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Sin City Saints Hockey #1
Maverick
The Vegas heat just kicked up a notch with the arrival of ice hockey’s newest expansion team – the Sin City Saints.
Maverick Hagen’s fall from grace was more like a crash landing. His record-breaking career ended after a fight with an opponent over a woman left him with a broken leg, or so the pundits thought. Returning to the sport he loves as the captain of the league’s new expansion team, the Sin City Saints, his lucrative contract comes with just one rule—no romantic distractions.
Gia Ford also makes her living playing a game—poker. The rounder has hit her stride in Vegas, quietly building her bank account one casino at a time. She’s got a score to settle, and nothing will get in her way—not even the sexy hockey player who’s willing to lose money just to see her in action. Maverick attracts attention, upsetting Gia’s under-the-radar game.
Maverick and Gia can’t afford to give in to their magnetic attraction, with his career rebounding and her winnings growing. But the hotter their chemistry burns, the harder it is to deny. So will they or won’t they? In Vegas, there’s only one way to settle it—a bet, of course.
Maverick Hagen’s fall from grace was more like a crash landing. His record-breaking career ended after a fight with an opponent over a woman left him with a broken leg, or so the pundits thought. Returning to the sport he loves as the captain of the league’s new expansion team, the Sin City Saints, his lucrative contract comes with just one rule—no romantic distractions.
Gia Ford also makes her living playing a game—poker. The rounder has hit her stride in Vegas, quietly building her bank account one casino at a time. She’s got a score to settle, and nothing will get in her way—not even the sexy hockey player who’s willing to lose money just to see her in action. Maverick attracts attention, upsetting Gia’s under-the-radar game.
Maverick and Gia can’t afford to give in to their magnetic attraction, with his career rebounding and her winnings growing. But the hotter their chemistry burns, the harder it is to deny. So will they or won’t they? In Vegas, there’s only one way to settle it—a bet, of course.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
About the author
Brenda Rothert
83 books2,186 followersBrenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:
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Amazon: http://goo.gl/47Va5y
B&N: http://goo.gl/gXIFyF
Kobo: http://goo.gl/hrFmMK
iTunes: http://goo.gl/5XKG4Z
Google Play: http://goo.gl/gQMf8p
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Maverick Hagen has returned to the ice as Captain of the newly formed Sin City Saints in Las Vegas. After a nearly career injury and altercation with another player had him on the sidelines for longer than he expected he is back to prove he still has what it takes.
One thing his coach is firm on is - just because they are based in the city of sin doesn’t mean they need to succumb to all of the temptations. So no late nights drinking or hooking up with random girls. Should be easy to do right, well it was until his eyes meet those of Gia Ford across the blackjack table.
Gia Ford is a very skilled poker player and focused on one thing only. Seeking revenge on the person responsible for her father’s death. Six days a week she moves around the various casinos with a daily limit of how much she will win to keep her underneath the radar. She doesn’t want to draw attention to herself. Her winnings are going to help her get to her ultimate goal.
Gia cannot afford to be distracted from her end game so when the gorgeous Maverick shows more than an interest in her she does her best to feign disinterest. Over the next few weeks they cross paths again and forge a friendship that works for both of them. Gia likes what they have going on, no pressure just two friends hanging out in their limited spare time.
As Maverick works hard to improve the team culture and get some much needed wins on the board, Gia is creeping closer to her target. Maverick has made it clear that he wants her but will that be enough to change her mind about what she has been so set on doing for so long?
This is the first in this new series from Brenda, quite a few characters have been introduced in this first story so it will be interesting to see who we focus on next. Easy to read, low angst :)
Maverick Hagen has returned to the ice as Captain of the newly formed Sin City Saints in Las Vegas. After a nearly career injury and altercation with another player had him on the sidelines for longer than he expected he is back to prove he still has what it takes.
One thing his coach is firm on is - just because they are based in the city of sin doesn’t mean they need to succumb to all of the temptations. So no late nights drinking or hooking up with random girls. Should be easy to do right, well it was until his eyes meet those of Gia Ford across the blackjack table.
Gia Ford is a very skilled poker player and focused on one thing only. Seeking revenge on the person responsible for her father’s death. Six days a week she moves around the various casinos with a daily limit of how much she will win to keep her underneath the radar. She doesn’t want to draw attention to herself. Her winnings are going to help her get to her ultimate goal.
Gia cannot afford to be distracted from her end game so when the gorgeous Maverick shows more than an interest in her she does her best to feign disinterest. Over the next few weeks they cross paths again and forge a friendship that works for both of them. Gia likes what they have going on, no pressure just two friends hanging out in their limited spare time.
As Maverick works hard to improve the team culture and get some much needed wins on the board, Gia is creeping closer to her target. Maverick has made it clear that he wants her but will that be enough to change her mind about what she has been so set on doing for so long?
This is the first in this new series from Brenda, quite a few characters have been introduced in this first story so it will be interesting to see who we focus on next. Easy to read, low angst :)
September 27, 2021
Awesome! Maverick is the first book to a new series called Sin City Saints Hockey. I love to read Brenda Rothert books. This story is about Maverick and Gia.
Maverick has just returned to the ice as Captain of the Sin City Saints in Las Vegas, after an injury. Gia Ford is a very skilled poker player and focused on one thing only. The story had an awesome cast of characters, and that will have you fall in loved with them all. This book had me hooked right from the beginning. Maverick is fun, flirty and has amazing chemistry between Gia and Maverick. I can not wait to read the next book to this brand new series. It's a MUST READ!!!! Keep up the awesome work girl!
Maverick has just returned to the ice as Captain of the Sin City Saints in Las Vegas, after an injury. Gia Ford is a very skilled poker player and focused on one thing only. The story had an awesome cast of characters, and that will have you fall in loved with them all. This book had me hooked right from the beginning. Maverick is fun, flirty and has amazing chemistry between Gia and Maverick. I can not wait to read the next book to this brand new series. It's a MUST READ!!!! Keep up the awesome work girl!
September 26, 2021
It’s always a little weird to read books set where I live and with things I’m familiar with (hockey and poker), but once I got past that, I loved Maverick and Gia’s story. I loved how they met, how they resisted each other, and how the loved. Just a great start to a new series!
September 20, 2021
I'm not entirely sure how to rate this one: I liked it, but it was SO very short (2000 locations on my Kindle). As a series starter, it works well; the characters are interesting and we get a feel for the team dynamic. I liked the hero quite a bit, and he has some compelling teammates whose stories I'd be interested in reading. I also liked the plot of this - it was unique and engaging. The strangers to friends to lovers dynamic worked for me, and the book remains light, easy, and just a little bit sexy. But it's essentially novella-length, and there is barely any depth to the relationship. Everything is sort of glossed over, and I will likely forget that I even read this in a couple of days. That's not really an enthusiastic endorsement, but I liked this for the most part.
The story follows Maverick, a hockey player returning to the ice after an injury. He's in a new town with a new team, and feeling off-balance. So when Maverick meets a fascinating and sexy woman at a poker table, he's intrigued. Gia is a great distraction from Maverick's work troubles, and they get along very well. Though attraction simmers between Maverick and Gia, neither one is available to date - Maverick's coach has put a temporary ban on women, and Gia has her own mysterious reasons. The two become friends, but there's an undercurrent of more.
I'm still new to Rothert's work, but I'm definitely interested in checking out the next book in the series. This may not have been a memorable, homerun of a read, but it held my interest and made a nice palate cleanser. Sometimes that's all you're looking for. I think this could've been a LOT better with another 100 pages; it's almost like the author rushed to finish, because the groundwork was laid for a more substantial read. Parts of both Maverick and Gia's backstories are barely explored at all, but there's plenty more that could've filled in the story. And there's a revelation towards the end that REALLY needed to be handled better. Without that depth, this is a forgettable read for me. I liked it, but it could've been so much more. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sports romance.
The story follows Maverick, a hockey player returning to the ice after an injury. He's in a new town with a new team, and feeling off-balance. So when Maverick meets a fascinating and sexy woman at a poker table, he's intrigued. Gia is a great distraction from Maverick's work troubles, and they get along very well. Though attraction simmers between Maverick and Gia, neither one is available to date - Maverick's coach has put a temporary ban on women, and Gia has her own mysterious reasons. The two become friends, but there's an undercurrent of more.
I'm still new to Rothert's work, but I'm definitely interested in checking out the next book in the series. This may not have been a memorable, homerun of a read, but it held my interest and made a nice palate cleanser. Sometimes that's all you're looking for. I think this could've been a LOT better with another 100 pages; it's almost like the author rushed to finish, because the groundwork was laid for a more substantial read. Parts of both Maverick and Gia's backstories are barely explored at all, but there's plenty more that could've filled in the story. And there's a revelation towards the end that REALLY needed to be handled better. Without that depth, this is a forgettable read for me. I liked it, but it could've been so much more. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sports romance.
Read
September 16, 2021The sexual tension in this one is off the freaking charts.
Where's my fan?
Where's my fan?
January 19, 2022
Sizzling romance…
Maverick and Gia simmered in this first in a new hockey romance series set in the one of a kind city of Las Vegas. Not sure if there are any saints there, but this love story was heavenly…
Maverick was going through a bunch of firsts – recovering from injury, captain of a new team – and tackling it with a lot of skill and an equal amount of heart. Gia had her head down, intent on fulfilling a years-long plan. When their paths accidentally crossed, each had no time for the other but that didn’t seem to matter to their hearts. Or to the threat to their goals…
Their banter was fun and flirty, yet they weren’t shy to get into the nitty gritty. Life is messy and full of hard, hard choices and theirs, well messier than most…
An emotional and entertaining beginning, Can’t wait for Pike… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Maverick and Gia simmered in this first in a new hockey romance series set in the one of a kind city of Las Vegas. Not sure if there are any saints there, but this love story was heavenly…
Maverick was going through a bunch of firsts – recovering from injury, captain of a new team – and tackling it with a lot of skill and an equal amount of heart. Gia had her head down, intent on fulfilling a years-long plan. When their paths accidentally crossed, each had no time for the other but that didn’t seem to matter to their hearts. Or to the threat to their goals…
Their banter was fun and flirty, yet they weren’t shy to get into the nitty gritty. Life is messy and full of hard, hard choices and theirs, well messier than most…
An emotional and entertaining beginning, Can’t wait for Pike… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
November 1, 2023
I hate when I can’t sleep… but I sure live a good book that’s here to keep me company! Rothert’s books are great! Her stories are always entertaining & bring me something new to unwrap everytime!
September 21, 2021
5 star Review Maverick (Sin City Saints Hockey #1) by Brenda Rothert
I was excited when I learned that Brenda Rothert had a new hockey series coming out. Having read and loved her other hockey series I couldn’t wait to dive in to Maverick; it was everything that I was expecting and more.
Maverick Hagen is the captain of the Sin City Saints, the newest expansion team to the league. He needs this to work if he is to continue playing in the league after injury and questionable behaviour almost had him out of the game for good. Now he has a contract that clearly bans romantic attachments. Whilst, Gia Ford is a successful poker player doing well in Vegas and the last thing she wants or needs is Maverick causing her to lose focus on her game.
However sometimes the heart wants what it wants and Maverick and Gia cannot ignore the intense chemistry that burns brightly between them. Will they risk their careers and reputations or will they be able to ignore the attraction?
From the first chapter I was fully invested in the story that Ms.Rothert wove. The characters were easy to relate to and engaging. I loved the push and pull, will they or won’t they dynamic of their relationship and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
This is a little gem, one click, you won’t be disappointed.
I was excited when I learned that Brenda Rothert had a new hockey series coming out. Having read and loved her other hockey series I couldn’t wait to dive in to Maverick; it was everything that I was expecting and more.
Maverick Hagen is the captain of the Sin City Saints, the newest expansion team to the league. He needs this to work if he is to continue playing in the league after injury and questionable behaviour almost had him out of the game for good. Now he has a contract that clearly bans romantic attachments. Whilst, Gia Ford is a successful poker player doing well in Vegas and the last thing she wants or needs is Maverick causing her to lose focus on her game.
However sometimes the heart wants what it wants and Maverick and Gia cannot ignore the intense chemistry that burns brightly between them. Will they risk their careers and reputations or will they be able to ignore the attraction?
From the first chapter I was fully invested in the story that Ms.Rothert wove. The characters were easy to relate to and engaging. I loved the push and pull, will they or won’t they dynamic of their relationship and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
This is a little gem, one click, you won’t be disappointed.
February 4, 2022
Every time I read a Brenda Rothert story, I tell myself I should really get on reading all her stories! Her stories are always full of life and I enjoy that because I enjoy reading realistic fiction or rather every day fiction. I enjoy storylines that mirror the possibility of real life and are relatable. I enjoy reading flawed characters going thru not just the good in life but also the hardship that comes along with it.
The story of Maverick and Gia was equal parts fun, flirty, humorous, sexy, entertaining, and not without its share of #feels! It was full of everything I love and captivated me from the beginning. Maverick and Gia worked well together and for each other. Their journey wasn’t always easy but yet their story was always hopeful. I can’t wait to dive into Pike’s story next!
The story of Maverick and Gia was equal parts fun, flirty, humorous, sexy, entertaining, and not without its share of #feels! It was full of everything I love and captivated me from the beginning. Maverick and Gia worked well together and for each other. Their journey wasn’t always easy but yet their story was always hopeful. I can’t wait to dive into Pike’s story next!
September 22, 2021
Oh Maverick!
He’s a GREAT character! I immediately fell in love with him. I can’t understand how she was able to keep him at arm’s length so easily. I wouldn’t have been able to do that.
Gia was an okay character who really grew on me as the story progresses. At first she just seemed too into gambling and seemed blah to me. I couldn’t relate. Not at all. But then you’ll get to know more about her and she just sticks with you.
I greatly enjoyed her roommate and really hope we get more. Just saying!
He’s a GREAT character! I immediately fell in love with him. I can’t understand how she was able to keep him at arm’s length so easily. I wouldn’t have been able to do that.
Gia was an okay character who really grew on me as the story progresses. At first she just seemed too into gambling and seemed blah to me. I couldn’t relate. Not at all. But then you’ll get to know more about her and she just sticks with you.
I greatly enjoyed her roommate and really hope we get more. Just saying!
January 17, 2022
3.75 STARS
Gia is a very cool romance heroine. She makes her living playing poker and she is very clever about the way she handles herself. She’s smart, funny but a bit aloof.
Maverick is a hockey player coming to a new team after a public humiliation on the ice that also caused an injury that was almost career ending. He’s easy going, fun and caring.
The two have immediate chemistry and playful conversation. I love the moments of banter and quips between the two.
Both initially have reasons not to start a relationship, but Gia has a much bigger and more serious reason.
It’s a short book, so I didn’t feel a deep connection to the characters.
I would have liked more interactions with the main characters, they have great chemistry and they both are extremely likable. If it was a bit longer I would have been thrilled.
The secondary characters are fun and interesting. I love the jokes and brotherhood between the hockey players. I look forward to their books.
It’s a light read, very slow burn and nothing too serious. Things come together quickly.
It’s perfect for in between heavy or serious reads.
Overall this one was still a-“winner, winner chicken dinner” for me.
Gia is a very cool romance heroine. She makes her living playing poker and she is very clever about the way she handles herself. She’s smart, funny but a bit aloof.
Maverick is a hockey player coming to a new team after a public humiliation on the ice that also caused an injury that was almost career ending. He’s easy going, fun and caring.
The two have immediate chemistry and playful conversation. I love the moments of banter and quips between the two.
Both initially have reasons not to start a relationship, but Gia has a much bigger and more serious reason.
It’s a short book, so I didn’t feel a deep connection to the characters.
I would have liked more interactions with the main characters, they have great chemistry and they both are extremely likable. If it was a bit longer I would have been thrilled.
The secondary characters are fun and interesting. I love the jokes and brotherhood between the hockey players. I look forward to their books.
It’s a light read, very slow burn and nothing too serious. Things come together quickly.
It’s perfect for in between heavy or serious reads.
Overall this one was still a-“winner, winner chicken dinner” for me.
September 22, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!! Sweet and swoony, low angst, with just enough drama to spice up the story.
Gia was raised by her dad playing poker. She lives by the rules of the cards. She is focused on earning enough at the poker tables to put her brothers through school and get revenge for her dad’s death.
Maverick is picking up the pieces after what had seemed like a career ending injury starting over in a new town and with a new expansion team. He is a natural leader and takes on the role of captain with all his focus.
“I wasn’t looking for love when he sat down across from me at that poker table���
Gia tries to keep Maverick at arms length and her secrets almost tear them apart but their chemistry is off the charts and unavoidable.
-5 Stars-
Gia was raised by her dad playing poker. She lives by the rules of the cards. She is focused on earning enough at the poker tables to put her brothers through school and get revenge for her dad’s death.
Maverick is picking up the pieces after what had seemed like a career ending injury starting over in a new town and with a new expansion team. He is a natural leader and takes on the role of captain with all his focus.
“I wasn’t looking for love when he sat down across from me at that poker table���
Gia tries to keep Maverick at arms length and her secrets almost tear them apart but their chemistry is off the charts and unavoidable.
-5 Stars-
April 14, 2022
Disappointed
I was intrigued with the beginning of the book. The building of sexual tension was pretty good. But the sex scenes are pretty dull and then the storyline quickly ends. Probably won't continue the series.
I was intrigued with the beginning of the book. The building of sexual tension was pretty good. But the sex scenes are pretty dull and then the storyline quickly ends. Probably won't continue the series.
August 9, 2022
Brenda Rothert is one of my go to authors. There have been very few of her books I haven't enjoyed. And this isn't one of them. And with that double negative it means another book in the thumbs up side.
Maverick has been playing hockey for a number of years now. But a year before the book opens, he had a serious on ice possible career ending injury. The season will be starting soon and he's with a brand new team starting their first season. He's hoping he's up to the same level he was playing at before.
Gia is a professional poker player. She's lived her life in the business so to speak. Her father was a professional poker player too and she grew up watching him play and he taught her the game. But he died a number of years previously.
Maverick and Gia meet one night playing poker and their is instant chemistry. But Gia is bent on revenge for the death of her father and is determined they can only be friends. Maverick is just as determined they be more.
This is a novella so it didn't take long to read. I liked both Maverick and Gia. If I had any I wish thoughts about this book it would be that it was longer. This kept the grade at 4 stars rather than 5 but still I enjoyed this one and recommend it if you're a fan of sports romance.
Maverick has been playing hockey for a number of years now. But a year before the book opens, he had a serious on ice possible career ending injury. The season will be starting soon and he's with a brand new team starting their first season. He's hoping he's up to the same level he was playing at before.
Gia is a professional poker player. She's lived her life in the business so to speak. Her father was a professional poker player too and she grew up watching him play and he taught her the game. But he died a number of years previously.
Maverick and Gia meet one night playing poker and their is instant chemistry. But Gia is bent on revenge for the death of her father and is determined they can only be friends. Maverick is just as determined they be more.
This is a novella so it didn't take long to read. I liked both Maverick and Gia. If I had any I wish thoughts about this book it would be that it was longer. This kept the grade at 4 stars rather than 5 but still I enjoyed this one and recommend it if you're a fan of sports romance.
September 23, 2021
I really liked Gia, liked her "job" that she started the book with. You really don't see that many women playing poker like she did and be so successful in books. I really liked that she was better than Maverick, that he acknowledged that and even asked her for helping him become a better player.
The way that their relationship developed was great! I liked that Gia pushed him away, that they were forced to be friends first and how Gia gave Maverick ideas of how to get his new team to act like a team. Once that started happening for Maverick things started looking better for him, especially when the team faced an old enemy, they all had Maverick's back.
I liked that Gia and Maverick took their night, but hated how that night ended. I thought Maverick brought up some great points to Gia and was really happy when she finally woke up to what she had the potential to loose.
The way that their relationship developed was great! I liked that Gia pushed him away, that they were forced to be friends first and how Gia gave Maverick ideas of how to get his new team to act like a team. Once that started happening for Maverick things started looking better for him, especially when the team faced an old enemy, they all had Maverick's back.
I liked that Gia and Maverick took their night, but hated how that night ended. I thought Maverick brought up some great points to Gia and was really happy when she finally woke up to what she had the potential to loose.
September 22, 2021
I loved Maverick! I felt bad for what had happened when he broke his leg. I was glad to see that he was back skating on the new Las Vegas team. I enjoyed watching him fall for Gia. Gia was so different from most women you would see a hockey player fall for. It had to be awful losing your father the way she did, and then be so determined to get revenge. But she was one great poker player and that was how Maverick met her. The dance that Mia and Maverick had going was very interesting. Gia was good at giving advice to Maverick on how to get the team to build trust with each other since they were such a new team. This was a very good book that I strongly encourage you to read. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
October 3, 2021
Great way to start a series!! It was refreshing to read a sports romance where it focused on the love story and not on third person trying to interfere. Maverick and Gia met in a casino and the rest was history. They were attracted to each other but she was stubborn and not falling at his feet. Maverick was an amazing guy and even Gia said he was very likable. It was slow build but their friendship was amazing. They both had great friends. Both had similar trauma happen to them and both had big hearts. I can’t wait for more in this series.
October 1, 2021
Maverick
Loved this book….love this new Hockey team. Gia had one goal in life, play poker to make money to avenge her father’s death and then she meets Maverick. Love this couple, love this story and am very excited to fall in love with the rest of the tea !! Great start to a new series!
Loved this book….love this new Hockey team. Gia had one goal in life, play poker to make money to avenge her father’s death and then she meets Maverick. Love this couple, love this story and am very excited to fall in love with the rest of the tea !! Great start to a new series!
January 18, 2022
Maverick is the leader of a new hockey team. The only catch is no romantic entanglements after the last fiasco. Gia is a poker player and good at it. She won't let anyone, even the hot hockey player get in her way. Maverick loves watching Gia and the two have so much chemistry that won't be denied between them. Will they give in or choose another path? A good read.
July 22, 2024
A cute quick read! Loved their banter🤗
July 26, 2022
4.5 ⭐
October 4, 2021
Moving this new Hockey series
Maverick and Gigi were awesome! I love hockey books and this was amazing. This author never disappoints. This is a slow burn romance at its finest.
Maverick and Gigi were awesome! I love hockey books and this was amazing. This author never disappoints. This is a slow burn romance at its finest.
December 8, 2022
QOTD: Have you ever played games at a casino?
My A: Only once! I had no interest, but my stepdad felt like it was a right of passage so he gave me $50 and I blew it in 10min. I’d never go again, but it was a fun experience!
.
Another blast from my past, this is a book I read all the way back in July. I was going through a hockey kick and this yet another gem I found while trolling Kindle Unlimited for my next read.
.
An opposites attract, friends to lovers romance featuring a hockey star digging himself out of his fall from grace, a young poker player set on revenge for her father’s death and some undeniable chemistry, this book was a treat. I devoured it in one sitting and instantly added book two in the Sin City Saints Hockey series to my TBR list. If you like hockey, female leads with spines and male leads with heart and a hea to wrap it all up, this is the perfect book for you!
.
BLURB:
The Vegas heat just kicked up a notch with the arrival of ice hockey’s newest expansion team – the Sin City Saints.
Maverick Hagen’s fall from grace was more like a crash landing. His record-breaking career ended after a fight with an opponent over a woman left him with a broken leg, or so the pundits thought. Returning to the sport he loves as the captain of the league’s new expansion team, the Sin City Saints, his lucrative contract comes with just one rule—no romantic distractions.
Gia Ford also makes her living playing a game—poker. The rounder has hit her stride in Vegas, quietly building her bank account one casino at a time. She’s got a score to settle, and nothing will get in her way—not even the sexy hockey player who’s willing to lose money just to see her in action. Maverick attracts attention, upsetting Gia’s under-the-radar game.
Maverick and Gia can’t afford to give in to their magnetic attraction, with his career rebounding and her winnings growing. But the hotter their chemistry burns, the harder it is to deny. So will they or won’t they? In Vegas, there’s only one way to settle it—a bet, of course
My A: Only once! I had no interest, but my stepdad felt like it was a right of passage so he gave me $50 and I blew it in 10min. I’d never go again, but it was a fun experience!
.
Another blast from my past, this is a book I read all the way back in July. I was going through a hockey kick and this yet another gem I found while trolling Kindle Unlimited for my next read.
.
An opposites attract, friends to lovers romance featuring a hockey star digging himself out of his fall from grace, a young poker player set on revenge for her father’s death and some undeniable chemistry, this book was a treat. I devoured it in one sitting and instantly added book two in the Sin City Saints Hockey series to my TBR list. If you like hockey, female leads with spines and male leads with heart and a hea to wrap it all up, this is the perfect book for you!
.
BLURB:
The Vegas heat just kicked up a notch with the arrival of ice hockey’s newest expansion team – the Sin City Saints.
Maverick Hagen’s fall from grace was more like a crash landing. His record-breaking career ended after a fight with an opponent over a woman left him with a broken leg, or so the pundits thought. Returning to the sport he loves as the captain of the league’s new expansion team, the Sin City Saints, his lucrative contract comes with just one rule—no romantic distractions.
Gia Ford also makes her living playing a game—poker. The rounder has hit her stride in Vegas, quietly building her bank account one casino at a time. She’s got a score to settle, and nothing will get in her way—not even the sexy hockey player who’s willing to lose money just to see her in action. Maverick attracts attention, upsetting Gia’s under-the-radar game.
Maverick and Gia can’t afford to give in to their magnetic attraction, with his career rebounding and her winnings growing. But the hotter their chemistry burns, the harder it is to deny. So will they or won’t they? In Vegas, there’s only one way to settle it—a bet, of course
February 7, 2022
This is my first Brenda Rothert book and it will not be my last. Maverick and Gia's story is very entertaining and will pull you in right from the start. I have never read a book with a poker player MC so it was interesting to see that aspect of the book and how it all played out. But most importantly, it's the undeniable connection between them even when both of them didn't need the distraction. So they become friends though Maverick wanted more. But it's only a matter of time before it becomes harder to keep their feelings for each other to themselves.
February 4, 2022
This is a hot new hockey series by Brenda Rothert in Sin City! This is a brand new expansion team, and we get to know a whole new team! Of course, there are some familiar names from her Chicago series, but a lot of new faces! And since they are in sin city can you imagine all of the fun and trouble that will find this rowdy group of hockey players?!?!? I cannot wait!
I wasn’t so sure about Maverick from the start, but the more I got to know him I was in love. He is sweet, kind and so genuine. He is not only the perfect book boyfriend, but the perfect boyfriend. Maverick has had some struggles in the past, and some mental blocks that he is working to overcome. He is fresh off of an injury that many thought was going to end his career. He was driven to show the critics and himself that he still has it. Maverick is a natural leader, but I felt like he needed a little encouragement to shine in that role. He hit it off right away with goalie, Pike (who we meet in book 2, which is already out!). He finds himself at a poker table from a woman that he cannot keep his eyes off of.
Gia is making a temporary stop in Vegas to accomplish her goal. She has no time for friends, a life let alone a hot hockey player. But Maverick has made an impression on her. Maverick does a great job of worming himself into her life and the two become friends. But the sexual tension and attraction was intense. Gia was so closed off, yet Rothert did such an amazing job letting readers see her inner struggle of wanting more out of her life. My heart really broke for Gia. She had a rough go and has been living in survival mode for too long. She seems so lost and focused on a goal she doesn’t share with anyone. As she not only opens up to Maverick but her friend, Ro you see what a kind and giving person she is. I couldn’t help but want more for her.
Friends, this is a slow burn. But there is no other way for Maverick and Gia’s story. While these two might be from two different worlds they effortlessly fit together. They have amazing and witty banter and are a pair you would love to hang out with.
If you love a little angst, some humor, a great friend group and an amazing book boyfriend, this book and series is for you! Keep the Sin City Saint books coming, Brenda!
I wasn’t so sure about Maverick from the start, but the more I got to know him I was in love. He is sweet, kind and so genuine. He is not only the perfect book boyfriend, but the perfect boyfriend. Maverick has had some struggles in the past, and some mental blocks that he is working to overcome. He is fresh off of an injury that many thought was going to end his career. He was driven to show the critics and himself that he still has it. Maverick is a natural leader, but I felt like he needed a little encouragement to shine in that role. He hit it off right away with goalie, Pike (who we meet in book 2, which is already out!). He finds himself at a poker table from a woman that he cannot keep his eyes off of.
Gia is making a temporary stop in Vegas to accomplish her goal. She has no time for friends, a life let alone a hot hockey player. But Maverick has made an impression on her. Maverick does a great job of worming himself into her life and the two become friends. But the sexual tension and attraction was intense. Gia was so closed off, yet Rothert did such an amazing job letting readers see her inner struggle of wanting more out of her life. My heart really broke for Gia. She had a rough go and has been living in survival mode for too long. She seems so lost and focused on a goal she doesn’t share with anyone. As she not only opens up to Maverick but her friend, Ro you see what a kind and giving person she is. I couldn’t help but want more for her.
Friends, this is a slow burn. But there is no other way for Maverick and Gia’s story. While these two might be from two different worlds they effortlessly fit together. They have amazing and witty banter and are a pair you would love to hang out with.
If you love a little angst, some humor, a great friend group and an amazing book boyfriend, this book and series is for you! Keep the Sin City Saint books coming, Brenda!
February 4, 2022
Brenda Rothert does sports romance well and clearly, hot hockey hotties is her thing. I really enjoyed Maverick, it was light-hearted, fun, and flirty for the most part. Conflict arose but after the build-up for it, it was dealt with and over quickly. While it seemed rushed I didn't really mind that it was over quickly because I far more enjoyed the banter and tease of Maverick and Gia.
If you like hockey romance, flirty one-liners, some alpha male attitude, and independent women who only submit in one place then you'll enjoy Maverick.
Favorite quote: "I'm going to win this beat," he says in a low tone. "And them I'm going to fuck you the same way I play hockey - all in, with everything I've got."
Maverick has arrived in Las Vegas his new home to be in their new hockey team the Las Vegas Saints at 29 he is the highest-paid player on the team and trying to return from an injury that could have ended his career. The whole team has been labeled as rebels and misfits other teams don't want. Somehow they have to become a team that wins and to do that they need to find a way to gel together.
Gia has been in Vegas for a while playing poker 6 nights a week. She's good at it, she should be her father taught her everything she knows. She doesn't play for the joy or the rush though, she's playing to get revenge. When she earns enough she'll make sure her brother's college is paid for and then she'll use the rest to get to the man who took her father from her.
Neither needs distraction from their path but one chance meeting at a poker table and sparks fly. Maverick can't forget about her and Gia is surprised to think about him also. Despite the coaches warnings off partying and women Maverick searches Gia out. She's honest about not being interested but the two start an odd flirty friendship.
Both feel the pull and want each other badly but they fight it. When Gia and her best friend end up needing a place to stay for a few weeks Maverick offers his place which allows him to get closer with Gia which is both a good and a bad thing.
After she finally tells him her plans he's understandably not ok with it. But Gia has thought of nothing else for years and she won't be deterred from her plans. Maverick can only let her go and hope she comes back.
Happy Reading.
If you like hockey romance, flirty one-liners, some alpha male attitude, and independent women who only submit in one place then you'll enjoy Maverick.
Favorite quote: "I'm going to win this beat," he says in a low tone. "And them I'm going to fuck you the same way I play hockey - all in, with everything I've got."
Maverick has arrived in Las Vegas his new home to be in their new hockey team the Las Vegas Saints at 29 he is the highest-paid player on the team and trying to return from an injury that could have ended his career. The whole team has been labeled as rebels and misfits other teams don't want. Somehow they have to become a team that wins and to do that they need to find a way to gel together.
Gia has been in Vegas for a while playing poker 6 nights a week. She's good at it, she should be her father taught her everything she knows. She doesn't play for the joy or the rush though, she's playing to get revenge. When she earns enough she'll make sure her brother's college is paid for and then she'll use the rest to get to the man who took her father from her.
Neither needs distraction from their path but one chance meeting at a poker table and sparks fly. Maverick can't forget about her and Gia is surprised to think about him also. Despite the coaches warnings off partying and women Maverick searches Gia out. She's honest about not being interested but the two start an odd flirty friendship.
Both feel the pull and want each other badly but they fight it. When Gia and her best friend end up needing a place to stay for a few weeks Maverick offers his place which allows him to get closer with Gia which is both a good and a bad thing.
After she finally tells him her plans he's understandably not ok with it. But Gia has thought of nothing else for years and she won't be deterred from her plans. Maverick can only let her go and hope she comes back.
Happy Reading.
September 18, 2021
“Maverick” is a delightful and spicy slow burn tease of will they or won’t they. I was excited to see that Brenda Rothert was writing a new hockey series after concluding the Chicago Blaze series. And this one is set in Vegas with a brand new expansion team, the Sin City Saints.
Maverick was injured in the previous season and thought his career was over. But he worked his way through all the PT and got drafted to the new expansion team where he is the Team Captain. All the guys are feeling let down by their old teams after being traded so it’s up to him to bring them all together. On a night out, he meets Gia and is instantly drawn to her. However, Gia is not here in Vegas for a relationship. She is a semi-professional poker player and is playing the tables to help put her brother through college but she also has a secret that could ruin things for them. Maverick is not one to give up and we get to witness their delicious back and forth of will they or won’t they.
I loved Maverick because he was a bit of an underdog. He came back from a gruelling injury and to a brand new team of all guys that were traded from their old team. Maverick and the other players had to work for their success. We got to see the guys come together and build that brotherhood that hockey players are known for. Gia is amazing and I admired her confidence and attitude so much. Gia had a purpose for why she was playing poker and I honestly would probably do the same thing if I was in her position. Maverick and Gia’s sexual tension was off the charts hot and I loved all the teasing back and forth. I’m usually not a slow burn kind of reader but it worked so well for Maverick and Gia. We get a fun teaser for the next Sin City Saints book. I can’t wait to read about all the other players; I have a feeling Dane is going to be my favorite of the team.
Maverick was injured in the previous season and thought his career was over. But he worked his way through all the PT and got drafted to the new expansion team where he is the Team Captain. All the guys are feeling let down by their old teams after being traded so it’s up to him to bring them all together. On a night out, he meets Gia and is instantly drawn to her. However, Gia is not here in Vegas for a relationship. She is a semi-professional poker player and is playing the tables to help put her brother through college but she also has a secret that could ruin things for them. Maverick is not one to give up and we get to witness their delicious back and forth of will they or won’t they.
I loved Maverick because he was a bit of an underdog. He came back from a gruelling injury and to a brand new team of all guys that were traded from their old team. Maverick and the other players had to work for their success. We got to see the guys come together and build that brotherhood that hockey players are known for. Gia is amazing and I admired her confidence and attitude so much. Gia had a purpose for why she was playing poker and I honestly would probably do the same thing if I was in her position. Maverick and Gia’s sexual tension was off the charts hot and I loved all the teasing back and forth. I’m usually not a slow burn kind of reader but it worked so well for Maverick and Gia. We get a fun teaser for the next Sin City Saints book. I can’t wait to read about all the other players; I have a feeling Dane is going to be my favorite of the team.
September 25, 2021
Let's start off by saying we absolutely loved this story, it was fun and flirty and had a romance that was slow burn but, full of desire and some very sexy chemistry.
We laughed throughout the entire story and at one point I was laughing so hard it brought tears to my eyes and it was so funny I turned to my hubby and said listen to this it's too funny not to share, it took me forever to read through the paragraphs again. I was laughing so hard, yet again, tears pouring down my face but, I had the hubby grinning and laughing right beside me.
The story had an awesome cast of characters, and we loved them all but, I have to say, I was really crushing on Maverick, what a sweetheart. Gia had an amazing personality, was funny, flirty, fiercely independent, and took her responsibility of her family seriously and plays poker for a living and a woman on a mission to right a wrong of the fast and playing poker is getting her one step closer to her end game.
Overall, just an awesome tale we could not put down.
I loved that the main characters as could not be any different but, just clicked. Loved the fact that two team players got a second chance to keep living their dream. Most of all, we loved all those little moments that Maverick and Gia kept having together, seeing them falling so in love together just melted one's heart. Can't wait to see what happens to Pike next, as the author left of us with quite the teaser.
We laughed throughout the entire story and at one point I was laughing so hard it brought tears to my eyes and it was so funny I turned to my hubby and said listen to this it's too funny not to share, it took me forever to read through the paragraphs again. I was laughing so hard, yet again, tears pouring down my face but, I had the hubby grinning and laughing right beside me.
The story had an awesome cast of characters, and we loved them all but, I have to say, I was really crushing on Maverick, what a sweetheart. Gia had an amazing personality, was funny, flirty, fiercely independent, and took her responsibility of her family seriously and plays poker for a living and a woman on a mission to right a wrong of the fast and playing poker is getting her one step closer to her end game.
Overall, just an awesome tale we could not put down.
I loved that the main characters as could not be any different but, just clicked. Loved the fact that two team players got a second chance to keep living their dream. Most of all, we loved all those little moments that Maverick and Gia kept having together, seeing them falling so in love together just melted one's heart. Can't wait to see what happens to Pike next, as the author left of us with quite the teaser.
February 4, 2023
Maverick is the captain of the new hockey team for Las Vegas. He knows he is good to skate but the nerves are getting to him to prove himself.
The team isn't getting along and its showing in how they are playing.
Gia is a professional gambler with a plan. She is stocking up her winnings to take on the man who killed her father. What she hadn't planned on was Maverick. He sets at a poker table she is playing at and then pretty much hunts her down nightly to watch her play.
Here's what for me didn't add up. Maverick wants Gia so when her roommate has an accident he invites them to live with him. They barely knew each other and yet they start living together. When she gets cornered in the casino by an older guy who knew her father. What was that about? There was no clear reason for it so I didn't see why it was added to the book.
Gia's whole purpose for the last 8 years was getting her revenge and she gives it up when she see's a young couple who were in love.
This book needed something to make it interesting. I just found it okay. I wasn't rooting for them and didn't care one way or the other if they ended up together.
The one thing that did keep me interested was Dane. What's going on with him?
The team isn't getting along and its showing in how they are playing.
Gia is a professional gambler with a plan. She is stocking up her winnings to take on the man who killed her father. What she hadn't planned on was Maverick. He sets at a poker table she is playing at and then pretty much hunts her down nightly to watch her play.
Here's what for me didn't add up. Maverick wants Gia so when her roommate has an accident he invites them to live with him. They barely knew each other and yet they start living together. When she gets cornered in the casino by an older guy who knew her father. What was that about? There was no clear reason for it so I didn't see why it was added to the book.
Gia's whole purpose for the last 8 years was getting her revenge and she gives it up when she see's a young couple who were in love.
This book needed something to make it interesting. I just found it okay. I wasn't rooting for them and didn't care one way or the other if they ended up together.
The one thing that did keep me interested was Dane. What's going on with him?
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