Short Take Reviews: Camden | Coming Home

 

Camden

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #8

Pub: 8/1/2023

Format: Kindle

4.25 stars

Camden was one of the Lucky Three - the trio of Pittsburgh Titans players who was not on the plane with his teammates when it crashed, killing all on board. Telling himself that he has dealt with the trauma and put it aside, Camden is just hiding it well... until he isn't. Forced encouraged by his coach to attend a grief support meeting, he reconnects with Danica, the widow of his former friend/teammate. While  stepping in to help Danica, Camden must confront his grief and guilt, while also reconciling his growing feelings for Danica.

I've inhaled each book in this series and had been looking forward to Camden's story. I loved watching Camden reconnect with Danica and become an important part of her life and that of her son, Travis. Danica, while obviously still missing her husband almost a year after the crash, had worked through her grief and was able to be there for Camden, helping him navigate his own in a healthy way. At the same time, they had an ease to their relationship, having known each other for years, and I liked the way they were able to make such a natural feeling shift from friends to more. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their physical relationship provided plenty of steam. The support of Camden's teammates, and his relationship with Travis were true highlights. Another solid entry in a series that I don't want to end.

Tropes: friends to lovers, single parent

CW (highlight to view): grief, PTSD, death of a spouse

Coming Home

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Series: Woodland Park Firefighters #1

Pub: 11/29/2022

Format: Audio

3.5 stars

Anderson and Chelsea were high school sweethearts and had no doubt they would be together forever. But when Anderson joined the Army after graduation, and one reckless night at college changed everything for Chelsea... their lives took very different turns. Almost ten years later, Anderson is back in the small town of Woodland Park. Bearing the scars from his military service, both physical and emotional, he works as a paramedic. Seeing Chelsea again, and her son Jack, makes Anderson yearn for more - if only Chelsea will trust him enough to give them a second chance.

Shelley Shepard Gray is new to me but when I saw Rachel @ Waves of Fiction review the second book in this series recently, I was interested enough to grab the first book from my library. While this was far from my usual type of read, I enjoyed my time with Chelsea, Anderson, and the other residents in the small Colorado town. There was no drama or angst, the characters were genuine and kind, and it was easy to just sit back and let the story unfold. The secondary plotline featuring the burgeoning relationship of two older characters (in their 60's) was just as sweet and engaging as the central story. Coming Home was like a breath of fresh air and I won't hesitate to continue the series.

Tropes: small town, single parent, second chance

CW (highlight to view): PTSD, house fire

violence/death (mostly off page), physical abuse (off page)

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Short Take Reviews: Coen and Drake by Sawyer Bennett

 

COEN

Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #4

Format: Kindle

Source: Purchased

When the Pittsburgh Titans plane went down, Coen Highsmith was one of the lucky ones – one of the three hockey players who were not on the plane with their team. Coen was riddled with survivor’s guilt and, instead of dealing with it, took out his anger and frustration on everyone around him: his teammates, his coaches, management, right on up to the team’s owner. Now off for the summer, he has no intention of returning to his team when the new season starts. He is walking away from his hockey career. Staying in a secluded cabin in the woods, he is immediately at odds with his closest neighbor, artist Tillie Marshall. Threatening a lawsuit when she attempted to cut down some trees, Coen continued to butt heads with Tillie even as attraction flared between them. 

While I enjoyed Coen’s story and appreciated his journey from anger and grief to acceptance and healing, I missed some of the trademark elements that I’ve loved in the previous books in the series. There was little time spent with the team and I sorely missed that camaraderie. I also missed the slow evolution of the romantic relationships from the previous books. Coen was a real jerk to Tillie, and he continued to be for longer than I would have liked. They didn’t exactly have a friends with benefits relationship because they weren’t really friends. There was an intense attraction that they agreed to act on. Even though a friendship of sorts did form, I never really felt a true romance develop, and their relationship did not have the emotional depth that I experienced with the other couples. While this wasn’t my favorite in the series, I still enjoyed Coen’s story, and the moments I did get with the team were truly special and heartwarming. 4 stars

DRAKE

Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #5

Format: Audiobook

Source: Purchased

Drake McGinn felt betrayed and abandoned by the league when his (now ex) wife made false allegations against him – and his team, the media, and the fans chose to believe her. Although proven to be false, the damage was done, and he chose to walk away and leave it behind. His sole focus became being a single father to his three sons. When Brienne Norcross, new owner of the Pittsburgh Titans, showed up at his home and offered him a spot on the rebuilt team, he was still bitter, but accepted. Now he has to find a balance between hockey, his boys, and the intense chemistry between he and Brienne. 

After feeling like the previous book (Coen) was lacking some of the elements I've come to appreciate in this series, I was relieved this latest entry returned to what I’ve loved and come to expect: slowly evolving relationships with deep emotional connections, and a focus on the strong bonds between the teammates. Both Drake and Brielle were insistent that they did not want a relationship, and that made their journey all the more satisfying.  I loved how they truly saw one another and accepted the other for who they were. I was delighted with how their relationship slowly morphed into something more and how tentative they were to explore those possibilities. The female friendships, Drake’s devotion to his boys, Brielle’s kindness and her acceptance of Drake’s priorities, and the way Drake celebrated Brielle’s strength and success while also helping her to find balance in her life… it all combined in such a satisfying way. A bonus was seeing the relationships from previous books continue to flourish, and the surprise wedding proposal (I’m not telling whose!) about made my heart burst. I’ll be so sorry to see this series come to an end. 4.25 stars

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Review: Gage by Sawyer Bennett

GAGE

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #3

Publication date: 7/5/2022

Format: Kindle

Source: Overdrive

4.5 Stars

Veteran player Gage Heyward retired from the league following a successful career. Now the Titans need him, but does he have what it takes to get back on the ice and pull this team together?

After achieving the goals I set for myself, I walked away from my professional hockey career. It was a tough decision, but the right one at the time. When the Titans organization approached me about joining the team they were rebuilding following a devastating plane crash, I felt a passion for the game and a competitive spirit I hadn’t felt in years. The opportunity to make a huge difference to a lot of people spoke to me, and I accepted their offer and headed to Pittsburgh without a second thought.

Jenna Holland is also new to town, having moved from Phoenix to Pittsburgh to take a job with the Titans. Her past has left her with scars—both physical and emotional—and she’s slow to trust others. But the more I learn about Jenna, the more I want to know. The more I need to know. Because the beautiful blonde with honey gold eyes and a wall around her heart has me enamored.

My game on the ice is the best it’s ever been, but it’s my game off the ice I’m focused on these days. Because while Jenna may not be willing to take a chance, I know the potential is there for something big. Something life changing. Now I just need to convince her to take the shot.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUDIBLE

After the tragic loss of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team in a horrific plane crash, Gage Heyward is called from retirement. Intrigued by the idea of helping to rebuild the team and be a part of history, Gage accepts the offer. It’s obvious there are some growing pains, and it will take time for the team to truly gel, but he is still excited to play and, as a veteran player, be a guiding force on the team.

Jenna Holland is looking for a fresh start. After surviving a horrific house fire, she has spent years trying to recover – both physically and emotionally. Her physical scarring means she has dealt with abandonment and rejection, and she is wary of putting herself out there. Accepting a job as the media liaison with the Pittsburg Titans is a big step for her, and she is determined to give others the benefit of the doubt and not automatically expect judgment and disgust.

From Gage’s first meeting with Jenna, it was obvious that he was a good man. Jenna was aware that he noticed her scars and quickly shut down and withdrew. Gage, unwilling to let her think he was judging her in any way, set things right with her immediately. The care and compassion he showed made it obvious he was special from the start.

Gage found reasons to seek Jenna out, to try and spend time with her, and make his interest known. It was difficult for Jenna to accept his interest at face value, and I loved that Gage was so open and honest and was always upfront about his feelings and intentions. My heart hurt for Jenna and what she still had to deal with. It would have been easier to hide away and not take chances, so I was cheering her on every time she pushed herself out of her comfort zone.

Brienne, the team owner, agreed to have a documentary made about the rebuilt team and it was totally something I could see happening in real life. Jenna’s involvement with the documentary team meant more time with the players (including Gage) and more interaction with people outside her small circle of friends. While she continued to struggle with her insecurities, Bennett did an amazing job of showing Jenna’s confidence rise in such a natural way. The various team events meant more time with some of the players (and executive staff) I have come to love. An ongoing issue with a staff member was resolved in this entry and I was practically cheering and pumping my fist over how it was handled.

At the risk of going overboard with my praise of Gage, I have to say he is one special romantic hero. Some might say he was too good to be true, but sometimes too good is just right. Gage was old-fashioned, protective, patient, compassionate – and his open communication with Jenna (both in and out of the bedroom) to ensure they were on the same page was always on display. The tenderness and care he showed Jenna were enough to melt any heart.

As with the previous books in the series, the character development was perfection. Bennett has created something special with this cast of characters and the way she highlights the camaraderie of the teammates is one of my favorite aspects. This series has been so much more than I expected and I can’t wait for the next release. ★★★★.5

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Review: Stone by Sawyer Bennett

STONE

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #2

Publication date: 3/1/2022

Format: Kindle

Source: Overdrive

4.5 Stars

Minor league player Stone Dumelin lost his younger brother when the Titans’ team plane went down. He never expected the phone call that followed.

After a shoulder injury put my NHL career on ice, I resigned myself to the fact I’d never see my way out of the minor league again. As my career faded, my estranged brother’s star shot into orbit as the first line left winger for the Pittsburgh Titans. But when the team’s plane crashed returning home one night, his light was snuffed out, and I was given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now I’m in Pittsburgh, playing for the Titans, and face-to-face with my dead brother’s ghost at every turn. His locker, his legacy, his persistent and annoyingly gorgeous attorney who won’t stop contacting me about his estate, even though I’ve demanded she leave me alone.

Harlow Alston would be extremely appealing if she wasn’t so aggravating. Only…that’s a complete lie. She pushes all the right buttons for me, and as much as I want her to quit pestering me about Brooks’s estate, I find myself intrigued by the fiery redhead who can’t take no for an answer. And the more I learn about Harlow, the more I find she might be the key to understanding who Brooks really was, and who I want to be.

I’ve got a second shot at a career I thought I’d lost and the opportunity to build something real with Harlow, but can I find strength to move forward or will my past dictate my future?

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUDIBLE

Stone Dumelin’s career has floundered. An injury sent him from the NHL to the minor league just as his brother’s star was rising as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans. Then tragedy struck when the team plane crashed, killing all on board, including his brother, Brooks. When Stone is called up to join the fledgling rebuilt team, it’s with mixed emotions. He’s being given the opportunity of a lifetime, but at the cost of his brother’s life. Adding to his distress are the repeated calls and emails from the attorney handling his brother’s estate, even though he wants no part of it. When he finally caves and shows up at her office… things don’t go well. He’s angry, he breaks an antique chair, and her dog almost eats him. But when he learns that Harlow seemed to know his brother better than he ever did, he’s willing to listen and learn. And as much as he’s learning about his brother, he’s also discovering that Harlow could be the one thing in his life that he needs more than hockey.

Oh boy, Stone was a hot mess at first. His grief often manifested as anger but when he lashed out at Harlow she wasn’t having it. The more I learned about Stone’s family, the dynamics between the father and sons— it explained a lot, and it hurt my heart. The lack of unconditional love and true support in Stone’s life was crushing.

Harlow was Brooks’ best friend and they kept each other’s secrets. When he appointed her the trustee of his estate, she had an uphill battle to get Stone to hear out his brother’s wishes. I loved her support of Stone and her determination to do right by both brothers. The relationship between Harlow and Stone developed so naturally. Stone’s issues (abandonment issues, imposter syndrome) meant there were some bumps along the way, but Harlow’s patience and acceptance, and Stone’s newfound acceptance of the past and understanding of his own worth, were worth everything.

I loved the development of Stone’s character, and the continued development of the team dynamics. I am so hooked on this world that Sawyer Bennett has created. Watching these characters grow and heal and find love gave me all the feels, and after just two books I don’t want the series to end. ★★★★.5

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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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