance.  Jake has relationship issues that stem from his family life.  Miranda has been cheated on and has trouble trusting.

As the two get to know one another better not only do they develop a deep abiding respect for one another, they also begin developing deep feelings for one another.  They are both willing to take a chance even though their past issues scare them.

In any good romance story there are always obstacles the characters have to get past before they can truly find their happily ever after.  Jake and Miranda have more than their issues to deal with.  They have hectic schedules that conflict, team politics, work rules, and a psychotic admirer that could ruin Jake’s career.  Jake and Miranda found positive ways to handle all the conflicts.  They were willing to work for their relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.  It had a very realistic feel.  I easily connected with both characters.  I have become a Brenda Rothert fan and intend to read more of her books.

———————

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon