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A Deal with the Defender
My ex didn't believe in marriage—until he cheated with my sister and put a ring on her finger three months later.
Their wedding is in seven weeks and I refuse to be the pathetic, heartbroken ex everyone pities. I need a date. Not just any date—I need someone who'll make my ex's jaw hit the floor and prove I've moved on to something better.
My perfect solution is Lucien pro hockey's biggest flirt, my ex's fiercest rival, and the last man I should be anywhere near. He's arrogant, infuriating, and has a smile that should be illegal. He's also got his own reasons for wanting revenge on my ex.
The plan is fake a whirlwind romance. Make it look so real, no one questions it.
The problem? The heat between us isn't fake. Every touch that's supposed to be for show sets me on fire. Every whispered promise in front of the cameras makes me forget we're pretending. And when he looks at me like I'm the only woman in the room, I almost believe it myself.
But Lucien's off-limits for one very big my father is his coach. One wrong move, and we both lose everything.
The closer we get to the wedding, the harder it is to remember where the act ends and the truth begins.
_____________
Pro Hockey Romance
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Fake Dating
Found Family
Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
Forbidden Romance
_____________
A Deal With the Defender is the fourth book in the Love on the Line all books are interconnected standalones about a team of professional hockey players and the women they fall hard for. The books don’t need to be read in order, but future characters appear in each book.
Their wedding is in seven weeks and I refuse to be the pathetic, heartbroken ex everyone pities. I need a date. Not just any date—I need someone who'll make my ex's jaw hit the floor and prove I've moved on to something better.
My perfect solution is Lucien pro hockey's biggest flirt, my ex's fiercest rival, and the last man I should be anywhere near. He's arrogant, infuriating, and has a smile that should be illegal. He's also got his own reasons for wanting revenge on my ex.
The plan is fake a whirlwind romance. Make it look so real, no one questions it.
The problem? The heat between us isn't fake. Every touch that's supposed to be for show sets me on fire. Every whispered promise in front of the cameras makes me forget we're pretending. And when he looks at me like I'm the only woman in the room, I almost believe it myself.
But Lucien's off-limits for one very big my father is his coach. One wrong move, and we both lose everything.
The closer we get to the wedding, the harder it is to remember where the act ends and the truth begins.
_____________
Pro Hockey Romance
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Fake Dating
Found Family
Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
Forbidden Romance
_____________
A Deal With the Defender is the fourth book in the Love on the Line all books are interconnected standalones about a team of professional hockey players and the women they fall hard for. The books don’t need to be read in order, but future characters appear in each book.
Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
20 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Rothert
91 books2,266 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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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 5, 2026
5 Star Review A Deal With The Defender (Love On The Line #4) by Brenda Rothert
From the first chapter I was drawn into hockey player Lucien and Talia’s friends to lovers story. This was a fabulous addition to the Love On The Line series.
The characters were easy to relate too and I liked them individually and as a couple.
What starts off as a fake relationship quickly morphs into something much more as lines are crossed.
The story was fast paced and I fell hard and fast for our couple. The chemistry between them sizzled and it was entertaining to watch their relationship develop.
From the first chapter I was drawn into hockey player Lucien and Talia’s friends to lovers story. This was a fabulous addition to the Love On The Line series.
The characters were easy to relate too and I liked them individually and as a couple.
What starts off as a fake relationship quickly morphs into something much more as lines are crossed.
The story was fast paced and I fell hard and fast for our couple. The chemistry between them sizzled and it was entertaining to watch their relationship develop.
December 25, 2025
I read this in one sitting because it was just too good to stop!
When this book landed on my kindle this afternoon I thought I’d just read a few chapters… mmhm, next thing I know I’ve finished it.
The emotions flow freely, and the sparks fly between Talia and Lucien. Expect plenty of feels, swoon and emotion plus some hilarious situations and lots of flirty banter.
After Talia was betrayed by her sister and ex-fiancé she struggled to deal with everything, and moves back in with her dad. He kick starts her life by making her come to work with him and his tough love approach helps Talia form some new friendships and feel good about herself.
I adored how Lucien treated Talia with respect and friendship, yet he didn’t let her talk negatively about herself. His rule of forcing her to listen to 3 compliments any time she disses herself was sweet and his compliments were top notch!
The wedding adventure in Hawaii where Lucien volunteered to attend with Talia when her sister and her ex-fiancé get married was epic. Loved how Talia finally stands up for herself and Lucien was an evil mastermind with supporting his girl.
Having read the 3 previous books and living those characters, it was fun to read this book with Talia’s POV as a newcomer to the group. I loved getting to experience getting to know Suki/Carter, Bash/Lainey, Leo/Mara and the other secondary characters all over again with a fresh perspective.
I highly recommend curling up with this book for an entertaining and fun reading experience!
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
When this book landed on my kindle this afternoon I thought I’d just read a few chapters… mmhm, next thing I know I’ve finished it.
The emotions flow freely, and the sparks fly between Talia and Lucien. Expect plenty of feels, swoon and emotion plus some hilarious situations and lots of flirty banter.
After Talia was betrayed by her sister and ex-fiancé she struggled to deal with everything, and moves back in with her dad. He kick starts her life by making her come to work with him and his tough love approach helps Talia form some new friendships and feel good about herself.
I adored how Lucien treated Talia with respect and friendship, yet he didn’t let her talk negatively about herself. His rule of forcing her to listen to 3 compliments any time she disses herself was sweet and his compliments were top notch!
The wedding adventure in Hawaii where Lucien volunteered to attend with Talia when her sister and her ex-fiancé get married was epic. Loved how Talia finally stands up for herself and Lucien was an evil mastermind with supporting his girl.
Having read the 3 previous books and living those characters, it was fun to read this book with Talia’s POV as a newcomer to the group. I loved getting to experience getting to know Suki/Carter, Bash/Lainey, Leo/Mara and the other secondary characters all over again with a fresh perspective.
I highly recommend curling up with this book for an entertaining and fun reading experience!
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
January 3, 2026
Reading this series has been so fun. Brenda Rothert’s writing style just calls to me. I was excited to read this next installment of Love on the Line series. This book is about Talia, who is the NHL hockey coach’s daughter and Lucien who plays for her father.
The premise is that Talia’s world has imploded after her fiancé admitted to cheating on her with her sister!! Omg, that right there is enough to completely annihilate your life.
Her meeting Lucien is perfect! Because it evolves naturally starting from he’s another playboy to this is the most amazing guy ever. And he is and not in the over the top way. He’s quietly a perfect hockey boyfriend. What I love about the female characters in this series is that they are strong-minded and don’t back down to their men.
I finished reading this in a day and a half because once I started I couldn’t stop flipping those pages. And that to me is a sign of a great story. I loved that their relationship felt to evolve so naturally starting as friends. There are so many great by lines in this book; I found myself laughing out loud with some of their antics.
And this hockey teammates/friends group is sooooo fun! The guys are exactly what you expect from a hockey group - brash and cocky. Absolutely recommend not only this book but this series!
The premise is that Talia’s world has imploded after her fiancé admitted to cheating on her with her sister!! Omg, that right there is enough to completely annihilate your life.
Her meeting Lucien is perfect! Because it evolves naturally starting from he’s another playboy to this is the most amazing guy ever. And he is and not in the over the top way. He’s quietly a perfect hockey boyfriend. What I love about the female characters in this series is that they are strong-minded and don’t back down to their men.
I finished reading this in a day and a half because once I started I couldn’t stop flipping those pages. And that to me is a sign of a great story. I loved that their relationship felt to evolve so naturally starting as friends. There are so many great by lines in this book; I found myself laughing out loud with some of their antics.
And this hockey teammates/friends group is sooooo fun! The guys are exactly what you expect from a hockey group - brash and cocky. Absolutely recommend not only this book but this series!
January 1, 2026
Love on the Line #4
Talia Turner is 25 and has moved back to Cleveland and in with her dad after finding her fiance` cheated on her with her sister and is now engaged to her. She has struggled dealing with it all until her dad makes her come to work with him and help out with his team.
Talia gets a wedding invite from her sister, even wanting her to be a bridesmaid which she has no desire to do or even go to the wedding but knows she has to at least go. She is panicking.
Lucien Beaumont is one of the Cleveland Crush's pro hockey players with Talia's dad being his head coach. With Talia working for the team he gets to know her and they become friends. When he finds out about the wedding he volunteers to go with her and act like her boyfriend. The groom is his ex teammate who he can't stand so he's all in.
What starts out as fake turns to something more. Lucien likes Talia will do everything to make this wedding easier on her. And hopefully it will continue afterwards.
4.25 stars.
Talia Turner is 25 and has moved back to Cleveland and in with her dad after finding her fiance` cheated on her with her sister and is now engaged to her. She has struggled dealing with it all until her dad makes her come to work with him and help out with his team.
Talia gets a wedding invite from her sister, even wanting her to be a bridesmaid which she has no desire to do or even go to the wedding but knows she has to at least go. She is panicking.
Lucien Beaumont is one of the Cleveland Crush's pro hockey players with Talia's dad being his head coach. With Talia working for the team he gets to know her and they become friends. When he finds out about the wedding he volunteers to go with her and act like her boyfriend. The groom is his ex teammate who he can't stand so he's all in.
What starts out as fake turns to something more. Lucien likes Talia will do everything to make this wedding easier on her. And hopefully it will continue afterwards.
4.25 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this one in one sitting! No break!
I literally didn’t want to put it down and since it’s the middle of the night, I had no reason to stop reading.
Talia starts off pitiful and you can’t help but feel sorry for her. Good thing her dad is great and he makes her join the living again. He literally drags her out of bed and brings her downstairs. I laughed out loud at that part - it’s truly a funny few pages.
Once she starts working she really starts to know Lucien. Not just the Lucien she met at the bar one night. They start off as friends and then friends who pretend to date. But that’s super brief because one thing leads to another and I’m sure you know what that leads to.
I enjoyed the chemistry between these two characters and I surprisingly really enjoyed Talia’s father. Sounds like the next book might be about him - I hope it is about him!
I literally didn’t want to put it down and since it’s the middle of the night, I had no reason to stop reading.
Talia starts off pitiful and you can’t help but feel sorry for her. Good thing her dad is great and he makes her join the living again. He literally drags her out of bed and brings her downstairs. I laughed out loud at that part - it’s truly a funny few pages.
Once she starts working she really starts to know Lucien. Not just the Lucien she met at the bar one night. They start off as friends and then friends who pretend to date. But that’s super brief because one thing leads to another and I’m sure you know what that leads to.
I enjoyed the chemistry between these two characters and I surprisingly really enjoyed Talia’s father. Sounds like the next book might be about him - I hope it is about him!
January 3, 2026
This was such a good book! My heart went out to Talia so many times in this book. I could definitely understand how she couldn’t take compliments. Her boyfriend and sister did her wrong. She wallowed in her self pity for a few months until she went to Cleveland, Ohio to live with her father. It was ironic that her ex was a hockey player and her father was the head coach of the NHL team in Cleveland. I thought it was extremely funny how Talia met Lucian who was one of her father’s players. Lucian was a good guy who got to know Talia when she was helping with pre one post team workouts. The two really got to know each other when Lucien volunteered to go with Talia to her sister and ex’s wedding with her. There were some funny times at the wedding that I loved. Talia’s father was a rock star in my eyes, especially how much he supported her. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
December 30, 2025
A Deal With The Defender is hockey player and playboy Lucien and Talia’s friends to lovers and fake to real romance . It’s book four in The Love On The Line Series and i read this entertaining and captivating story in one sitting. I loved everything about it from the loveable characters to the witty banter as well as the heartwarming story.
When Talia’s ex cheated on her with her sister he took it one step further and proposed and now Talia needs a wingman for the wedding in Hawaii. That’s where Lucien comes in but who would have thought the couple who are sworn off relationships find love when they least expect it………..
It didn’t take me long to become invested this book and even when I had read the final line I still wanted more. Loved it.
When Talia’s ex cheated on her with her sister he took it one step further and proposed and now Talia needs a wingman for the wedding in Hawaii. That’s where Lucien comes in but who would have thought the couple who are sworn off relationships find love when they least expect it………..
It didn’t take me long to become invested this book and even when I had read the final line I still wanted more. Loved it.
January 1, 2026
A Deal With the Defender is a fun addition to the Love on the Line series with its memorable characters, enjoyable storyline and witty banter.
Talia Turner is the coaches daughter and just coming off a terrible breakup with her cheating ex. She is helping out with her dad’s team and is off limits to the players. Well, except for Lucien Beaumont it seems. Lucien is mesmerized by her sassy, tell it like it is wit which he finds an added bonus to her beautiful everything else. So, what started as friendship blossoms into so much more especially when he offers to accompany her to her sister and ex’s wedding. You don’t want to miss the shenanigans that take place at this wedding as not only Lucien puts her ex in his place but Talia finally calls them out on their affair.
Talia Turner is the coaches daughter and just coming off a terrible breakup with her cheating ex. She is helping out with her dad’s team and is off limits to the players. Well, except for Lucien Beaumont it seems. Lucien is mesmerized by her sassy, tell it like it is wit which he finds an added bonus to her beautiful everything else. So, what started as friendship blossoms into so much more especially when he offers to accompany her to her sister and ex’s wedding. You don’t want to miss the shenanigans that take place at this wedding as not only Lucien puts her ex in his place but Talia finally calls them out on their affair.
January 2, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book so much! Lucian is the perfect guy that women fall head over heels in love with because he is caring, protective, and pays attention to her. He’s got her back and he doesn’t let anything slide that could potentially hurt her emotionally. Talia has to pull herself out of depression from what her ex and her sister did to her. Seeing Lucien’s actions towards Talia is what helped her healing and restoring her self worth. I loved watching their story unfold and reading some of the funny situations they found themselves in during her ex and sister’s wedding festivities. The most epic moment is when Talia gave a drunken speech at the wedding reception! Just click on this book and read the story for yourself. You will not be disappointed!
January 8, 2026
I just love a good Hockey romance and this series never fails to disappoint 😍
When Talia's fiancé cheated on her, her world fell apart and the worst thing is that it was with her sister the one person who should be there for her in her hour of need.
Lucien the playboy hockey player famous for his chat up line ends up in a argument with Talia that ends up seeing himself differently.
Talia starts working for her dad and she ends up striking up a friendship with Lucien and he comes to her rescue when her world was slowly falling apart.
Book four in The Love One The Line series see's a story about friendship and support and finding love with the one person you least expect.
Brenda has done it again 😍
When Talia's fiancé cheated on her, her world fell apart and the worst thing is that it was with her sister the one person who should be there for her in her hour of need.
Lucien the playboy hockey player famous for his chat up line ends up in a argument with Talia that ends up seeing himself differently.
Talia starts working for her dad and she ends up striking up a friendship with Lucien and he comes to her rescue when her world was slowly falling apart.
Book four in The Love One The Line series see's a story about friendship and support and finding love with the one person you least expect.
Brenda has done it again 😍
January 1, 2026
Wow, love is rough for Talia. Her Ex is soon to be her brother-in-law! She is forced to flee and move in with her Dad, head coach of the Crush. When she is feeling her worst, she runs into Lucien, Dad's lead playboy player.
Lucien is taken back by Talia's snide and sarcastic. He's drawn to her sheer truth about his playboy life and saddened about her low opinion of herself.
Of course I love this series because Brenda Rothert has some of the most loveable characters because they are so relatable but I love that we get to see Darling the pig and Jefferson the cat. I am a lover of animal characters!
Lucien is taken back by Talia's snide and sarcastic. He's drawn to her sheer truth about his playboy life and saddened about her low opinion of herself.
Of course I love this series because Brenda Rothert has some of the most loveable characters because they are so relatable but I love that we get to see Darling the pig and Jefferson the cat. I am a lover of animal characters!
January 1, 2026
Wow, love is rough for Talia. Her Ex is soon to be her brother-in-law! She is forced to flee and move in with her Dad, head coach of the Crush. When she is feeling her worst, she runs into Lucien, Dad's lead playboy player.
Lucien is taken back by Talia's snide and sarcastic. He's drawn to her sheer truth about his playboy life and saddened about her low opinion of herself.
Of course I love this series because Brenda Rothert has some of the most loveable characters because they are so relatable but I love that we get to see Darling the pig and Jefferson the cat. I am a lover of animal characters!
review by C. Seymour - blogger
Lucien is taken back by Talia's snide and sarcastic. He's drawn to her sheer truth about his playboy life and saddened about her low opinion of herself.
Of course I love this series because Brenda Rothert has some of the most loveable characters because they are so relatable but I love that we get to see Darling the pig and Jefferson the cat. I am a lover of animal characters!
review by C. Seymour - blogger
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy sweetness with a hockey hottie and a smart and sassy sweetheart!
Talia & Lucien are an awesome pair. He's so loyal and supportive and she is confident in her job but not in herself. He's just the boost she needs after her ex cheated on her with - and is now marrying - her sister. Also, a helpful plus one to the happy event in Hawaii.
I couldn't put this down. I read it in just a few hours and I want more. I hope we get more updates on their relationship in the upcoming books in the series.
Talia & Lucien are an awesome pair. He's so loyal and supportive and she is confident in her job but not in herself. He's just the boost she needs after her ex cheated on her with - and is now marrying - her sister. Also, a helpful plus one to the happy event in Hawaii.
I couldn't put this down. I read it in just a few hours and I want more. I hope we get more updates on their relationship in the upcoming books in the series.
December 31, 2025
This one started out slow for me. I liked Talia and hated what she had been through. Wasn't sure about Lucien, he sort of came off as a douche at the start, but he later ended up being good for Talia, had her back when the wedding from hell was going on. I loved how he egged certain situations on and how when Talia finally had her say, he had her back.
You also have to give it to Talia's father for what he went to bat for her towards the end. I liked that he asked Lucien some tough questions, wanting to make sure he did the right thing for her daughter as the priority.
You also have to give it to Talia's father for what he went to bat for her towards the end. I liked that he asked Lucien some tough questions, wanting to make sure he did the right thing for her daughter as the priority.
January 8, 2026
5 stars for A Deal with the Defender by Brenda Rothert
Another great read for this amazing series. Love all of the players and wives and girlfiends. They truly are a family. Amazing storyline with lots of laughter and friendship. Love that Lucien supported Talia at the wedding. Funny as all get out. Can't wait for the next installment of Love on the Line series. Can't wait for coach to fall in love.
Another great read for this amazing series. Love all of the players and wives and girlfiends. They truly are a family. Amazing storyline with lots of laughter and friendship. Love that Lucien supported Talia at the wedding. Funny as all get out. Can't wait for the next installment of Love on the Line series. Can't wait for coach to fall in love.
December 31, 2025
A Deal with the Defender kept my attention from the beginning, and I read it in one short afternoon. I
loved Talia and Lucien's story. It's filled with emotion, wit, and the perfect amount of chemistry between the characters. I have enjoyed this series so much!
loved Talia and Lucien's story. It's filled with emotion, wit, and the perfect amount of chemistry between the characters. I have enjoyed this series so much!
January 2, 2026
Lucien truly embodies Loki's chaotic energy and I am here for it.
Talking shit about Talia is a ‘fuck around and find out’ situation.” I glance around at the shocked faces of the bridal party. “Anyone else got something to say?”
Talking shit about Talia is a ‘fuck around and find out’ situation.” I glance around at the shocked faces of the bridal party. “Anyone else got something to say?”
December 30, 2025
Couldn’t put it down! Flew right through Talia & Lucien’s story. There’s heartbreak & betrayal, but then there’s friendship & swoon. Happiness is the best revenge lol
January 13, 2026
4.5 stars - RTC
January 6, 2026
A nice, good light story without a stupid breakup for a stupid reason in the third act - thank you very much to the author for that!
January 12, 2026
I binge read this 5 star story.
Talia’s dad is an hockey teams coach. Lucien plays for said hockey team. So he’s warned to stay away from Talia. Talia’s sister has betrayed her in the worst way. Talia needs a fake boyfriend so Lucien volunteers but sparks are about to fly.
It was an intense and fun story all in one package. It was quick highly entertaining read. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
This is the fourth book in this series. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Talia’s dad is an hockey teams coach. Lucien plays for said hockey team. So he’s warned to stay away from Talia. Talia’s sister has betrayed her in the worst way. Talia needs a fake boyfriend so Lucien volunteers but sparks are about to fly.
It was an intense and fun story all in one package. It was quick highly entertaining read. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
This is the fourth book in this series. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews