Review: Baden by Sawyer Bennett

BADEN

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #1

Publication date: 12/23/2021

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

4.5 Stars

After suffering a horrific injury that threatens to end his career, Baden Oulett is about to learn that sometimes a fresh start is just what the doctor ordered.

I worked my whole life to achieve one goal—play professional hockey. As part of the defending Cup champion Arizona Vengeance, I was living my dream until one split second decision destroyed it all. Instead of lacing up my skates and hitting the ice, I’ve spent my days in rehab and physical therapy just so I could walk again. When a coaching opportunity with the Pittsburgh Titans is presented to me, I find myself with a career I had never considered but which allows me to continue being part of the sport that I love.

While my injuries are physical, the same can’t be said for the woman I rescued. Suffering from wounds that can’t be seen, Sophie Winters has withdrawn from the world in fear and guilt. I didn’t know Sophie before that fateful night and have only met her once since, but I refuse to let her face her demons alone. Determined to be a friend, I support Sophie in the only way I know how… by simply being there.

Through our shared trauma, Sophie and I begin to find peace within one another. As we grow closer, what started as friendship becomes more intimate until our broken pieces become one. But can a love born of anguish endure, or will the pain of our past prove too much to overcome?

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUDIBLE

Baden was my first experience with Sawyer Bennett. When I saw her mention that her (then upcoming) Pittsburgh Titans series was more emotional than anything she’d written previously… she had me. Emotional is my catnip. And I was not disappointed. I was hooked immediately. It was impossible not to feel deeply for Baden and Sophie, both of whom were experiencing the lasting effects of a shared traumatic event. Baden’s injuries were mainly physical, and severe enough to end his career as a professional hockey player. The aftermath for Sophie was mental and emotional and her life was now ruled by crippling fear. When Baden accepts a job as the new goalie coach for the Pittsburgh Titans, the same city where Sophie lives, he reaches out to her to see how she’d doing. The bond they already share leads to friendship and then to the possibility of more. But Sophie may be too broken to truly leave the past behind.

The premise for the series is centered on the devastating loss when the Pittsburgh Titans team plane crashes, killing everyone on board. Now the team is rebuilt with the three players who had not been on the plane, a few who have come back from retirement, and many brought up from the minor league. The new team is facing many obstacles, both internal and external, and the stage is set for each player to get his story.

Baden was an amazing start to the series and I just wanted more, more, more. I adored Baden - this man was the sweetest and kindest ever! I loved his willingness to be there for others. He was able to look past himself and pay attention to those around him and see what they needed. He didn’t just give lip service, he was actually invested in people and made it his mission to truly be there for them. Sophie’s story was so moving and seeing how she was still a prisoner of the attack that had left her living in fear was heartbreaking. It was a slow process but I cheered on her every victory and how she worked to reclaim her life. My heart was fully engaged with Baden and Sophie and their slow burn romance developed so naturally. Even with the more serious subject matter, there was a strong focus on healing and starting over. After being consumed by their story, I can’t wait to return to the world of the Pittsburgh Titans. ★★★★.5

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