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Arizona Vengeance #7
Wylde
There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name.
I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.
When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.
If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.
I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.
When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.
If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
About the author
Sawyer Bennett
166 books14.2k followersNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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May 11, 2020
“I want you to know I’m being as honest with you as I can,” I say. “You have baggage, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. This is probably fated for disaster. But I like you, Clarke. I want to get to know you better. It’s a first for me.”
Download WYLDE:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name.
I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.
When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.
If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.
Download WYLDE:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
November 1, 2021
>> 99 cents sale 10/17/2021 <<
Sawyer Bennett never seizes to provide stories full of genuine emotion guaranteed to take us away and entertain until the happy-ever-after end. Wylde is no exception.
Sawyer Bennett continues her Arizona Vengeance series with this tale of a shy bookshop owner and the NHL playboy who inadvertently walks into her store and falls for the strong-willed and beautiful woman. A few years back Clarke Webber had an unpleasant brush with fame and has no intentions of ever being near the limelight again.
Happy managing her own bookshop, Clarke doesn’t know of Aaron Wylde nor does she find the charming and witty man temping. Because sexy, confident alpha males are also on her no-no list. But the gregarious and well-read man tricks her into two dates that become so much more. While Clarke wrestles with insecurities and anxieties, can this celebrity athlete win her heart?
Bennett unfailingly produces gratifying, emotional romances, but this story gives us bibliophiles a setting during a good part of Clarke and Aaron’s romance around a cozy bookshop where we can imagine the gorgeous and interesting Aaron reading while she works.
Aaron first thaws Clarke’s heart by surprising her with his book knowledge but continues to do so when she reveals her unpleasant past and Aaron not only empathizes but is resolute in showing her he’s the man for her with continual caring, thoughtful and swoony moves.
Bennett has penned a story which not only showcases Aaron and Clarke as a main couple, but also brings back loved characters from past books. She carefully inserts them in a way that helps the main couple along their journey towards happiness while giving fans of the series an update on their favorite characters. Spending time with the Arizona Vengeance is a pleasure, and Bennett has created a group of people I want to hang out with any time she’s got a story to tell.
Wylde is book #7 of the Arizona Vengeance series by Sawyer Bennett. It’s a delightful hockey romance. It’s told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3fhm1q3
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
Sawyer Bennett never seizes to provide stories full of genuine emotion guaranteed to take us away and entertain until the happy-ever-after end. Wylde is no exception.
Sawyer Bennett continues her Arizona Vengeance series with this tale of a shy bookshop owner and the NHL playboy who inadvertently walks into her store and falls for the strong-willed and beautiful woman. A few years back Clarke Webber had an unpleasant brush with fame and has no intentions of ever being near the limelight again.
Happy managing her own bookshop, Clarke doesn’t know of Aaron Wylde nor does she find the charming and witty man temping. Because sexy, confident alpha males are also on her no-no list. But the gregarious and well-read man tricks her into two dates that become so much more. While Clarke wrestles with insecurities and anxieties, can this celebrity athlete win her heart?
Bennett unfailingly produces gratifying, emotional romances, but this story gives us bibliophiles a setting during a good part of Clarke and Aaron’s romance around a cozy bookshop where we can imagine the gorgeous and interesting Aaron reading while she works.
Aaron first thaws Clarke’s heart by surprising her with his book knowledge but continues to do so when she reveals her unpleasant past and Aaron not only empathizes but is resolute in showing her he’s the man for her with continual caring, thoughtful and swoony moves.
Bennett has penned a story which not only showcases Aaron and Clarke as a main couple, but also brings back loved characters from past books. She carefully inserts them in a way that helps the main couple along their journey towards happiness while giving fans of the series an update on their favorite characters. Spending time with the Arizona Vengeance is a pleasure, and Bennett has created a group of people I want to hang out with any time she’s got a story to tell.
Wylde is book #7 of the Arizona Vengeance series by Sawyer Bennett. It’s a delightful hockey romance. It’s told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3fhm1q3
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
May 12, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Wylde is the 7th installment of the Arizona Vengeance series and follows Aaron Wylde. Aaron is confident in his ability to make women swoon but being a hockey player and well known means he doesn't have to work hard to get a woman's attention. Until he sets his sights on Clarke Webber and she seems resistant to his cocky smile.
I loved that Clarke made Aaron work for her attention and didn't care that he was famous. She actually liked him in spite of that. Seeing Aaron out of his element and having to actually try to get Clarke to like him instead of her just falling at his feet like every other woman was the best part of them. It made their connection that much better and made the story so fun to read.
This book can be read as a standalone with no problem but has maybe a few spoilers from some of the previous stories. Being the 7th in a series made it a little difficult for me not to compare it to the other books and that's the main reason for my 3 Star rating. Going into it I was expecting a story as exciting as the others but instead this was a sweet and cute story. While good, I did want a little more to keep my attention and keep me invested in Aaron and Clarke.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Wylde is the 7th installment of the Arizona Vengeance series and follows Aaron Wylde. Aaron is confident in his ability to make women swoon but being a hockey player and well known means he doesn't have to work hard to get a woman's attention. Until he sets his sights on Clarke Webber and she seems resistant to his cocky smile.
I loved that Clarke made Aaron work for her attention and didn't care that he was famous. She actually liked him in spite of that. Seeing Aaron out of his element and having to actually try to get Clarke to like him instead of her just falling at his feet like every other woman was the best part of them. It made their connection that much better and made the story so fun to read.
This book can be read as a standalone with no problem but has maybe a few spoilers from some of the previous stories. Being the 7th in a series made it a little difficult for me not to compare it to the other books and that's the main reason for my 3 Star rating. Going into it I was expecting a story as exciting as the others but instead this was a sweet and cute story. While good, I did want a little more to keep my attention and keep me invested in Aaron and Clarke.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2020
I read so many series of hockey romance from Miss Bennet. I do find Wylde is a old recipe being recycle over and over again. I got bored with lack of originality. Come on, how many of this story have to be repeated with so many sereis and their spin off??
I want more. I am expecting way much more from Miss Bennet. She is after all a renowed romance writer.
2 stars
I want more. I am expecting way much more from Miss Bennet. She is after all a renowed romance writer.
2 stars
May 13, 2020
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
-“I must be a glutton for punishment.”
-“Because I’m bound and determined to get you to like me, Clarke Webber.”
Aaron Wylde is a well known professional athlete who recently moved to Phoenix, and joined the new expansion team, the Arizona Vengeance as a first line defenseman. They just won the Cup championship, and are finally getting a little down time over the summer. Aaron is passionate about his career, but also has a reputation as a ladies man. There’s a reason why everyone refers to him as Wylde instead of his first name. He’s the league’s most notorious playboy, and considered the leader of the single guys. He doesn’t date or form attachments, but has a few really close friends that are like family.
When he crosses paths with a nerdy, beautiful redhead at a bookstore, he’s completely captivated. She’s intriguing, and he wants to get to know her better. He quickly learns he’s met his match. She’s a challenge, and his usual ways clearly aren’t going to work with this woman. She’s caught his eye, and he’s attracted to her, but it’s more than that. He really likes her, and his behavior is suddenly uncharacteristic. Being with her has opened something up within him, and he’s determined to win her over.
Clarke Webber doesn’t trust easily from past experiences. Following her heart hadn’t always turned out great for her, so she now guards it. She meets hockey star Aaron Wylde, and he’s charming, funny, and extremely persistent. He’s the best looking guy she’s ever seen, but he has complicated written all over him. He’s famous, and she wants no part of him, but this gorgeous man seems genuinely interested in her, and wants a real chance with her. When their connection grows deeper, will she take a risk on love?
Wylde (An Arizona Vengeance novel) by Sawyer Bennett is a fantastic, standalone sports romance with a sinfully sexy hero who falls hard for a quirky, local beauty. It’s an addictive story about true love, and following your heart.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2AmYNie
(ARC provided by author)
-“I must be a glutton for punishment.”
-“Because I’m bound and determined to get you to like me, Clarke Webber.”
Aaron Wylde is a well known professional athlete who recently moved to Phoenix, and joined the new expansion team, the Arizona Vengeance as a first line defenseman. They just won the Cup championship, and are finally getting a little down time over the summer. Aaron is passionate about his career, but also has a reputation as a ladies man. There’s a reason why everyone refers to him as Wylde instead of his first name. He’s the league’s most notorious playboy, and considered the leader of the single guys. He doesn’t date or form attachments, but has a few really close friends that are like family.
When he crosses paths with a nerdy, beautiful redhead at a bookstore, he’s completely captivated. She’s intriguing, and he wants to get to know her better. He quickly learns he’s met his match. She’s a challenge, and his usual ways clearly aren’t going to work with this woman. She’s caught his eye, and he’s attracted to her, but it’s more than that. He really likes her, and his behavior is suddenly uncharacteristic. Being with her has opened something up within him, and he’s determined to win her over.
Clarke Webber doesn’t trust easily from past experiences. Following her heart hadn’t always turned out great for her, so she now guards it. She meets hockey star Aaron Wylde, and he’s charming, funny, and extremely persistent. He’s the best looking guy she’s ever seen, but he has complicated written all over him. He’s famous, and she wants no part of him, but this gorgeous man seems genuinely interested in her, and wants a real chance with her. When their connection grows deeper, will she take a risk on love?
Wylde (An Arizona Vengeance novel) by Sawyer Bennett is a fantastic, standalone sports romance with a sinfully sexy hero who falls hard for a quirky, local beauty. It’s an addictive story about true love, and following your heart.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2AmYNie
May 16, 2020
5 Aaron and Clarke Stars
I had been eagerly anticipating this latest instalment in the Arizona Vengeance Series and it lived up to my expectations. I had been disappointed with Dominik and Willow's story which is the previous book but Aaron has reaffirmed my love for the Arizona men.
Aaron (Wylde) is THE playboy of the Vengeance. He is gorgeous , he knows it and he loves the attention he gets from the ladies. He is the centre of female attention when the boys go out to party. The Vengeance have had a hugely successful season and now it's time to relax. Aaron still maintains his fitness and is running past Clarke's bookstore when she catches his eye....and the game is on.
Clarke does not fall at his feet. She has no clue who he is and is not impressed with his moves. Meanwhile Aaron is doing everything he can to stay in the store as long as possible because he is hugely attracted to Clarke.
The dude is definitely weird.
“I’ll go ahead and get this rung up—”
“Another wedding,” he blurts out, then slaps his forehead as if he’d just remembered something critical to life on earth. “I actually have another wedding weekend after this, and I’ll need a gift for that. And come to think of it, one in July, too. So I’ll need two more.” “Oh… okay,” I murmur, setting the wrapped wine opener on the counter and moving out from behind it.
Dude is totally weird.
Clarke has issues around trust and I thought her backstory was well done. She slowly warms up to Aaron and I really liked that he didn't push her. They both had to take a leap of faith to risk their hearts and it was adorable to see them falling for each other.
“You have baggage, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. This is probably fated for disaster. But I like you, Clarke. I want to get to know you better."
This is book seven in the series but you could read it as a standalone. There are little recounts of each couple's story as you weave through Wylde. I did miss the hockey action as this is all set in the off season but I was thoroughly swept up in the romance and passion of the story so it wasn't until the end that I realised there had been no hockey matches.
Great secondary characters and good set ups for upcoming books , Kane and Steele but I really , really want Baden's book - I hope he gets one.
HEA? More HFN , but still lovely.
Cheating? No
I had been eagerly anticipating this latest instalment in the Arizona Vengeance Series and it lived up to my expectations. I had been disappointed with Dominik and Willow's story which is the previous book but Aaron has reaffirmed my love for the Arizona men.
Aaron (Wylde) is THE playboy of the Vengeance. He is gorgeous , he knows it and he loves the attention he gets from the ladies. He is the centre of female attention when the boys go out to party. The Vengeance have had a hugely successful season and now it's time to relax. Aaron still maintains his fitness and is running past Clarke's bookstore when she catches his eye....and the game is on.
Clarke does not fall at his feet. She has no clue who he is and is not impressed with his moves. Meanwhile Aaron is doing everything he can to stay in the store as long as possible because he is hugely attracted to Clarke.
The dude is definitely weird.
“I’ll go ahead and get this rung up—”
“Another wedding,” he blurts out, then slaps his forehead as if he’d just remembered something critical to life on earth. “I actually have another wedding weekend after this, and I’ll need a gift for that. And come to think of it, one in July, too. So I’ll need two more.” “Oh… okay,” I murmur, setting the wrapped wine opener on the counter and moving out from behind it.
Dude is totally weird.
Clarke has issues around trust and I thought her backstory was well done. She slowly warms up to Aaron and I really liked that he didn't push her. They both had to take a leap of faith to risk their hearts and it was adorable to see them falling for each other.
“You have baggage, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. This is probably fated for disaster. But I like you, Clarke. I want to get to know you better."
This is book seven in the series but you could read it as a standalone. There are little recounts of each couple's story as you weave through Wylde. I did miss the hockey action as this is all set in the off season but I was thoroughly swept up in the romance and passion of the story so it wasn't until the end that I realised there had been no hockey matches.
Great secondary characters and good set ups for upcoming books , Kane and Steele but I really , really want Baden's book - I hope he gets one.
HEA? More HFN , but still lovely.
Cheating? No
May 9, 2020
Aaron Wylde was exactly the sort of hero I needed right now: strong, sexy, sensitive, sincere -- and devilishly playful.
Good gravy but he swept me off my feet. He was everything I needed to lose myself in a story, heart aflutter, smile planted firmly on lips, and I fell hopelessly, helplessly in love with this love story.
I mean, Clarke was no slouch in her own right. Her back story broke my heart, but I loved how strong she was in spite of it. I loved how she continued to grow and strengthen and learned to trust herself - and Aaron - along the way. Together these two were pure happiness. Sexy, sweet, and so much fun to read. I absolutely adored them - and the indulgent escape they provided from the real world.
As always, the brotherhood - in this case, particularly between Tacker and Aaron - was just as rewarding as the romance. Tacker's story was one of my very favorites and I so adored getting to spend more time with him and Norah, and getting updates on them - and all the couples I've met along the way. It feels a little bit like coming home as it adds warmth and depth to the story. This whole thing just felt good and I wasn't ready for it to end!
In all, Wylde was a fabulous five-star escape for me. I absolutely adored these two, and every moment of their story. This series is a gift that keeps on giving and I can't wait to see what's coming next! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
Good gravy but he swept me off my feet. He was everything I needed to lose myself in a story, heart aflutter, smile planted firmly on lips, and I fell hopelessly, helplessly in love with this love story.
I mean, Clarke was no slouch in her own right. Her back story broke my heart, but I loved how strong she was in spite of it. I loved how she continued to grow and strengthen and learned to trust herself - and Aaron - along the way. Together these two were pure happiness. Sexy, sweet, and so much fun to read. I absolutely adored them - and the indulgent escape they provided from the real world.
As always, the brotherhood - in this case, particularly between Tacker and Aaron - was just as rewarding as the romance. Tacker's story was one of my very favorites and I so adored getting to spend more time with him and Norah, and getting updates on them - and all the couples I've met along the way. It feels a little bit like coming home as it adds warmth and depth to the story. This whole thing just felt good and I wasn't ready for it to end!
In all, Wylde was a fabulous five-star escape for me. I absolutely adored these two, and every moment of their story. This series is a gift that keeps on giving and I can't wait to see what's coming next! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
May 12, 2020
Okay, I have to be honest here, because it really doesn't help to write a review if you aren't honest, right?
When I started this book I really didn't like Clarke. As a matter of fact, I strongly disliked her. Which was a huge surprise because I've never so actively disliked any of this author's female leads. And I've read probably 90% of her books. So, if you are reading this before you read Wylde don't be discouraged. Keep reading, and note that this book got a 5 star review.
So, I really liked Wylde when I met him in Tacker. He was funny but you knew he cared about his friend. From the beginning you can tell he has a good heart. Which is shown in a number of different ways in this book. As I said, I didn't care for Clarke in the beginning, but as I got to know her I started to understand her and I started to like her.
Another great book by a fantastic author!!!
When I started this book I really didn't like Clarke. As a matter of fact, I strongly disliked her. Which was a huge surprise because I've never so actively disliked any of this author's female leads. And I've read probably 90% of her books. So, if you are reading this before you read Wylde don't be discouraged. Keep reading, and note that this book got a 5 star review.
So, I really liked Wylde when I met him in Tacker. He was funny but you knew he cared about his friend. From the beginning you can tell he has a good heart. Which is shown in a number of different ways in this book. As I said, I didn't care for Clarke in the beginning, but as I got to know her I started to understand her and I started to like her.
Another great book by a fantastic author!!!
November 26, 2021
4 If It Is Arizona Vengence, Can't Read Just One Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-Limited Time, Only 99 CENTS!!!
You know how there are certain series you just love. The books have become a touchstone of your reading history and as the series continues, you learn of past characters and feel that connection. Sawyer Bennett has been doing this series about her NHL teams for quite some time. Cold Fury was the first series I read that then segued wayed into this team series, the Arizona Vengence.
This allowed Bennett to go forward while still referencing the other team periodically. I happen to love all of that. It is addictive and like the old ad campaign for Lays Potato Chips, you can't read just one....and I haven't, I have read Every Single One, Happily.
(Yup, I know that remembering this personally ages me, hahahahaha)
This entry has Wylde who has become a part of the team and finds himself doing something he has never done before. He is pursuing a woman who really isn't interested in him...well, not like how women usually are.
You see Aaron has had quite the rep as the team player, enjoying the whole puck bunny deal. The season is over, they won the Stanley Cup and so they all are riding high on the win. He is trying to figure out what to do with the off-time when he comes across a bookstore during his morning jog. As he peered into the picture window, he saw this woman there, someone who looked like a vision to him.
This caused him to go into the store and see her up close and personal. Up close was even better...she was nothing like all the plastic, blond barbies that have chased him. There was something earthy and sweet yet with so much spark behind the eyes. It made him feel like a preteen boy.
In order to stay in her store longer, he came up with needing gifts for the weddings happening for his teammates. As they are interacting, Aaron is thinking this redhead is someone he wants to know better.
Clarke is a bit dazzled by this hunk of a guy in her bookstore. He has that just finished run look, causing the t-shirt to stick to his chest revealing more abs than she is used to. This guy seems a little out of place yet still keeps coming up with reasons to keep being in the store.
Clarke is enjoying the banter and flirting. It is something she hasn't been involved in forever. It causes her to relax for a minute and allow Aaron to present a challenge. Confident in her assumptions about this guy who probably is a weekend jock and has no interest in what is her passion, she accepts the bet.
Bammmm, Aaron has won and now Clarke, who never welches on a bet, has to spend time with this guy. Then when she finds out Aaron isn't some weekend jock at all and a famous hockey player, all her walls go up.
This is not good, not at all. Clarke is sure after her living up to her obligations she will cut him loose and won't see him again. Clarke's experience with fame and the famous was not something she ever wants to repeat again.
Aaron is having none of this, he is actually really enjoying himself with Clarke and wants more time with her. After she explains why they could never work, Aaron is determined to figure out how to show Clarke he is a good guy and things will work out.
This was delicious, I could have gobbled Aaron up. Such a sweet guy and he was very forthcoming all the time which I loved. He was patient with Clarke and understood what she needed. Clarke was perfect for Aaron and she needed to accept his true actions and feeling for her. When they finally were able to make it all fall into place, I rejoiced.
As I said, I love this series, and when the next entry comes...I will be front and center.
Bishop (Arizona Vengeance,#1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Erik (Arizona Vengeance,#2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Legend (Arizona Vengeance,#3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dax (Arizona Vengeance #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tacker (Arizona Vengeance, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dominik (Arizona Vengeance #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rafe (Arizona Vengeance, #6.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wylde (Arizona Vengeance #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kane (Arizona Vengeance, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Steele (Arizona Vengeance, #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jett (Arizona Vengeance, #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
There is Nothing Better...
Then Living Up to Your Actual Name...
Being the Newest Arizona Vengeance Player...
Has Given Me Celebrity, Fans, Puck Bunnies and More...
Wylde is my Name...
And My Actions...
Bring the Attention I Thrive on...
But When I Meet Clarke Webber...
Nothing I Usually Do Works...
Oh, We Banter and Talk...
Yet this Redhead is Not Going with the Program...
Little Does She Know...
Being Wylde has Another Side...
Bringing Out the Real Man...
Is What's Needed...
Because this isn't a Game Anymore...
I'm Going to Introduce Clarke...
To Aaron, The Man She Makes Me Want to Be...
Wylde (Arizona Vengeance #7) May 12, 2020
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-Limited Time, Only 99 CENTS!!!
You know how there are certain series you just love. The books have become a touchstone of your reading history and as the series continues, you learn of past characters and feel that connection. Sawyer Bennett has been doing this series about her NHL teams for quite some time. Cold Fury was the first series I read that then segued wayed into this team series, the Arizona Vengence.
This allowed Bennett to go forward while still referencing the other team periodically. I happen to love all of that. It is addictive and like the old ad campaign for Lays Potato Chips, you can't read just one....and I haven't, I have read Every Single One, Happily.
(Yup, I know that remembering this personally ages me, hahahahaha)
This entry has Wylde who has become a part of the team and finds himself doing something he has never done before. He is pursuing a woman who really isn't interested in him...well, not like how women usually are.
You see Aaron has had quite the rep as the team player, enjoying the whole puck bunny deal. The season is over, they won the Stanley Cup and so they all are riding high on the win. He is trying to figure out what to do with the off-time when he comes across a bookstore during his morning jog. As he peered into the picture window, he saw this woman there, someone who looked like a vision to him.
This caused him to go into the store and see her up close and personal. Up close was even better...she was nothing like all the plastic, blond barbies that have chased him. There was something earthy and sweet yet with so much spark behind the eyes. It made him feel like a preteen boy.
In order to stay in her store longer, he came up with needing gifts for the weddings happening for his teammates. As they are interacting, Aaron is thinking this redhead is someone he wants to know better.
Clarke is a bit dazzled by this hunk of a guy in her bookstore. He has that just finished run look, causing the t-shirt to stick to his chest revealing more abs than she is used to. This guy seems a little out of place yet still keeps coming up with reasons to keep being in the store.
Clarke is enjoying the banter and flirting. It is something she hasn't been involved in forever. It causes her to relax for a minute and allow Aaron to present a challenge. Confident in her assumptions about this guy who probably is a weekend jock and has no interest in what is her passion, she accepts the bet.
Bammmm, Aaron has won and now Clarke, who never welches on a bet, has to spend time with this guy. Then when she finds out Aaron isn't some weekend jock at all and a famous hockey player, all her walls go up.
This is not good, not at all. Clarke is sure after her living up to her obligations she will cut him loose and won't see him again. Clarke's experience with fame and the famous was not something she ever wants to repeat again.
Aaron is having none of this, he is actually really enjoying himself with Clarke and wants more time with her. After she explains why they could never work, Aaron is determined to figure out how to show Clarke he is a good guy and things will work out.
This was delicious, I could have gobbled Aaron up. Such a sweet guy and he was very forthcoming all the time which I loved. He was patient with Clarke and understood what she needed. Clarke was perfect for Aaron and she needed to accept his true actions and feeling for her. When they finally were able to make it all fall into place, I rejoiced.
As I said, I love this series, and when the next entry comes...I will be front and center.
Bishop (Arizona Vengeance,#1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Erik (Arizona Vengeance,#2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Legend (Arizona Vengeance,#3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dax (Arizona Vengeance #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tacker (Arizona Vengeance, #5) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dominik (Arizona Vengeance #6) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rafe (Arizona Vengeance, #6.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wylde (Arizona Vengeance #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kane (Arizona Vengeance, #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Steele (Arizona Vengeance, #9)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jett (Arizona Vengeance, #10) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
There is Nothing Better...
Then Living Up to Your Actual Name...
Being the Newest Arizona Vengeance Player...
Has Given Me Celebrity, Fans, Puck Bunnies and More...
Wylde is my Name...
And My Actions...
Bring the Attention I Thrive on...
But When I Meet Clarke Webber...
Nothing I Usually Do Works...
Oh, We Banter and Talk...
Yet this Redhead is Not Going with the Program...
Little Does She Know...
Being Wylde has Another Side...
Bringing Out the Real Man...
Is What's Needed...
Because this isn't a Game Anymore...
I'm Going to Introduce Clarke...
To Aaron, The Man She Makes Me Want to Be...
Wylde (Arizona Vengeance #7) May 12, 2020
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 12, 2020
WYLDE!
We already heard about him a little in the last books. (He's Tacker's best friend!)
Wylde is young. Rich. Pretty famous - as far as hockey stars in Arizona can be famous. And he's single and loving it.
One morning on a run he comes across Clarke's bookstore and sees her behind the register.
Bam! He's insta-interested. But he's not really doing the whole serious dating thing. Not yet. He has some good 'playa' years ahead of him. Right?
And Clarke is not really dating either. At least no famous hotties.
But Wylde still gets her to go on a wedding-date with him.☺
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!
That was adorable and funny!
With a few sad and emotional moments thrown in.
I really enjoyed reading this!
Wylde never had to fight for a date.
Hilarious.
It was all maybe a tiny bit too sweet and easy? Nothing much really happens. Just cute and funny scenes with a few interesting moments thrown in.
And Sawyer has once again used all the AS's she could get her hands on. Ugh. How I hate that!
(You know the ones, right? She couldn't pick him up from school, as she had to get her nails done.)
I could understand one British character using it, but it's the author using it, so ALL her characters talk like that. Ew.
But still - I really loved Wylde - he was mega adorable and nice and hot. A really good guy. Now that he's done being the wild Wylde. And Clarke and her bookstore - totally adorable too. Even though I kinda had the feeling that I was reading a gay romance all the time. Why name a girl Clarke?? Ugh.
I also loved that we were in the hockey off season - AS I'm not really a hockey fan. SEE WHAT I DID THERE????? I USED ONE OF SAWYER'S HORRIBLE AS's. ☺ I need to go take a shower now.☺
Can we please get a Sawyer Bennett Hockey Netflix series??
WYLDE was an adorable & fun hockey-bookstore love story! ☺ Run to your nearest amazon for your own WYLDE - this one is MINE!
💜
💜
August 29, 2021
Wylde was the seventh book in the Arizona Vengeance series by Sawyer Bennett.
Aaron Wylde was a first line defenseman for the NHL team the Arizona Vengeance. He was famous, gorgeous and lived up to his last name well.
Clarke Webber was a bookstore owner. She was beautiful in a non-traditional, conservative, academic way. She also had an aversion to celebrities and definitely wouldn’t date one, so it was easy to keep brushing Aaron off.
Bennett took us through the meet and the initial chase; which was both cute and fun. Bennett also began unraveling the layers to Clarke and her commitment to staying away from the rich and famous. It was enlightening and frankly, potentially realistic. And I loved how Aaron treated Clarke, it’s hard to describe, but it fit the story well. In the end, Wylde was a journey of trust, friendship and love - a good combination of sweet and sexy. But I can’t overlook the emotional times - there were those as well, but no spoilers here.
True to form, Bennett included our previous favorites with some special events, but she also introduced several new team members that will be carrying the flag forward. Hopefully we’ll hear more from Baden, but next up is a friend to lovers saga in Kane.
Aaron Wylde was a first line defenseman for the NHL team the Arizona Vengeance. He was famous, gorgeous and lived up to his last name well.
Clarke Webber was a bookstore owner. She was beautiful in a non-traditional, conservative, academic way. She also had an aversion to celebrities and definitely wouldn’t date one, so it was easy to keep brushing Aaron off.
Bennett took us through the meet and the initial chase; which was both cute and fun. Bennett also began unraveling the layers to Clarke and her commitment to staying away from the rich and famous. It was enlightening and frankly, potentially realistic. And I loved how Aaron treated Clarke, it’s hard to describe, but it fit the story well. In the end, Wylde was a journey of trust, friendship and love - a good combination of sweet and sexy. But I can’t overlook the emotional times - there were those as well, but no spoilers here.
True to form, Bennett included our previous favorites with some special events, but she also introduced several new team members that will be carrying the flag forward. Hopefully we’ll hear more from Baden, but next up is a friend to lovers saga in Kane.
September 9, 2020
4.5 Stars!!
We met Aaron Wylde in the other books in this series and he is known as the Playboy of the team…….which makes his last name very fitting. The Vengeance hockey team just came off of a championship season and now they are all celebrating while on break.
Clarke Webber owns a little bookstore called Clarke’s Corner and is trying to live a quiet life out of the spotlight. She had an unfortunate experience a few years ago and she became a famous meme.
I really liked this book. It was a bit of a slow burn which is not always my favorite but the patience and persistence that Aaron showed was wonderful to be a part of. I wasn’t sure he would be a good guy but he exceeded my expectations.
You could read this as a standalone BUT WHY would you want to when you can read the entire series?? Each story is very different and although this book gives you the cliffnote version for all the couples that make appearances in this book their full stories were all interesting and fun to experience.
Oh and BTW.....WTH??? We are just left hanging when it comes to Baden and it looks like the next 2 books aren't even his story. I NEED his story!!
We met Aaron Wylde in the other books in this series and he is known as the Playboy of the team…….which makes his last name very fitting. The Vengeance hockey team just came off of a championship season and now they are all celebrating while on break.
Clarke Webber owns a little bookstore called Clarke’s Corner and is trying to live a quiet life out of the spotlight. She had an unfortunate experience a few years ago and she became a famous meme.
I really liked this book. It was a bit of a slow burn which is not always my favorite but the patience and persistence that Aaron showed was wonderful to be a part of. I wasn’t sure he would be a good guy but he exceeded my expectations.
You could read this as a standalone BUT WHY would you want to when you can read the entire series?? Each story is very different and although this book gives you the cliffnote version for all the couples that make appearances in this book their full stories were all interesting and fun to experience.
Oh and BTW.....WTH??? We are just left hanging when it comes to Baden and it looks like the next 2 books aren't even his story. I NEED his story!!
May 13, 2020
Good story.
Hero doesn't date and is a player.
But no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Heroine has had a bad experience in her past so is reluctant to date the Hero when she realizes he's famous.
Lots of secondary characters introduced for future books and from previous books in series.
For the safety gang.
Before meeting heroine.
'It’s been ten days of being lazy, eating bad food, and drinking lots of beer. I’ve been going out with my single buds on the team almost every night, getting drunk and heading home with a different puck bunny.'
After he's briefly met the heroine and they agree to a date.
'while I’m happy for my friends, it’s not something I really aspire to attain.
I mean… one day, sure. When I’m retired from the game, and I’m ready to settle down. Until then, I get all the willing pussy I could ever want, answer to no one, and have the best friends in the world. Who could want more than that?'
Before their date he is out with the other single guys from the team and he starts to proposition a blonde but gets a text from the heroine asking about dress code for their upcoming date so he looses interest in the blonde.
He isn't interested in anyone else after that.
HEA.
Hero doesn't date and is a player.
But no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Heroine has had a bad experience in her past so is reluctant to date the Hero when she realizes he's famous.
Lots of secondary characters introduced for future books and from previous books in series.
For the safety gang.
Before meeting heroine.
'It’s been ten days of being lazy, eating bad food, and drinking lots of beer. I’ve been going out with my single buds on the team almost every night, getting drunk and heading home with a different puck bunny.'
After he's briefly met the heroine and they agree to a date.
'while I’m happy for my friends, it’s not something I really aspire to attain.
I mean… one day, sure. When I’m retired from the game, and I’m ready to settle down. Until then, I get all the willing pussy I could ever want, answer to no one, and have the best friends in the world. Who could want more than that?'
Before their date he is out with the other single guys from the team and he starts to proposition a blonde but gets a text from the heroine asking about dress code for their upcoming date so he looses interest in the blonde.
He isn't interested in anyone else after that.
HEA.
May 12, 2020
Oh My I cannot even tell you how much I loved this story!!! Clarke & Aaron have great chemistry but it was sooooo much more than that. This story is filled with good times, weddings, parties, friends, and so much love. This was a definite feel good book although it did have a couple of parts that had brought the fun level down but overall this was a fun, sexy read that I really really enjoyed.
Read my full review and find out more about the book here: bit.ly/NBReviewWylde
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Read my full review and find out more about the book here: bit.ly/NBReviewWylde
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Read
September 19, 2020 DNF
I think I'm done with this author's hockey books. Either I outgrew them (I used to enjoy the original series, and some from the new one -for example Tacker) but now when I try reading them, they feel recycled, the writing subpar and just meh.
I think I'm done with this author's hockey books. Either I outgrew them (I used to enjoy the original series, and some from the new one -for example Tacker) but now when I try reading them, they feel recycled, the writing subpar and just meh.
May 14, 2020
So good!
This spin-off series has brought so many great stories to this hockey world! Each one seems to overcome the last as my new favourite and this one raced to the top so easily…
Their first meet up was perfection with Wylde’s charm and perseverance winning the day. I soon realized why Clarke was so wary, rightfully so, yet she could only cave under his gentle yet passionate persuasion. Their courtship flourished and floundered under the watchful, humorous and always supportive eye of Wylde’s hockey family. No one was more shocked than him about his relationship with Clarke (well, maybe Tracker) and maybe Clarke herself… One step forward, two steps back but each was a dance that included heat and love that couldn’t be denied…
They were funny and sweet, witty and charming, their courtship offering surprise after surprise. Some good, some heartbreaking, their happy ending didn’t mean it was all over. Kane, I have my eye on you… ~Diane, 5 stars
This spin-off series has brought so many great stories to this hockey world! Each one seems to overcome the last as my new favourite and this one raced to the top so easily…
Their first meet up was perfection with Wylde’s charm and perseverance winning the day. I soon realized why Clarke was so wary, rightfully so, yet she could only cave under his gentle yet passionate persuasion. Their courtship flourished and floundered under the watchful, humorous and always supportive eye of Wylde’s hockey family. No one was more shocked than him about his relationship with Clarke (well, maybe Tracker) and maybe Clarke herself… One step forward, two steps back but each was a dance that included heat and love that couldn’t be denied…
They were funny and sweet, witty and charming, their courtship offering surprise after surprise. Some good, some heartbreaking, their happy ending didn’t mean it was all over. Kane, I have my eye on you… ~Diane, 5 stars
June 1, 2020
Meh.
This could've been a solid 3 star read, with an overall cute love story. Hockey player and a bookworm. A nice meet-cute. Sexy times, adorable times, female friendship times.
BUT - again - I'm left feeling conflicted. Conflicted between noping out of this series, both because the writing style and the ideas that the author presents in her books don't appeal to me, and sticking with it to the end, because I've made it to book 7 and it's a series and I hate ditching series in the middle and my brain is weird.
Anyway...
(This might contain SPOILERS, you've been warned)
Why am I conflicted? As I mentioned, this could've been a solid nice (albeit average) read, but there are just THESE THINGS that make me basically go AAAAGH when I read them, and they seem quite prevalent in this series:
1) Not like other girls girl
I mean, this is still (unfortunately) quite common in sports romance, but sometimes I just hate how the so-called "puck bunnies" are described? Look, I'm sure there are SOME women who like sleeping around with athletes just for the sole reason that they are athletes (and again...so what, exactly?) but why are they always painted the same freaking way?
"Blonde, face buried under heavy layer of make-up, big boobs, breasts spilling out of cleavage, ass sticking out of too short dresses, airheads, not taking no for an answer" - and that is of course juxtaposed against Clarke, our heroine, who wears clothes on the baggy side, is all natural, wears little to no make-up and of course is just naturally gorgeous. And she is kind, smart, funny and has SOME experience with men, but it's of course just the right amount of experience, and by "right", I mean not too much.
I think even from the beginning of the series it's been made very clear by writing that there are two types of women and one is wrong and the other is right - at least that's the way it's presented.
Wylde is said to be a player, and he doesn't mind taking advantage of interest that some women have in him because he's a professional hockey player. And it's not even taking advantage, because both sides get what they want in the end and I see nothing wrong with that. What is wrong with HOW it's written (in my opinion) is that in the end, only these girls get judged for it?
It's as if the moment he meets Clarke, THE ONE, the girl next door, the girl that is not like the other girls - he loses interest in his old life and "puck bunnies" but the way that it's written, it just presents Wylde as some kind of hero for fending off these not-taking-no-for-an-answer women when he finds himself steadily dating Clarke. At least that was the vibe I was getting from this book.
Clarke, as our heroine, is even "put against" her best friend Veronica, who I'm pretty sure will be a heroine in one of next installments. In a cringeworthy moment when Wylde meet's Clarke's best friend, he doesn't hesitate to internally catalogue Veronica as a bombshell, with curves and "expertly applied make-up". But again - prepare a hero badge for him! - it needs to be pointed out how he has absolutely no interest in women like Veronica, when he can just stare at the NATURALLY beautiful Clarke.
This is turning into a rant again, bear with me, I'm going through tough times.
2) Mental health, what mental health
"...Nora's words seemingly make the difference between my pathetic depression that had mired me down into inaction to a new resolution..."
First of all, simply brooding and wallowing around in self-pity because of a rash stupid decision you made is not necessarily depression and second of all, if you don't care to write about mental health with any semblance of respect, why even mention it?
3) WTF
What's the hottest new take on grand romantic gesture these days apparently?
Committing a criminal offence.
(Wylde tracks down the asshole who hurt Clarke and blackmails him into paying 200 000 dollars into charity - so heroic, so noble. I'm all for morally grey characters and all, but that was just such an ego thing to me? What that asshole did was an asshole thing to do and he deserved some karma coming his way but the whole time I was basically all "not like this".
4) WTF 2.0
"Not that men and women can't be friends. Or best friends for that matter. It's just not common, so it's shocking."
Oh Wylde, yes, it's like spotting an unicorn, truly *rolls eyes*
I was also not impressed with how the conflict in this book was handled. Clarke has a painful history with a semi-famous man, whose actions ended up humiliating her (she became a viral meme). Because of that, at first she's wary and basically opposed to going out with Wylde. But then they start a relationship and all seems fine until Clarke finds out that Wylde has posted a picture of the two of them on his social media (w/o her consent).
That's wouldn't be THAT bad (of course minus the whole consent issue but whatever, right?) but the picture and Clarke end up as a meme again (although based on description of that meme, I'm not sure the author knows what's the point of meme but OK, let's say I suspended my belief for that plot point).
I'll admit, I thought Clarke did overreact a bit, because while Wylde DID screw up (in that, I don't really care that he posted that pic of them because he was so proud to be with Clarke, OK cute, BUT he was well aware that Clarke hates being exposed and by posting that pic he exposed her to some thousands or tens of thousands of his followers and he knew she'd have an issue with it and still, he didn't even mention it), I don't think it granted an immediate break-up, especially since his intentions were good and he couldn't have predicted what would happen. Still, his actions put her in tough spot and as a focus of cyber bullying.
So, in light of that, I thought it was a total BS how Wylde was portrayed as oh-poor-little-him who was hurt by this unreasonable woman with her unreasonable feelings, like WTF? While Clarke's reaction was rash, it was still valid. But the narrative painted it as totally invalid.
"You have an amazing man who has accepted you despite your hand-ups and history. He has worked patiently and diligently to make you see him for who he is. He's taken a chance on you, trying something that is foreign to him, while going in full force despite how scared I'm sure he was. And if you can't recognize and understand what an amazing gift that's been handed to you, then you don't deserve him."
So to sum up - after enjoying his life of frivolity, a local man bravely takes upon himself the burden of monogamy and graces an irrationally difficult woman with his now exclusive D.
Like I said, give that man a medal, he deserves it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm merely painting a picture of how it's basically framed. I don't think there was anything wrong with Wylde's previous lifestyle and I do agree that relationships are scary - there are. But if Wylde took a chance on Clarke, she equally took a chance on him, that's how relationships work! And they BOTH screw up in some way. Unfortunately, in the end, it was only Clarke apologizing profusely to Wylde and Wylde not even acknowledging that he did anything wrong.
Oh, and the professional therapist Nora (although it's hard to call her a professional when she married her own patient and was basically dating him 3 hot seconds after she ditched him as a patient) and her advice to Clarke about her hurt feelings and insecurities?
"Get over it".
Not...IDK...talk it out or something actually constructive - Get. Over. It.
This had so much wasted potential and what really bugs me, that outside of the tropey tropes the author forced, I actually liked these characters? Or at least I would've liked them, if it weren't for the above mentioned issues.
This has turned into quite a rant. But you're been warned.
I'm just such a hater sometimes, dammit.
This could've been a solid 3 star read, with an overall cute love story. Hockey player and a bookworm. A nice meet-cute. Sexy times, adorable times, female friendship times.
BUT - again - I'm left feeling conflicted. Conflicted between noping out of this series, both because the writing style and the ideas that the author presents in her books don't appeal to me, and sticking with it to the end, because I've made it to book 7 and it's a series and I hate ditching series in the middle and my brain is weird.
Anyway...
(This might contain SPOILERS, you've been warned)
Why am I conflicted? As I mentioned, this could've been a solid nice (albeit average) read, but there are just THESE THINGS that make me basically go AAAAGH when I read them, and they seem quite prevalent in this series:
1) Not like other girls girl
I mean, this is still (unfortunately) quite common in sports romance, but sometimes I just hate how the so-called "puck bunnies" are described? Look, I'm sure there are SOME women who like sleeping around with athletes just for the sole reason that they are athletes (and again...so what, exactly?) but why are they always painted the same freaking way?
"Blonde, face buried under heavy layer of make-up, big boobs, breasts spilling out of cleavage, ass sticking out of too short dresses, airheads, not taking no for an answer" - and that is of course juxtaposed against Clarke, our heroine, who wears clothes on the baggy side, is all natural, wears little to no make-up and of course is just naturally gorgeous. And she is kind, smart, funny and has SOME experience with men, but it's of course just the right amount of experience, and by "right", I mean not too much.
I think even from the beginning of the series it's been made very clear by writing that there are two types of women and one is wrong and the other is right - at least that's the way it's presented.
Wylde is said to be a player, and he doesn't mind taking advantage of interest that some women have in him because he's a professional hockey player. And it's not even taking advantage, because both sides get what they want in the end and I see nothing wrong with that. What is wrong with HOW it's written (in my opinion) is that in the end, only these girls get judged for it?
It's as if the moment he meets Clarke, THE ONE, the girl next door, the girl that is not like the other girls - he loses interest in his old life and "puck bunnies" but the way that it's written, it just presents Wylde as some kind of hero for fending off these not-taking-no-for-an-answer women when he finds himself steadily dating Clarke. At least that was the vibe I was getting from this book.
Clarke, as our heroine, is even "put against" her best friend Veronica, who I'm pretty sure will be a heroine in one of next installments. In a cringeworthy moment when Wylde meet's Clarke's best friend, he doesn't hesitate to internally catalogue Veronica as a bombshell, with curves and "expertly applied make-up". But again - prepare a hero badge for him! - it needs to be pointed out how he has absolutely no interest in women like Veronica, when he can just stare at the NATURALLY beautiful Clarke.
This is turning into a rant again, bear with me, I'm going through tough times.
2) Mental health, what mental health
"...Nora's words seemingly make the difference between my pathetic depression that had mired me down into inaction to a new resolution..."
First of all, simply brooding and wallowing around in self-pity because of a rash stupid decision you made is not necessarily depression and second of all, if you don't care to write about mental health with any semblance of respect, why even mention it?
3) WTF
What's the hottest new take on grand romantic gesture these days apparently?
Committing a criminal offence.
(Wylde tracks down the asshole who hurt Clarke and blackmails him into paying 200 000 dollars into charity - so heroic, so noble. I'm all for morally grey characters and all, but that was just such an ego thing to me? What that asshole did was an asshole thing to do and he deserved some karma coming his way but the whole time I was basically all "not like this".
4) WTF 2.0
"Not that men and women can't be friends. Or best friends for that matter. It's just not common, so it's shocking."
Oh Wylde, yes, it's like spotting an unicorn, truly *rolls eyes*
I was also not impressed with how the conflict in this book was handled. Clarke has a painful history with a semi-famous man, whose actions ended up humiliating her (she became a viral meme). Because of that, at first she's wary and basically opposed to going out with Wylde. But then they start a relationship and all seems fine until Clarke finds out that Wylde has posted a picture of the two of them on his social media (w/o her consent).
That's wouldn't be THAT bad (of course minus the whole consent issue but whatever, right?) but the picture and Clarke end up as a meme again (although based on description of that meme, I'm not sure the author knows what's the point of meme but OK, let's say I suspended my belief for that plot point).
I'll admit, I thought Clarke did overreact a bit, because while Wylde DID screw up (in that, I don't really care that he posted that pic of them because he was so proud to be with Clarke, OK cute, BUT he was well aware that Clarke hates being exposed and by posting that pic he exposed her to some thousands or tens of thousands of his followers and he knew she'd have an issue with it and still, he didn't even mention it), I don't think it granted an immediate break-up, especially since his intentions were good and he couldn't have predicted what would happen. Still, his actions put her in tough spot and as a focus of cyber bullying.
So, in light of that, I thought it was a total BS how Wylde was portrayed as oh-poor-little-him who was hurt by this unreasonable woman with her unreasonable feelings, like WTF? While Clarke's reaction was rash, it was still valid. But the narrative painted it as totally invalid.
"You have an amazing man who has accepted you despite your hand-ups and history. He has worked patiently and diligently to make you see him for who he is. He's taken a chance on you, trying something that is foreign to him, while going in full force despite how scared I'm sure he was. And if you can't recognize and understand what an amazing gift that's been handed to you, then you don't deserve him."
So to sum up - after enjoying his life of frivolity, a local man bravely takes upon himself the burden of monogamy and graces an irrationally difficult woman with his now exclusive D.
Like I said, give that man a medal, he deserves it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm merely painting a picture of how it's basically framed. I don't think there was anything wrong with Wylde's previous lifestyle and I do agree that relationships are scary - there are. But if Wylde took a chance on Clarke, she equally took a chance on him, that's how relationships work! And they BOTH screw up in some way. Unfortunately, in the end, it was only Clarke apologizing profusely to Wylde and Wylde not even acknowledging that he did anything wrong.
Oh, and the professional therapist Nora (although it's hard to call her a professional when she married her own patient and was basically dating him 3 hot seconds after she ditched him as a patient) and her advice to Clarke about her hurt feelings and insecurities?
"Get over it".
Not...IDK...talk it out or something actually constructive - Get. Over. It.
This had so much wasted potential and what really bugs me, that outside of the tropey tropes the author forced, I actually liked these characters? Or at least I would've liked them, if it weren't for the above mentioned issues.
This has turned into quite a rant. But you're been warned.
I'm just such a hater sometimes, dammit.
Read
May 12, 2020“I want you to know I’m being as honest with you as I can,” I say. “You have baggage, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. This is probably fated for disaster. But I like you, Clarke. I want to get to know you better. It’s a first for me.”
Download WYLDE:
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Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name.
I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.
When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.
If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.
Download WYLDE:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
Read
May 12, 2020“I want you to know I’m being as honest with you as I can,” I say. “You have baggage, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. This is probably fated for disaster. But I like you, Clarke. I want to get to know you better. It’s a first for me.”
Download WYLDE:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name.
I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.
When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.
If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.
Download WYLDE:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
May 12, 2020
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Another great instalment in this series. I love these hockey boys and getting their books. I really liked Wylde. He was caring and patient and so much more than you expect from someone with the playboy reputation he's known for.
I liked Clarke and I loved the fact she's a book nerd, totally relatable of course haha. The only thing I didn't really like about her was her reaction at the inevitable issue that pops up towards to the end of the book. Everything else I could understand, but that moment was a bit of an "are you serious?" moment to me.
I loved all the bits we got with our lovelies from the previous books and there were so many things happening in the background with them, it was lots of fun.
Looking forward to more in this series.
Review also on my blog - Wylde by Sawyer Bennett
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Another great instalment in this series. I love these hockey boys and getting their books. I really liked Wylde. He was caring and patient and so much more than you expect from someone with the playboy reputation he's known for.
I liked Clarke and I loved the fact she's a book nerd, totally relatable of course haha. The only thing I didn't really like about her was her reaction at the inevitable issue that pops up towards to the end of the book. Everything else I could understand, but that moment was a bit of an "are you serious?" moment to me.
I loved all the bits we got with our lovelies from the previous books and there were so many things happening in the background with them, it was lots of fun.
Looking forward to more in this series.
Review also on my blog - Wylde by Sawyer Bennett
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May 6, 2020
ARC received thanks to author.
really enjoyed this one! loved reading about a playboy changing his ways for his new love.
really enjoyed this one! loved reading about a playboy changing his ways for his new love.
May 17, 2020
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
I will admit that I was a little worried going into Wylde because of how much he supposedly lived up to his last name, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this book. Clarke was the perfect contrast to the life Aaron had been living and their meet cute (though fueled by lust on Aaron's part) was surprisingly sweet. I loved seeing Aaron get taken down a peg and how patient and understanding he was to Clarke's concerns and fears. There was a slowish burn to the evolution of their relationship that worked so well and had me rooting for these two to find their HEA. The reformed manwhore is probably my least favorite hero, but I ended up really loving Aaron. Yes, both characters overreact at times along the way and some of the drama felt over the top, but I could understand why they were reacting that way given their histories.
The book gave lots of wonderful updates on previous couples in the series (oh, Tacker and Nora *swoon*) and though this is technically a sports romance, the story itself takes place in the off season. Teddy Hamilton stole the show with his narration as Aaron and CJ Bloom was equally wonderful. Her comedic timing was perfect for Clarke's inner monologue, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I can't wait for Kane's story next!
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
I will admit that I was a little worried going into Wylde because of how much he supposedly lived up to his last name, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this book. Clarke was the perfect contrast to the life Aaron had been living and their meet cute (though fueled by lust on Aaron's part) was surprisingly sweet. I loved seeing Aaron get taken down a peg and how patient and understanding he was to Clarke's concerns and fears. There was a slowish burn to the evolution of their relationship that worked so well and had me rooting for these two to find their HEA. The reformed manwhore is probably my least favorite hero, but I ended up really loving Aaron. Yes, both characters overreact at times along the way and some of the drama felt over the top, but I could understand why they were reacting that way given their histories.
The book gave lots of wonderful updates on previous couples in the series (oh, Tacker and Nora *swoon*) and though this is technically a sports romance, the story itself takes place in the off season. Teddy Hamilton stole the show with his narration as Aaron and CJ Bloom was equally wonderful. Her comedic timing was perfect for Clarke's inner monologue, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I can't wait for Kane's story next!
May 7, 2020
***4 Stars***
I get all kinds of excited whenever a new AS book is about to be released. Sometimes it’s because of who the MC of the book is about (Tacker is still kind of everything), sometimes it’s simply about getting to hang out and catch up with the characters I’ve come to love, and sometimes it’s a mix of both. This time it was a mix of both. I was all in when I saw that the woman who was going to bring Wylde to his knees owned a bookstore and knowing who his BFF was, I also knew I’d probably get a good dose of my fav AS player. And I have to say, I enjoyed this addition to the series. There were some great heartstring pulling moments, as well as fun and smexy ones that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next and left me excited for the next book in the series.
I really liked Wylde and Clarke. Wylde is charming and has a confidence about him that draws you in. Clarke is sweet, sassy and unassuming in a way that makes it easy to like her. They both have situations from their past that have affected the way they look at not only themselves, but just what they want when it comes to a relationship, so when they collided ~ things definitely weren’t totally smooth sailing. But what was clear was once they let down their respective walls they flowed really well together. I’ll admit that even though I liked them both, they did frustrate me in equal measure, so when the big sinkhole dropped ~ one that wasn’t a total surprise ~ I didn’t favor one over the other. Both were right and wrong at the same time, so it was just waiting to see how it would play out and though I was happy they got back together, it felt rushed. I didn’t necessarily need a lot of groveling or a true grand gesture, but I felt like they really needed to talk things out more. But that’s just me.
As I said at the start, much of my enjoyment of this series is because of the cast of characters that inhabit it and getting to catch up with them every time a new book comes out. Tacker and Nora are still my hands down favs, but I loved seeing how much of a family they all become and while one situation hurt my heart and has me wondering where that storyline will take us, I’m totally looking forward to both Kane and Steele’s books and seeing them get their own HEA’s.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I get all kinds of excited whenever a new AS book is about to be released. Sometimes it’s because of who the MC of the book is about (Tacker is still kind of everything), sometimes it’s simply about getting to hang out and catch up with the characters I’ve come to love, and sometimes it’s a mix of both. This time it was a mix of both. I was all in when I saw that the woman who was going to bring Wylde to his knees owned a bookstore and knowing who his BFF was, I also knew I’d probably get a good dose of my fav AS player. And I have to say, I enjoyed this addition to the series. There were some great heartstring pulling moments, as well as fun and smexy ones that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next and left me excited for the next book in the series.
I really liked Wylde and Clarke. Wylde is charming and has a confidence about him that draws you in. Clarke is sweet, sassy and unassuming in a way that makes it easy to like her. They both have situations from their past that have affected the way they look at not only themselves, but just what they want when it comes to a relationship, so when they collided ~ things definitely weren’t totally smooth sailing. But what was clear was once they let down their respective walls they flowed really well together. I’ll admit that even though I liked them both, they did frustrate me in equal measure, so when the big sinkhole dropped ~ one that wasn’t a total surprise ~ I didn’t favor one over the other. Both were right and wrong at the same time, so it was just waiting to see how it would play out and though I was happy they got back together, it felt rushed. I didn’t necessarily need a lot of groveling or a true grand gesture, but I felt like they really needed to talk things out more. But that’s just me.
As I said at the start, much of my enjoyment of this series is because of the cast of characters that inhabit it and getting to catch up with them every time a new book comes out. Tacker and Nora are still my hands down favs, but I loved seeing how much of a family they all become and while one situation hurt my heart and has me wondering where that storyline will take us, I’m totally looking forward to both Kane and Steele’s books and seeing them get their own HEA’s.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 9, 2022
Wylde empezo de una manera mas que aceptable. La historia era predecible pero aun asi entretenida, y los personajes principales me agradaron, especialmente Aaron, sin embargo, el drama absurdo y precipitado de los ultimos capitulos me molesto bastante, por lo que las tres estrellas que pensaba ponerle se volvieron dos y media.
En general pase un buen rato leyendo esta novela pero ni de lejos creo que sea de lo mejor dentro de el genero, este tipo de libro no te cambia la vida ni se vuelve inolvidable, es simplemente como la comida rapida, sacia tu hambre pero no lo recuerdas pasado un tiempo.
En fin, un tomo mas de esta saga, en la linea de los anteriores, si disfrutas de lo que crea la autora creo que lo disfrutaras, sino no es lo que mas recomendaria.
2.5 Estrellas!
May 2, 2020
* A review copy was provided by the author *
~ 3.5 Wylde Stars ~
Ok….I have to be honest here….Wylde was not my favorite Vengeance series book. I had a bit of a struggle getting through this story. Not because it wasn’t a good story and entertaining, I struggled to like either Wylde or Clarke. I just couldn’t connect with their characters which made it hard to get into the emotion of this story.
I knew going in that Wylde is the “player” of the Vengeance hockey team, so I kind of expected that in the beginning, but I thought it took a little too long for him to come around when he was clearly interested in Clarke. As for Clarke….I don’t know how to explain her, except that I just didn’t like her. Nothing really stood out, I just couldn’t connect with her.
Now that I told you what I didn’t like about this book, let me tell you what I did. I loved seeing all of the other past couples in this book. We get such amazing updates on them. It almost felt like this book was more about the other players and what was happening with them, then focusing on Clarke and Wylde’s storyline….they kind of get lost in the stories of the other couples.
This story takes place during the off season, so there isn’t much when it comes to hockey in this book. I missed that aspect of these books. I did however like that we got to meet some new characters, that I know will be getting their own books in the future. I think Sawyer set up those stories very well.
Wylde is the 7th book in this series and can be read as a standalone. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book before the others though, because this does kind of spoil a lot of the previous books. This story is told in Dual POV. I thought the flow and pace of the story was well written.
If you are a fan of Sawyer’s books then I think you should read this one. Just because it wasn’t a 5 star read for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for others.
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~ 3.5 Wylde Stars ~
Ok….I have to be honest here….Wylde was not my favorite Vengeance series book. I had a bit of a struggle getting through this story. Not because it wasn’t a good story and entertaining, I struggled to like either Wylde or Clarke. I just couldn’t connect with their characters which made it hard to get into the emotion of this story.
I knew going in that Wylde is the “player” of the Vengeance hockey team, so I kind of expected that in the beginning, but I thought it took a little too long for him to come around when he was clearly interested in Clarke. As for Clarke….I don’t know how to explain her, except that I just didn’t like her. Nothing really stood out, I just couldn’t connect with her.
Now that I told you what I didn’t like about this book, let me tell you what I did. I loved seeing all of the other past couples in this book. We get such amazing updates on them. It almost felt like this book was more about the other players and what was happening with them, then focusing on Clarke and Wylde’s storyline….they kind of get lost in the stories of the other couples.
This story takes place during the off season, so there isn’t much when it comes to hockey in this book. I missed that aspect of these books. I did however like that we got to meet some new characters, that I know will be getting their own books in the future. I think Sawyer set up those stories very well.
Wylde is the 7th book in this series and can be read as a standalone. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book before the others though, because this does kind of spoil a lot of the previous books. This story is told in Dual POV. I thought the flow and pace of the story was well written.
If you are a fan of Sawyer’s books then I think you should read this one. Just because it wasn’t a 5 star read for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for others.
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May 11, 2020
Review by Trinette Dungee
This read started off kind of rocky for me. During the first three/five percent, I was not liking Wylde at all. I mean, I remembered him from Tacker’s book and from Rafe’s book and while he seemed a little on the wild side (no pun intended), he seemed like a pretty decent guy. However, the Aaron Wylde that presented himself in the beginning appeared to be a bit of an asshole. All I could think was oh my god, she’s finally done it, Sawyer’s finally given me a character that I’m not going to like. I kind of felt that way about Griff in Hacker, but that had more to do with the way he chose to enter Bebe’s life. With Aaron Wylde, this was more about him being stuck on himself; but false alarm. I was pretty much over that the minute he wandered into Carter’s bookstore and introduced himself. Right about then was when I started wondering if I was going to like Clark or not!
Wylde is known as the team “player” in more than one way. Yes, he assists his team, but he also manages to keep his bed warm on any given day with the next available puck bunny; but Wylde has just met the one woman who won’t fall for his charms so easily. Even when she realizes he’s not the dumb jock he she thought he was Clark doesn’t give in. For Wylde, nothng is more appealing than a challenge and Clark Webber has just proven to be the biggest challenge.
During their first encounter Clark makes it clear (or at least lies to him) that she’s not interested in him and that he’s not her type and boy was that a mistake. Not only is she most definitely interested/attracted to him but he’s nothing like she expected. She’s honestly kind of rude to him. If she were a guy, I would have said she was being a dick. I mean, she straight up blatantly insults him.
“I’m more into the brainy, nerdy types. You know… the ones who always have their noses buried in a book and can quote Proust on a whim.” Well, if that’s not bitchy and snotty and at this point, I’m thinking I really don’t like Clark, but Aaron holds his own. “How about a little wager or competition? If I win, then you have to go to the wedding with me.” And then miss snotty pants has to eat crow. “Had you just asked if I were well-read first, you might have declined my challenge,” he points out. “Not my fault my dad was an English professor and I’m pretty sure I can quote more classics than you-a bookstore owner-can.”
Round 1: Aaron 1 – Clark 0
As time goes on, I start to warm up to Clark. The superior personality disappears, and she becomes very likeable to me. She’s extremely insecure but there’s still something likable about her. Not only is she insecure but there is a lack of trust in her that lets you know she’s hiding and protecting herself from something. She seems suspicious of everything. Even simple compliments.
“Thank you,” I reply demurely, trying to remember the last time a man said that. Searching my memory, I work backward in time through the men I’ve dated in the past and I have to go all the way back to “him” before I can remember such a compliment.
Hmmm, well that lets us know Clark has some secrets. We finally learn who the “him” is and the understanding of why she has such an aversion to the hot, rich, and famous. I think she might be a little over the top with her reaction but eh.
Aside from Clark’s issues, we get to dig deeper into Aaron. In Rafe, Aaron seemed to be instrumental in helping Rafe navigate dealing with his dying father and his feelings. From that I knew Aaron’s dad had passed. I assumed they didn’t see eye-to-eye, but that they had an okay relationship. So, I was a confused in the beginning at Aaron’s attitude towards his deceased dad, but I quickly started to understand. Where Clark was dealing with insecurity, vulnerability and being taken advantage of; Aaron’s struggle seemed to be more along the line of loyalty. The two people in the world who should have been most loyal to him, his parents, let him down.
Through this all, Aaron and Clark spend more time together and get to know each other. I really enjoyed their chemistry. It wasn’t the typical chemistry you come across in these stories, but it worked, their banter worked, and I enjoyed it all. Aaron managed to get Clark to loosen up a bit and I think it helped her become the person she really wanted to be. What I really liked about these two was, before either of them knew it, they were kind of in a relationship.
My favorite line in this entire book: “I think…” he says thoughtfully, eyes sparkling with a challenge and excitement. “I think I’m trying to court you.” I don’t know why but it made clutch my heart and sigh. Total swoon worthy moment and it was right then and there that I decided Aaron Wylde was simply adorable and I needed him to be happy.
There are some other pretty cool moments throughout this book like Weddings, surprise weddings, we get a bit of tragedy as well as the return of favorite characters and introductions to new characters. We get sneak peaks into the lives of Kane Ballan and Jim Steele. As usual, Sawyer is excellent at setting the stage for something new.
Next to him is James Steele, the left-winger on the second line. He came to the team in the expansion draft last year from the Quebec Royals, and he’s one of the older players at thirty-three. The fans call him by his last name of Steele, but we just call him Jim. While he’s not technically single, he’s been separated from his wife for the last few months. I’d invited him out because if I hadn’t, he’d stagnate at home.
If this doesn’t scream future storyline, I don’t know what does. I love storylines with kids and/or single parents, now throw in a second chance romance and this girl is practically salivating. I can’t wait for Steele’s story. Just the name…Steele…gives me all kinds of feels.
So, until Kane and Steele get to tell their stories, sit back and enjoy Wylde.
This read started off kind of rocky for me. During the first three/five percent, I was not liking Wylde at all. I mean, I remembered him from Tacker’s book and from Rafe’s book and while he seemed a little on the wild side (no pun intended), he seemed like a pretty decent guy. However, the Aaron Wylde that presented himself in the beginning appeared to be a bit of an asshole. All I could think was oh my god, she’s finally done it, Sawyer’s finally given me a character that I’m not going to like. I kind of felt that way about Griff in Hacker, but that had more to do with the way he chose to enter Bebe’s life. With Aaron Wylde, this was more about him being stuck on himself; but false alarm. I was pretty much over that the minute he wandered into Carter’s bookstore and introduced himself. Right about then was when I started wondering if I was going to like Clark or not!
Wylde is known as the team “player” in more than one way. Yes, he assists his team, but he also manages to keep his bed warm on any given day with the next available puck bunny; but Wylde has just met the one woman who won’t fall for his charms so easily. Even when she realizes he’s not the dumb jock he she thought he was Clark doesn’t give in. For Wylde, nothng is more appealing than a challenge and Clark Webber has just proven to be the biggest challenge.
During their first encounter Clark makes it clear (or at least lies to him) that she’s not interested in him and that he’s not her type and boy was that a mistake. Not only is she most definitely interested/attracted to him but he’s nothing like she expected. She’s honestly kind of rude to him. If she were a guy, I would have said she was being a dick. I mean, she straight up blatantly insults him.
“I’m more into the brainy, nerdy types. You know… the ones who always have their noses buried in a book and can quote Proust on a whim.” Well, if that’s not bitchy and snotty and at this point, I’m thinking I really don’t like Clark, but Aaron holds his own. “How about a little wager or competition? If I win, then you have to go to the wedding with me.” And then miss snotty pants has to eat crow. “Had you just asked if I were well-read first, you might have declined my challenge,” he points out. “Not my fault my dad was an English professor and I’m pretty sure I can quote more classics than you-a bookstore owner-can.”
Round 1: Aaron 1 – Clark 0
As time goes on, I start to warm up to Clark. The superior personality disappears, and she becomes very likeable to me. She’s extremely insecure but there’s still something likable about her. Not only is she insecure but there is a lack of trust in her that lets you know she’s hiding and protecting herself from something. She seems suspicious of everything. Even simple compliments.
“Thank you,” I reply demurely, trying to remember the last time a man said that. Searching my memory, I work backward in time through the men I’ve dated in the past and I have to go all the way back to “him” before I can remember such a compliment.
Hmmm, well that lets us know Clark has some secrets. We finally learn who the “him” is and the understanding of why she has such an aversion to the hot, rich, and famous. I think she might be a little over the top with her reaction but eh.
Aside from Clark’s issues, we get to dig deeper into Aaron. In Rafe, Aaron seemed to be instrumental in helping Rafe navigate dealing with his dying father and his feelings. From that I knew Aaron’s dad had passed. I assumed they didn’t see eye-to-eye, but that they had an okay relationship. So, I was a confused in the beginning at Aaron’s attitude towards his deceased dad, but I quickly started to understand. Where Clark was dealing with insecurity, vulnerability and being taken advantage of; Aaron’s struggle seemed to be more along the line of loyalty. The two people in the world who should have been most loyal to him, his parents, let him down.
Through this all, Aaron and Clark spend more time together and get to know each other. I really enjoyed their chemistry. It wasn’t the typical chemistry you come across in these stories, but it worked, their banter worked, and I enjoyed it all. Aaron managed to get Clark to loosen up a bit and I think it helped her become the person she really wanted to be. What I really liked about these two was, before either of them knew it, they were kind of in a relationship.
My favorite line in this entire book: “I think…” he says thoughtfully, eyes sparkling with a challenge and excitement. “I think I’m trying to court you.” I don’t know why but it made clutch my heart and sigh. Total swoon worthy moment and it was right then and there that I decided Aaron Wylde was simply adorable and I needed him to be happy.
There are some other pretty cool moments throughout this book like Weddings, surprise weddings, we get a bit of tragedy as well as the return of favorite characters and introductions to new characters. We get sneak peaks into the lives of Kane Ballan and Jim Steele. As usual, Sawyer is excellent at setting the stage for something new.
Next to him is James Steele, the left-winger on the second line. He came to the team in the expansion draft last year from the Quebec Royals, and he’s one of the older players at thirty-three. The fans call him by his last name of Steele, but we just call him Jim. While he’s not technically single, he’s been separated from his wife for the last few months. I’d invited him out because if I hadn’t, he’d stagnate at home.
If this doesn’t scream future storyline, I don’t know what does. I love storylines with kids and/or single parents, now throw in a second chance romance and this girl is practically salivating. I can’t wait for Steele’s story. Just the name…Steele…gives me all kinds of feels.
So, until Kane and Steele get to tell their stories, sit back and enjoy Wylde.
Read
May 12, 2020“I want you to know I’m being as honest with you as I can,” I say. “You have baggage, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. This is probably fated for disaster. But I like you, Clarke. I want to get to know you better. It’s a first for me.”
Download WYLDE:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name.
I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.
When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.
If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.
Download WYLDE:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)
July 21, 2020
I think my favorites so far are Dax and Wylde!! I loved this book <3
I loved how they met, at first I was like ahh this is going to be the same as any other but I should never underestimate Sawyer because she put a cool spin on it.
I really enjoyed Clarke’s character she is guarded yes but she also puts herself out there even when she doesn’t want to. I like that she doesn’t follow hockey could careless who Aaron Wylde is. But they couldn’t deny the spark they both felt.
Great addition to this series I want more now in audio!!!!!! Lol
I loved the narration Teddy is phenomenal and CJ Bloom is perfection!
I loved how they met, at first I was like ahh this is going to be the same as any other but I should never underestimate Sawyer because she put a cool spin on it.
I really enjoyed Clarke’s character she is guarded yes but she also puts herself out there even when she doesn’t want to. I like that she doesn’t follow hockey could careless who Aaron Wylde is. But they couldn’t deny the spark they both felt.
Great addition to this series I want more now in audio!!!!!! Lol
I loved the narration Teddy is phenomenal and CJ Bloom is perfection!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews