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Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.

As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game. I live for the smell of the ice, the cheer of the crowd and the way my heart pounds whenever I step into the arena. But once I’m out of my skates, my focus is on giving back to the city of Pittsburgh.

It’s funny how life puts people in your path. I meet Aiden while visiting the children’s hospital and I’m struck by the strength and resilience of this 12-year-old kid fighting for his life. As my visits continue, we bond over video games and hockey until one day Aiden’s older sister walks into his room and I realize there might be a bigger purpose here.

Lilly Hoffman has the weight of the world resting on her slight shoulders. Aiden’s illness isn’t getting better, she’s at risk of losing her job and their father is looking for the answers to his prayers at the bottom of a liquor bottle. I find myself wanting to lessen Lilly’s burden and what starts as a simple act of friendship turns into so much more.

As we grow closer, I can’t help but fall for this fiercely protective and independent woman with a tender heart and bruised but not yet broken spirit.

As we face a future of never-ending uncertainty, I vow to be Lilly’s source of strength and comfort. Lilly and Aiden have reaffirmed to me the importance of giving and receiving love unconditionally, even in the darkest of times. And no matter what happens next, no one can take that from us.

Boone contains subject matter that may be sensitive to some listeners. If you would like additional details, please visit the book page for Boone on my website.

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 16, 2024

268 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read

About the author

Sawyer Bennett

168 books14.4k followers
New 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).

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5 stars
1,023 (54%)
4 stars
547 (29%)
3 stars
231 (12%)
2 stars
48 (2%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,398 reviews1,506 followers
January 16, 2024
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Boone Rivers is a professional hockey player for the Pittsburgh Titans. As a first-line right winger he's famous for his skills on the ice, but most people don't know what a wonderful person he is off the ice. He's a kind, genuine guy who loves to give back to his city. He spends a lot of his free time volunteering at the children's hospital, and enjoys making kids smile. As he bonds with a boy named Aiden, he's in awe of his strength and feels protective of him. Then he meets his sister Lilly, and becomes even more deeply invested in this family.

Lilly Hoffman often feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She gave everything to her family and cares for everyone but herself. As her brothers primary caregiver she's the glue that holds their family together. Then she crosses path with a beautiful man with a heart of gold that turns her world upside down. He was such a positive influence on her family and gave a sense of comfort she cherished. He visits her brother and becomes her white knight in shining armor. Is he too good to be true, or has she finally found the happiness she's longed for?

Boone (Pittsburgh Titans, #11) by Sawyer Bennett is a heartwarming, captivating, emotional, friends to lovers, sports romance that will touch your heart and hit you in all the feels. It's a beautiful love story about family, friendship and fate. I really love this series and enjoyed this story. Boone brings all the swoon!!! <333

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Profile Image for Auntee.
1,356 reviews1,474 followers
January 25, 2024
A very, very tough one to get through. Lots of love in this one, and some beautiful writing. I don't know how Sawyer Bennett got through this herself. I felt like I was constantly crying while reading this, whether it was tears of joy or tears of sorrow. The heroine (Lilly) was amazing, so strong, and the hero (Boone)--I have no words. They just don't make many guys like him. And young Aiden? The bravest kid ever...

Come prepared with a box of Kleenex when you read this. You're going to need it.

5 stars
Profile Image for Rose Belle.
851 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2024
So, I do not take giving this book a one star rating lightly. I'll be honest and say that I cried like a baby through the last fifteen percent of the book. A book that gave me that much emotion should surely be a five star rating, right? RIGHT?

You'd think, but no. I'll explain.

When I began reading this book, I signed up for a fairly light, sport romance read. I noted the blurb and understood that things may get more emotional during the story because of the topic of a sick child. I've read several romances where they involved sick children. They definitely were not my favorite, but I got through them. Some turned out okay. Some turned out not good. I thought this particular element would be a good way to get some character depth and a good romance. But that's not what happened.

What happened was that I got a story about a sister dealing with her brother's illness and the fact she so happened to start dating a professional hockey player. In all honesty, he could have been anyone else. A teacher. A business man. A professional clown. It made absolutely no difference to the story whatsoever because that part of the story didn't matter. Sure, the kid loved hockey, and yes, Boone played hockey and Lilly did a few hockey things. That was completely secondary to the fact that Aiden was in the hospital. They boinked a few times when she finally had some time to relax, but they spent a lot of their time in the hospital (as they should, considering what was going on with the brother). So, we are weak on the hockey and weak on the romance. Character development was sort of there, but each main character sort of had their "thing" and that was it. Lilly was loyal to her family to a fault, and Boone was the overall nice guy, who would give the shirt off his back if you'd let him. They stayed that way throughout most of the book, though Lilly did learn to loosen up just a tad.

You may be looking at this going, "Well, that doesn't deserve a one star rating." True. But that's not the part that grinded my gears. I'm going to have to put this review into spoiler mode now for the rest of it. So, yes I admit, that may be coloring things a little, but I stand by what I said. I like this author. I will be reading the next book. But I feel like she took a risk with this book, and the risk failed. There's an unwritten rule for writing fiction: . I feel like Bennett broke the rule here.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,252 reviews123 followers
January 17, 2024
Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as Sawyer Bennett weaves a narrative that will tug at your heartstrings. The last 30% of the book is a tearjerker.
This book move beyond the hockey arena as Boone Rivers, a professional hockey player, uses his fame for a greater purpose. Discover a powerful story that goes beyond the usual sports romance tropes.
This book has some of the most Resilient Characters I have ever had the honor to read. Meet Lilly Hoffman, a fiercely protective sister facing life's challenges head-on. Boone's admiration for her independence and strength adds depth to their evolving romance.

"Boone" by Sawyer Bennett is more than just a hockey romance; it's a journey of love, resilience, and unwavering support. Join us as we explore the emotional landscape of this novel in our detailed book review. Whether you're a fan of sports romance or looking for a story that will touch your heart, "Boone" is a must-read.

Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
Profile Image for Edith.
135 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2024
DNF 59% too vanilla for me, it was sweet and cliché. Not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,638 reviews27 followers
January 15, 2024
4.5 stars

This was such an emotional read. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what was coming, it still wrecked me right along with the main characters.

Boone is both a serious hockey player, and a standup guy. He spends as much time as he can volunteering in the children’s ward at the hospital. There, he meets a boy who impresses Boone and becomes a friend of sorts. It is through Aiden that he meets Lilly, and the more time he spends with Aiden, the more he also learns about everything that Lilly is handling with amazing grace and care.

Lilly has a lot on her plate: running the family's deli, making sure Aiden is as comfortable as possible, and covering for her father as much as possible. She is tenacious, but also barely holding it together. When Boone finds out just how much she is holding together, he does what he can to take some of her burden, as often as he can.

I loved watching these two get to know each other and open up. As they learned more about each other, Boone became more than the celebrity who visited her brother. And the more Boone learned about Lilly, the more in awe of her and protective he grew.

The narration made the big emotional moments that much more real. Had I been reading the book version, I know it still would have hit me hard, but I would have probably had to hit pause to be able to see. I loved the way the narrators expressed such huge emotion (and also kept the story moving so I could get through those moments as well).

This was so much more than just a hockey romance and I loved every hard moment for the beauty that came out of it all.

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Profile Image for Patty.
5,149 reviews56 followers
January 16, 2024
Boone
Pittsburgh Titans #10
By Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by Jeremy York, Stella Hunter

I don't even know where to start my review for this one. It has touched my heart and won't let go. This is the best way I know to start a year out, my first book and it was incredible. Emotionally wiped out, but also amazingly happy this book has it all. Boone uses his fame for good. Always looking for a way to help others, he frequents the children's hospital, where he meets Aiden. This young boy has been fighting for his life, and if Boone can make his day a bit brighter, he is all in. He meets Aiden's sister, Lilly who is Aiden's biggest cheerleader, and trying to hold the family and their business together. Boone takes a liking to her, and as time goes on, his feelings become evident. But is she in a place in her life where he can fit? This story is packed with so many emotions, and the kind that would not let me stop listening. Boone is an amazing man, and helps Lilly, her dad and Aiden in ways that only a man in love could do. Lilly is so strong, and I could feel her struggle as she made life decisions. And Aiden, what a strong, young/old soul. He shines through it all with wisdom and caring like only a brother could have. This is such an emotional listen, and I don't cry...ever. But the kleenex was out, and I was going through it. It's one of the best of Sawyer Bennett's career and I absolutely loved it.

Jeremy York and Stella Hunter could not have been better suited to this story. It's like their voices were telling the story to Bennett and she could hear it. York is a voice that is full of warmth and easy to hear emotions. He lends a blanket of hope and love with his tones and made Boone incredibly real. Hunter is amazing when it comes to storytelling, and she dives in full force with every feeling, making my heart hurt and sing all in the same story. They were wonderful and this performance will stick with me for a long time.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,963 reviews65 followers
May 27, 2024
Boone❤️‍🩹

Oh my gosh, Boone deserves no less than 5 stars❣️❣️ This story is thought provoking, intense, emotional and so realistic, I don’t think my heart will ever mend💔

Boone is philanthropic and it soothes his soul to visit the children that are sick in hospital. He makes a connection with Aiden and eventually becomes an integral part of the Hoffman family. He meets Lilly, Aidan’s sister and offers friendship and support when she needs it most. Soon they move onto being more than friends…because as Aiden puts it, ‘he helped them hook up’😂

Loved the ending but I ugly cried for a good many chapters😭😭💔
Profile Image for Tanya (Girl Plus Books).
1,177 reviews74 followers
May 17, 2024
4.5*

As a professional hockey player, Boone is lauded for his skills on the ice, but it’s off the ice and behind the scenes where his light truly shines. Volunteering his time at a children’s hospital, Boone develops a special bond with Aiden, a 12-year-old boy battling cancer for the second time. When Boone meets Aiden’s older sister, Lilly, it’s obvious she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Trying to keep the family business afloat and overseeing Aiden’s care, while their father increasingly finds escape at the bottom of a bottle, leaves Lilly completely overwhelmed. Boone uses his contacts and resources to help this struggling family, while growing even closer to both Lilly and Aiden.

Saying this was an emotional read is an understatement. I adored these characters - so much. But there came a point when I was cursing Sawyer Bennett and vowing I would not continue the series. And yet… at the same time I loved these people, their kindness, their strength and resiliency, their innate goodness. Boone certainly fell into the too-good-to-be-true category, but I didn’t even care. He was humble and genuine and quick to act when he saw a need he could fill. His selflessness was staggering. And then there was Aiden, a kid who was dealing with more at the age of twelve than most do in a lifetime. His bravery and his humor made me want to jump into the pages and hug him fiercely. This book gutted me (and I still don’t forgive Sawyer Bennett) but I also won’t forget it.
Profile Image for Janet.
218 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2024
kinda a Downer

Not my favorite SB book to date. I just didn’t get the warm and fuzzies from Lilly and Boone. I just didn’t feel they had any chemistry and the story with her brother just overshadowed the whole thing. I thought they were kinda bland actually. Doubt I’ll BUY another one from this series. I paid full price for this and wished I hadn’t. Even the sex was mediocre despite what the characters say.. lol
Profile Image for Tracy Tripp.
40 reviews
February 2, 2024
Chose not to read after learning the author thought it was a good idea to have a kid die of cancer in the book. Totally unnecessary
Profile Image for Irina.
548 reviews59 followers
October 25, 2024
Just a heads-up to all readers expecting a hockey romance: This is not a hockey romance. In fact, it's not even a romance. It's a heartbreaking story about a young woman with an alcoholic father and a twelve-year-old brother battling leukemia. Lilly is the rock for her family, thankfully supported by hockey player Boone, who she met at the hospital because he's doing community work there. The MC's relationship starts out as just a casual acquaintance, then becomes a friendship, and finally evolves very smoothly into love. Unfortunately, it's completely overshadowed by the boy's story of suffering.



A clear fail for me as a romance, even more so as a hockey romance in the Pittsburgh Titans series. As a family drama, I guess I would rate it 3.5 or 4 stars.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
January 17, 2024
The author gave a warning at the beginning of this one, one that as you started reading you knew, YOU KNEW, what was going to happen, yet when it did, I hated it and was curing her out. It was at the point where there was a line to the effect that no child should have to be talking about things like this (meaning what they wanted and didn't want as their life wound down) that I had to put the book down, swearing while I did this, with tears running down my face, sobbing, as the characters were talking with the hospice people about how things would go from here.

It sucked, it sucked big time because it was a child, but it also sucked as I'm someone who's been there and had to have those hard conversations. And while my wish is that no one ever should have hospice in their lives, if you are in a situation where you do, they are such a blessing and I can not say enough good things about them. Let them guide you through things, they have a much calmer head than you will have in those moments.

While this book was a romance, it also felt like a tribute to Aiden. He was such a good boy, wise beyond his years and it seemed like everyone that met him loved him. It was fun to see him and Boone build a relationship, that Boone wanted to help, that he started by helping the father, who had his own issues, then by helping Lilly, so that she got to spend time with her brother. It was fun to see that turn into more between the couple and how Aiden took all the credit for getting them together.

The last days of Aiden's life, Boone was there to do what needed to be done, allowing Lilly and the father to just be with Aiden. Then after Aiden passed, Boone was there when each of them broke and as they started to live a life without Aiden. While Aiden wasn't around, Boone and Lilly were building a life with him always in the background with happy memories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
1,752 reviews
February 23, 2024
Boone (Pittsburgh Titans #11) by Sawyer Bennett
4.5 stars
Triggers: Cancer, alcoholism
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Boone is a great guy. He loves to give back to his community and knows that he is paying it forward. After meeting Aiden, Boone grows especially attached to him. Aiden is fighting cancer and loves hockey. It's no chore for Boone to stop by every few days to hang out and chat.

Lilly is holding her family together. With her younger brother in the hospital fighting for his life, her dad running from ghosts and their family business landing on her shoulders, Lilly is running around trying to keep it all going. When she meets Aiden's friend, Boone, she doesn't expect him to be so normal.

As you watch Boone and Lilly navigate their new found friendship, it's Aiden's resilience that keeps them coming back. Aiden is such an amazing character and you'll be cheering for him throughout the book.

With the playoff's coming up, Aiden's health to worry about and their new relationship to feed and grow, Boone and Lilly will need to lean on each other to make sure it's a winning season. You will want to grab the tissues and prepare for a book hangover.
Profile Image for Katie Koziczkowski.
1,364 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2024
4.5☆ I knew after I read the author’s note at the beginning of the book that I was in for an emotional journey, and boy, was that true! I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll keep this review vague. Boone is a wonderful man. He is so sweet and caring, he has such a big heart. I loved everything about him! I particularly loved his relationship with Lilly and Aiden. He is so sweet to the both of them. He always seems in tune with Lilly. He knows just what to say and exactly what she needs. I also absolutely loved seeing his relationship with Aiden grow. They become fast friends, and it was heartwarming to read. Lilly is such a strong woman. She has so much on her plate, I don't know how she does it. She's also a wonderful character, I loved learning about her and her life, even if it is super emotional. This book took a lot out of me, even though I was expecting the outcome, it was a lot. Sawyer did a fantastic job writing this book, that's for sure! I feel like this book is going to stay with me for a while. *I received an an in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
823 reviews
January 16, 2024
4.5 🌟

Are you looking for a story that doesn’t follow the scripted tropes that have become common? Because Boone and Lilly’s story is so real life and beautiful.

Boone visits the children’s hospital as part of his job with the Pittsburgh Titans but also because he has a soft spot for Aiden Hoffman.

With getting to know Aiden, he also gets to know the family as well. He doesn’t anticipate the feelings he gradually gains for Lilly and ultimately tries to fight it.

They share such a strong connection and bond, it’s the type of relationship you look up to and want to model your own off of. Lilly is fiercely strong and independent but she learns it’s okay to lean on Boone to get her through this. And Boone is forever the caring, kind-hearted, and attentive boyfriend that will make you swoon.

In this emotionally captivating story, you’ll feel like you’re right there in the room with them. And I absolutely adored how the other Titans players are there to back up not only Boone, but his girl and her family too. Grab the tissues for this absolutely beautiful story.
Profile Image for MountainKat.
2,340 reviews106 followers
May 10, 2024
I WAS NOT PREPARED!! I guess that is the problem with auto-read authors/series. Please check the author's website if you want more info.

I loved it, but I was devastated. That it was well done, and actually quite similar to personal experiences, well - I'm not sure if that helped or made it even harder. Very good and very real, but not at all what I was expecting.

Well narrated by Jeremy York and Stella Hunter. I was especially impressed by Stella Hunter's last few chapters, she conveyed the varied depths of emotions so well with her voice.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,596 reviews113 followers
February 10, 2024
Just a quick note to say this one would have been a higher rating but I struggled with the construction of the story.

I thought it was incredibly impactful (and handled very well) but the fact that it ended on the death made the book feel about the sad event with some happy on top.

Yes that's life. Yes some time had passed and it's reflected in the story. But I needed more to have passed or an epilogue...or something...as for me the reader it felt like no time had passed.

And I think thats because there wasn't a lot of the book left to happen "after".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,920 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2024
love the boy even it leaves me sad and tears. he is the one with young body but old soul, he sees thing we didn’t. he knew his family is struggling, that’s he did what a 12 years old boy can do, he choose to embrace his illness and select a way to say goodbye.

it talks me much not only giving me wet eyes, enjoy and love our life, no one know is today is your final day.

i hate sawyer bennet ruin my makeup and the morning because the wet face and puffy eyes.

just need a warning sign of the book that prepare a box of tissue when u read.
Profile Image for claireesbookshelf.
502 reviews14 followers
July 5, 2024
excuse me i didn’t need my heart ripped out and trampled on like that. this might take the spot of being my fav of the series i loved every second
Profile Image for Megan.
413 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2024
Are you kidding me with this
46 reviews
January 18, 2024
Simple, easy read. Deep themes.
Shed a few tears.
Invested in the series now.
Wouldn’t read again.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,450 reviews
January 16, 2024
A beautiful book. Boone is one of the best and i love him with Lily. This book is a mix of sad but bravery is embedded as well. I’m not sure I have the words to capture the beauty of this book to do it justice.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,633 reviews419 followers
January 17, 2024
Review by Trinette Dungee

Boone Rivers is a good hockey player, a good friend, a good son, a good brother; he’s an all-around good guy. He even spends a good portion of his free time volunteering at the local hospital. When Boone meets Aiden Hoffman, there’s something about this young kid that strikes a chord with him as Aiden’s future becomes more and more uncertain Boone finds himself wrapped up not on with Aiden’s life, but with his father’s and his sister Lilly’s as well. Especially Lilly. Boone sees how Lilly caries the bulk of her family’s burden on her shoulders, and he makes it his mission to lessen that burden as much as possible.

Lilly Hoffman is primary caretaker not only to her little brother, but her family which includes her alcoholic father and the family business. Lilly has no idea what it’s like to have a life of her own or to be taken care of until she meets Boone Rivers, the Titan hockey player who visits her little brother where he’s a patient in the children’s Cancer ward. Within days of meeting him, Boone has shown Lilly what it’s like to have a shoulder to lean on and more importantly that it’s okay to lean.



After ten books of living the lives of hockey players recovering from or coping with the aftermath of a fateful plane crash, who would have thought book number eleven would be the one to completely shred my heart.

I made two mistakes when reading this story.

I NEVER read the summary blurb with a series. I don’t want to know what the next actual story will be; I just want to know who the main character(s) will be. Honestly, in a series you can kind of figure out from the end of one storyline who the next storyline will be about. That was the case with Boone. At some point in Van2 it was obvious the next storyline would be Boone’s and it would involve this kid Aiden. But I went against my better judgement and read the summary.
I NEVER read the authors notes BEFORE reading the story. I always save this for the end. Not this time, I read it and from what was said I was immediately on edge because I knew there was going to be some real emotional stuff to deal with.
These two things had me totally on edge and my anxiety level through the roof because I knew something horrible was going to happen (as expected), but I now suffered through these characters living day to day with them knowing they had a tough road ahead of them, but me knowing it was going to devastate them beyond belief.

I give a lot of three-star reviews, and quite a few four stars. I don’t give many five-stars. This one received five stars for so many reasons One reason being the way the characters were written.

Most times when a story is written with a terminal character, especially a child, the characters a written with this sort of dark cloud attitude. Which I don’t believe is the case in actual life at least in my experience. As sick as he was, Aiden was full of life. He was a typical eleven-year-old kid. Cancer was what he was battling, not who he was.

Lily had a lot on her plate, but she didn’t come off as “oh woe is me”, or needy. While there were things she wanted/wished for she wasn’t completely down and out, she just handled her business, almost like autopilot. It was day by day for her.

Even Lilly and Aiden’s father Steven with his struggles with alcohol addiction. He wasn’t written as less than a man. He was definitely functioning alcoholic, but he wasn’t written as a disappointment. I think what I appreciated most about Steven and Boone’s relationship was Boone didn’t placate him. He said what he said and that was it. If Steven screwed up Boone didn’t sugar coat anything with him. He simply confirmed that it was a screw up and he needed to do better.

The main reason this book received five stars was the visceral reactions I had while reading. When I read, I often have what I call a movie reel in my head. As I’m reading the visual is like I’m watching a moving screen. For this book, there were times when I felt like I wasn’t just watching a movie screen, but more like I was in the actual room. I felt like I was physically present.

When Boone had his breakdown moment and he described how he felt; the feeling in his chest, the tightening of his throat, I felt that physically.

My grandfather passed away in February 1994. I, along with many family members were in the room with him until the very end. The experience was something that made me say “I will never do that again”. Well, with that being said, Sawyer was like “hold my beer”. The final scenes with Aiden, especially Lily’s description of his breathing and final breaths had me right back in that hospital room with my grandfather. I was experiencing/witnessing someone taking their last breaths again. The smells, the sounds, the tension in the air it was like being there in the room with these characters. There are very few books that have given me such a feeling.

I also appreciated the way Lily was written at the end. There was no downward spiral, no blaming the world, no self-isolation. You just knew it was her dealing day by day and moving forward.

In general, for such a sad topic, this story wasn’t written so drama-based, it was written from a very realistic view.

I did something a little different with this story. I flipped back and forth between the book and audio versions. The narrators for Boone are Stella Hunter and Jeremy York.

I’m a big Stella Hunter fan and enjoyed her as Lilly. I’ve listened to a few Jeremy York recordings and while I like him, I didn’t think he was a great fit for Boone. If I had to recommend one or the other, I would say this one is best experienced as a visual read.

All I can say one hundred percent certainty, is have a box of (or three) tissues nearby and your therapist on speed dial, because after this read you’re going to need them.





Profile Image for Karine.
1,316 reviews15 followers
February 17, 2024
DNF 20%

With all due respect to the serious and delicate situations that are treated in this book (I myself am currently fighting cancer), the book is very boring.
The romance is bland and the chemistry between the M.C. is absent.
Profile Image for Bette.
3,309 reviews23 followers
January 8, 2024
Beautiful Story & Narration🎧 Moving & Heartfelt!

Boone
Pittsburgh Titans, Book 11
By: Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Jeremy York, Stella Hunter

Oh Sawyer Bennett what you did to me, what this story did to me and my heart, wow, just wow. It is not a secret that this “Pittsburgh Titans” series is one of my favorite series, and the Titans one of my favorite fictional sports teams, each character just as amazing as the next, and I probably fell in love with each one of them, but Boone Rivers has just taken the top spot. He is genuinely a nice guy, moved from the second line to cover for Coen Hightower when he was suspended and when Coen returned to his position, they moved Boone to another position in the first line, a right winger, and he excelled in that position. When not playing on the ice or busy with team events, he and other members of the team volunteer at the children’s hospital. While there, he meets the most courageous boy, Aiden, a twelve-year-old battling leukemia. Aiden captured his heart and Boone was more than happy to spend time with him, his older sister, Lilly, too. Lilly Hoffman had a lot on her plate, her father could not handle the stress and decided the best way to deal with it was to not deal with it and he just drank the stress away. So Lilly is doing it all, running the family business, a deli, taking care of the home bills and trying to be there for Aiden as much as she could. Boone saw this and wanted to help make things easier for her so she could just focus on her brother. I loved how easy these two got along, how he never even realized the attraction he felt towards, even denying it when his teammates called him out on it. Even Aiden saw it and gave his approval, got to love that kid. Lilly does not have time for relationships, has lived her life taking care of others, leaving her no time for herself. When Boone asks what her dreams are, they are simple, but you know he wants to make them happen for her. These characters were so real and relatable, you can not help but root for them the entire time, especially Aiden. I loved how the team steps up and comes together for Aiden at Boone’s request, they truly are a brotherhood and along with their significant others a family. It was great to see them again and all they do. Each book in the series has been an emotional journey, this one hits home and is definitely the heaviest on emotions. Ms. Bennett made me cry, a lot, she keeps it all real. It is a beautifully written and told story, one that moved me like no other and one that will stick with me for a very long time. Thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. 

🎧📚🎧 And for fantastic narration, Jeremy York and Stella Hunter were the perfect cast to bring these characters and story to life. They did an amazing job portraying the characters, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable. Hunter grasps every aspect of Lily’s personality, from her caring and nurturing side to her strength and determination. York nailed it as Boone, also grasping all sides of his personality, from his deep understanding to his caring and protective side. Both were fabulous performing the roles of the secondary characters, including Aiden, who was adorable and so brave, smart beyond his years. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another wonderful listen. 
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2,384 reviews39 followers
March 8, 2024


Check out our full post for BOONE on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the eleventh book in the series – they are all fabulous, if you have not read them yet, go back to the beginning and enjoy an amazing treat!

Be warned that this is a book which will probably need a couple of tissues to the ready – so maybe not one to read on the commute to work, or waiting in a shopping queue. But do not let this put you off this beautiful story.

Boone is a super good guy, when not playing or training he will go and make hospital visits. He has struck up a friendship with a young boy, Aiden, who is fighting his battle with cancer, and often they play video games together. By chance one day, he meets Lilly, Aiden's sister, and is immediately attracted to her – and once he gets to know the burdens she carries, he is even more impressed by her strength and tenacity.

The friendship and camaraderie which build between Lilly and Boone, as he supports her through some of the challenges she faces, is a sound foundation on which to base a future relationship. However, Lilly can't imagine how she can fit anything more in her life. But Boone is in for the long haul and comes good through thick and thin.

Emotional and intense, I really loved how this romance grew in such difficult circumstances, even if it was very sad in parts (I am tearing up just remembering). Beautiful storytelling as always; thank you, Sawyer Bennett.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
Triggers: Hidden because they may contain spoilers.

Boone is a great guy. He loves to give back to his community and knows that he is paying it forward. After meeting Aiden, Boone grows especially attached to him. Aiden is fighting cancer and loves hockey. It's no chore for Boone to stop by every few days to hang out and chat.

Lilly is holding her family together. With her younger brother in the hospital fighting for his life, her dad running from ghosts, and their family business landing on her shoulders, Lilly is running around trying to keep it all going. When she meets Aiden's friend, Boone, she doesn't expect him to be so normal.

As you watch Boone and Lilly navigate their newfound friendship, it's Aiden's resilience that keeps them coming back. Aiden is such an amazing character and you'll be cheering for him throughout the book.

With the playoffs coming up, Aiden's health to worry about, and their new relationship to feed and grow, Boone and Lilly will need to lean on each other to make sure it's a winning season. You will want to grab the tissues and prepare for a book hangover.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
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