North

Pittsburgh Titans #16

by Sawyer Bennett

New to the Pittsburgh Titans but no stranger to relentless ambition, North Paquette knows exactly how to put in the work to ensure the win. But this time, the stakes are personal because the game isn’t just on the ice.

Life as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans is pretty freaking fantastic. I live in one of the best cities around, get paid to play the game I love and enjoy all the perks of being a professional hockey player. While many of those perks are because of who I am, one in particular is because of who I know.

Farren Abrams wasn’t on my radar until she came to town to visit her brother Rafferty. She’s smart, sarcastic, sexy as hell and can talk hockey like a pro. So when a night out with the team became a drunken hookup with Farren, there were zero complaints from yours truly. We had our fun and then she went back home—no harm, no foul. Now she’s moved to Pittsburgh permanently and while she’s still looking for some fun, I’m starting to look for more.

The more time I spend with Farren the more I like her, but to say she’s relationship averse is an understatement. Something in her past has caused her to head for the hills whenever someone gets too close, but she shuts down whenever I push for details. When she rejects my attempts to take this thing to the next level, I’m forced to seek help from none other than Rafferty, who has no idea I’m banging his little sister. With his assistance, I set out to do the one thing none of those chumps in Farren’s past have taken the time to do—help her face her demons and give her something worth staying for.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Audiobook, Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, Hockey, Contemporary

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2025

About the author

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).

Reviews

[Denise Hoover · Rating 3 out of 5]

North is such a patient & kind hearted man. But a man who can only push so much until he struggles to keep going with no success.

I felt Farren was unnecessarily stubborn throughout the entire story. And while her past that causes her to be how she is, is terrible, for her to not trust any guys I felt was a bit of a stretch. However, everyone has their own journey through life that is unique.

At the end when Raffery & North go to rectify the past, it seems unusually uncharacteristic for both of them & something they could likely get in trouble for with being professionals.

I really loved North as a person. He’s the sweetest & caring guy. A guy you definitely want in your court because when he cares, he cares deeply.

Farren is an intelligent girl, but a bit of a free spirit. What starts as a casual hookup between her & her brother’s teammate, gradually morphs into something so much more. North knows he has to tread carefully & does just that with Farren. He wants to do whatever it takes to win his girl over completely. Perfect book boyfriend material.

While not a favorite of mine of the series, his story still a great addition to the Pittsburgh Titan gang, of two people who deserve their own happily ever after.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

definitely not my favorite in the series. probably my least favorite in the series. Farren is incredibly immature and while she does have a childhood trauma, it's hard for me to buy that her reaction equaled her trauma. Maybe if it delved more into the trauma I could buy it. I really do like North and respected his reactions to some of her behaviors. But what sealed the two star instead of three stars was how North and Rafferty dealt with the person who caused said trauma. It was childish and outside of reality. This book kinda made me think for the first time that this series may have done everything and should wrap up. However, I am looking forward to Penn's story.

[Reading All The Things · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure she’s written the exact same scenario in one of her other series. It was deja vu.
Meh.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

North
By Sawyer Bennett

Welcome back to the Pittsburg Titans.  North Paquette is relatively new to the team, and he is focused on his game.  He's enjoying the life of a hockey star and isn't a player.  But when a causal hookup becomes someone he wants to get to know better, it should be simple.  Just a few teeny issues, one she's a teammate's little sister and two Farren Abrams is anything but simple,  she is complicated and closed off.  

Farren has always been seen as a free spirit,  but her tendencies are rooted in a traumatic experience that she's never shared with anyone.  Now she's faced with developing feelings, and her normal course of action is to run.  But maybe this time is different, and it's time to face the past to have the life she's always been meant to. 

Some side notes, this book runs concurrently with most of Raffertys'. We finally get some more details on Penn, who is up next, and I'm excited to uncover what's got him all broody and angry. Also,  there were points I wanted to scream at Farren, get a therapist, and deal with your issues!

[Katie Koziczkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

North was another interesting Titans book. I really liked North! He's a great guy, very sweet and caring. I love how supportive and patient he is with Farren. Farren is more closed off. She doesn't like to let people in. It made it a little harder to like her, especially not knowing why she is that way, but I knew she had a good reason for it. She gives as much as she feels she can, but she has trust and commitment issues that she has to work through. North is great for her, and I enjoyed seeing her open up more with him. I also enjoyed the Penn storyline and getting a little more from him. He's still very much a mystery, and I can’t wait to get his book and find out his history. *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Jill M (Embrace the Romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer Bennett added another Titan to the mix to fall for. While I’ll admit this story wasn’t a favorite in the series it was still enjoyable and North was all sweet and swoony. Farren had some demons to overcome. The chemistry was undeniable. Their journey just took a little bit to get to. Stephen Dexter and Savannah Peachwood narration was entertaining. Great addition to the series. And just a side not that scene at the end had me laughing hysterically. Looking forward to more Pittsburgh Titans.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with this one! An overwhelming amount of stubbornness had me curious as to why, which in return had me flipping the pages rapidly. Penn popped in numerous times which also made me curious about his backstory and excited about what’s to come. Wonderful read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two were a fun read. He was all the hero she needed. So many swoon-worthy moments. I enjoyed how different they were and yet were perfect for each other.

[Jennifer Fannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

North is fitting in nicely with his new team. He has a great relationship with all of them but Penn. They hang out at the bars and spend time together outside of the game. It's not just his teammates that he knows well but also their families. His teammate Rafferty has a sister, Farren and North really likes her and wants to get to know her better. Lucky for him she comes to visit her brother for a while.
Farren decides she needs a change in her life. She picks up and goes to stay with her brother and hooks up with North. Farren has had some trauma and this makes her fear relationships. North proposes friends with benefits and Farren can get on board with that. Some times it takes the right person to change your ways.
Cute story but the trauma really isn't what you think it would be and seems to be played up more than necessary. It does give you a better look at Penn. That's one story I can't wait to read.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this team and these players but I think their teams about told me all I want to hear about them - except maybe Penn. I want his story. North and Farren's story was the little-sister-of-the-teammate. That was actually not even the focus on the story, but more around Farren's inability to commit due to previous trauma. I liked it, it was good, but it wasn't my fave by this author or in this series. 3 stars.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a secret relationship between Rafferty’s sister Farren and his hockey teammate North. Farren has a bit of past trauma from what happened to her in high school and doesn’t do long term relationships and North is ready for more. I really like the relationship between them to and it was nice to read. I’m excited for Penn’s book next!

Narrators Savannah Peachwood and Stephen Dexter were perfect.

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great banter.
Good chemistry.
Kind and considerate alpha.
But the female lead frustrated me treating all men badly because of a bad experience as a child.
She’s lucky North forgave her so easily I don’t think I could have.
Perfect narration.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

North has been hooking up with his teammates’ sister. He likes her; she’s gun-shy. He wants more; she’s incapable.

Quick read. Leads right into the next book.

[Linda Ketter · Rating 2 out of 5]

North is book 16 of the Pittsburgh Titans. Wow, where has the time gone? It seems like we just started this series.

North is one of the last single Titans of his core group. He is starting to think about settling down like all of his friends have done. He likes seeing them happy and he is wanting that for himself.

Farren is the sister to North's teammate, Rafferty. She shows up at Raff's door, out of the blue, claiming she has come for a long term visit. She quit her job and packed up her stuff and left Calgary. What is she running from?

On a previous visit, Farren and North hooked up. She decides while she is in town it would be nice to have a friends with benefits relationship with him. He wants more, but she has laid down the rules and he wants to tread lightly.

When North becomes ill, Farren is there to take care of him. She gets him to the hospital. Calls Raff to let him know what is going on. Then takes care of him at his home until he is recovered. For someone who does not want a relationship, she is doing everything she says she does not want.

Since Raff gave Farren two weeks to find a job and start paying rent, North approaches her with moving in with him. No rent or utilities. But she pulls back from him. Remember, no relationship.

When North tells Raff about his relationship with Farren, after Raff wants to punch him for doing his sister, they have a long talk. They both agree something happened, but she will not open up to anyone about what it was.

But when a line is crossed by North's teammates and he does not understand the signifcance, Farren packs up and runs back to Raff's place. At this point, it is time for tough love. Raff refuses to let her avoid talking to him. When she finally opens up about what happened to her years ago, Raff is furious. But there is nothing he can do about it now.

So when Raff knocks on North's door, with Farren behind him, and tells North he has kicked her out of his place, North could care less. He is tired of Farren running away and not communicating. So when Raff leaves, the only way she can stay is if she talks to him and tells him who hurt her.

This is a tear jerker conversation, even though we already heard it when she told Raff. But this time so much more is riding on her being open and honest.

I have to admit, the best part of this book comes near the end. The confrontation is comical. I loved it. Way to go Sawyer Bennett relieving some of the intensity of this book with the ending.

It has been awhile since I have listened to Stephen Dexter. I had forgotten how smooth his voice is. I enjoyed listening to his narration. Savannah Peachwood is one of my favorite female narrators and she never disappoints. Both of these narrators work well together on this story and characters.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Trinette Dungee

North Paquette is fitting in with the Titans very well. He’s playing well, his line is good and aside from the entire team, he has a good group of core friends. But North has been hiding something from his teammates, more importantly from one of his closest teammates, Rafferty Abrams. For a few months now North has been hooking up with Rafferty’s little sister Farren when she comes to town. Now Farren is in town with no return home date and doesn’t mind continuing their arrangement. Farren’s always been a restless sort of soul to him and he found it rather endearing but spending more time with her the more he realizes there is more to Farren not wanting a committed relationship. Especially when a committed relationship is what he wants with her.

To her family and close friends Farren Abrams is all about having a good time and going where her heart and desires take her. She’s not one for letting any grass grow under her feet. When it comes to relationships; when things start getting too serious it’s time for her to move on. Her most recent relationship has her fleeing her home in Canada and landing on her brother’s doorstep in Pittsburgh. It also gives her the opportunity to continue her secret hook up with her brother’s teammate and good friend, North Paquette. What her family doesn’t realize and what North uncovers is there are reasons for Farren’s relationship phobia. North is the first person in years she’s let get close to her and when North informs her that he wants more and he’s willing to come clean to her brother it sparks in her the need to flee.

I really liked North and Farren. When I first started reading, I truly thought Farren was going to be a brat. Don’t get me wrong, she definitely tested my patience with her constantly throwing sex at North when things got rough, and her extreme stubbornness but for the most part, she was pretty cool. North was nothing like I expected. I figured he would be very lackadaisical about a friends-with-benefits relationship and then maybe start to have a few feelings. What I didn’t expect was for him to be so all in so soon and be so vocal about his feelings. North was definitely the more emotionally available one in the relationship and he wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed to admit it.

When I’m reading a series, I don’t typically read the blubs of the next book, so realizing the storyline was a brother’s friend/teammate, I was expecting a bunch of angst (I’m not a fan of angst). But this storyline was low on angst, what it was high on was support. Even when it wasn’t known what the support was for, it was there. There were many things I like about this book, one being the multiple storylines. North’s and Farren’s story takes place during Rafferty’s and Tempe’s story so some of their story pops up in this book. There has also been a build up of the mystery of Penn in the past few books and we get even more information on him in this book. At no time was it ever confusing and just the right amount of information was given for those characters. So the support showed up with North and Rafferty supporting Farren. Farren, North and the team supporting Rafferty during his crisis, and the team in a very different way supporting Penn through his shenanigans in this book.

North was a perfect addition to this series. I would definitely recommend reading Rafferty before North to get the full impact of the references to Rafferty’s issues (If I’m being honest, I recommend reading the entire series in order).

Up next in the Series is Penn’s story and I can’t wait!!!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

NORTH is the sixteenth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PITTSBURGH TITANS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the Pittsburgh Titans professional hockey team. This is twenty-six year old, North Paquette and twenty-four year old Farren Abrams’ story line. NORTH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

NOTE: Some of the events of NORTH cross over with, and run parallel to the events of books fifteen RAFFERTY. Farren is the sister of Rafferty Abrams.

SOME BACKGROUND: A couple of years earlier, a devastating plane crashed claimed all but three members of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team including owners, coaches and staff. Rebuilding the team, owner Brienne Norcross, offered positions to one-time professional and semi-pro players. These are their stories.

Told from dual first person perspectives (North and Farren) NORTH follows in the wake of the sudden appearance of Farren Abrams at her brother’s front door. Farren is currently homeless, jobless and looking for a temporary change of direction, and her friends with benefits relationship with North Paquette is the perfect foil to push away the demons from her past. North Paquette is determined to prove to Farren what they have is so much more than an ongoing series of one-night stands but Farren struggles to trust, including the man with whom she is falling in love.

The world building follows several paths including Farren’s need to run at the first sign of something more serious. No one knows what happened in the past, and our heroine is hoping to keep her secrets close to her heart. Meanwhile North’s teammate and star hockey player Penn Navarro is slowly spiralling out of control, and when his past returns, the team is struggling to help a man who is unwilling to accept the hep given.

The relationship between North and Farren begins as a friends with benefits, but Farren wants to keep their relationship a secret, a secret in which North is struggling to go along. North suspects Farren’s brother Rafferty will not like the direction of his sister’s romance but Farren refuses to commit to anything more serious in light on the demon’s that refuse to let go. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of familiar, determined and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including Farren’s brother Rafferty, several teammates including Atlas, King, Foster, Penn Navarro, team manager Callum Derringer, as well as Farren and Rafferty’s parents.

NORTH is a story of secrets and lies, humiliation and betrayal, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy and tense; the characters ad animated and desperate; the romance is seductive and spicy.


copy supplied for review

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

North Paquette is loving his time with the Pittsburgh Titans. He has settled in and built solid friendships with most of his teammates. He met his teammate’s sister, Farren, when she was visiting her brother, Rafferty, and a hook up meant a night of fun before she headed home to Calgary. Now she is in Pittsburgh permanently and wants to strike things up with North again, but only if they can keep things casual between them.

She’s off limits because she is his teammate’s sister. But the chemistry between them has them sneaking around behind her brother’s back. As the sneaking continues, North wants more. He wants strings and a relationship, but Farren is hesitant and wants to keep things casual. Unfortunately that’s easier said than done.

North is such a standup guy. He is at times almost too perfect in his acceptance of Farren’s limits and his ability to let her do what she needs to do in order to feel comfortable. I wanted him to fight harder, to push her comfort zone in a conscious way. Instead, he hears her boundaries and allows her to direct the casual, no-strings relationship she was after even as he knows he is falling.

Farren is where I struggled the most in this book. It is clear pretty early in the book that she is carrying some trauma from something that happened in high school, but she is so determined to hold on to it and not let anyone in (even her family) that it keeps her from letting North in. Since I loved North early on, it frustrated me that she was so reluctant to either share with him or put the past behind her.

But overall, this was a quick, entertaining read that has everything I have come to expect from a Pittsburgh Titans novel. The camaraderie of this team is amazing, and I love seeing everything going on with teammates in the background. I am intrigued by the breadcrumbs dropped about Penn and the mystery that is his life and can’t wait for more insight into his character.

Follow Me: Blog: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story & Narration🎧Compelling & Heartfelt!

North
Pittsburgh Titans, Book 16
By: Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Stephen Dexter, Savannah Peachwood

I can never get enough of Sawyer Bennett’s Pittsburgh Titans and I knew North Paquette’s and Farren Abrams’ story was going to be something special before going in, and Bennett does not disappoint. Their story not only captivated my attention the entire time, but tugged at my heartstrings. North is a newer addition to the Titans and is a good fit with the other team members, except Penn, who is a mystery, keeping to himself and, by choice, an outcast off the ice. Farren is Rafferty’s younger sister, and on one of her visits she and North had a steamy encounter, but since she was leaving, they kept it secret because it wasn’t something her brother needed to know, but that encounter left an impression on North. Farren is flighty and known to run, and she winds up going back to Pittsburgh to say with Rafferty for a while. There is an undeniable chemistry between North and Farren, and they continue to see each other on the down low, but the more they see each other, the more North wants. Except Farren does not do commitments or serious relationship, and her flight mode kicks in when someone gets too close. Will her inner demons and fears from past demons get in her way and cost her the best thing that happened to her, cost her North? I loved all the layers of this story and how it all plays out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Stephen Dexter and Savannah Peachwood are a perfect pairing, with voices and talent that complement each other and a captivating performance that keeps you glued to the story. I loved how they took their roles and owned them, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Their take on the two leads was spot on, grasping every aspect of their personality, with Peachwood acing it as Farren, and Dexter was just as amazing as North. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the secondary and side characters, too. 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.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**

I had been intrigued by North from the previous books and I’m so glad we got his story next. “North” is an emotional, swoony and sweet teammate’s sister hockey romance that was a great addition to the series.

North Paquette is one of the newest members of the Titans and he’s working on making his mark with the team. He’s driven and focused but when he hooks up with his teammate’s sister, Farren Abrams, he realizes something he has been missing. Farren is a free spirit who can’t settle in one spot or one relationship for long. But now she’s in Pittsburgh and wants to keep things casual with North. But as they spend time together, North knows that they have it to make it for the long haul but Farren isn’t hesitant due to a traumatic experience from when she was younger. North isn’t one to shy away from something hard and he’s out to prove to Farren that they are meant to be.

North and Farren have such great chemistry and I was rooting for them to be together. North is a great teammate, genuine and you can tell he clearly cares for Farren. He’s patient with her while she works through whatever issues she was going through. I wish she would have told him sooner about her past but I totally understand why she was guarded. Farren is sweet, caring and I love how close she was with her brother, Rafferty. I loved her personality in how she was adventurous in life and how she became fast friends with the team. Her reasoning for being guarded broke my heart and made me so mad at the same time. But I was cheering her on as she worked through her problems and was able to be happy. North and Farren’s chemistry was strong from the start and grew more intense as they spent time together. I loved how they had a true friendship and emotional connection. And all the hints about Penn’s past has me counting down the days until his book is released. The ending was so perfect for them and I can’t wait to read about them more in the future.

Stephen Dexter and Vanessa Edwin narrated this audio and they were great as North and Farren. Stephen’s narration was caring and protective just like North. Vanessa was amazing as Farren, her narration was fun, sweet and vulnerable.

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥Teammate’s sister? Check. Off-limits tension? Double check. A hockey player who’s all heart underneath the swagger? Yes, please. North brings the heat and the heart in all the best ways.

Read if you like:
🏒 sports romance
👨‍👧‍👦 older brother’s teammate trope
💔 emotionally guarded heroines
🌶️ steamy chemistry
🧠 genius meets golden retriever energy

📚 North Paquette is living his dream—playing hockey in Pittsburgh, loving the city, and enjoying the perks of his pro-athlete status. But when his teammate’s sister moves to Pittsburgh, their previously casual fling becomes a chance for North to go all in. Farren, on the other hand, has her walls up sky-high—and letting him in might just be her biggest challenge yet.

👨‍👧 North is irresistible—loyal, thoughtful, and disarmingly honest. His persistence is swoon-worthy without ever feeling pushy. Farren is bold and seemingly carefree, but emotionally closed off, which adds tension… even if I wanted to yell “therapy!” more than once. 😅

💞 The chemistry between them is electric. The flirty banter, the slow build from hookup to something real, and North’s clear devotion make this a satisfying emotional journey. That said, Farren’s resistance occasionally stretched a bit long, even if it made sense in context.

👧 Familiar faces from earlier Titans books make appearances (yay!), but this can absolutely be read as a standalone. Rafferty’s protective big brother energy adds great depth. Bonus: we get more hints about broody Penn, and I’m so ready for his story.

✍️ Sawyer Bennett nails the sports romance formula—again. The pacing moves fast, the emotional beats land, and the sexy scenes deliver just the right sizzle.

🌟 Overall, this was a heartfelt, hot, and thoroughly enjoyable read with that signature Sawyer Bennett charm. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Titans!

📲 QOTD: What’s your favorite “off-limits” romance trope? If you had to move to a new city permanently, which would you choose?

#BookReview #NorthBySawyerBennett #SportsRomance #HockeyRomance #TeammatesSister #SlowBurnRomance #EmotionalButSteamy #RomanceReadersOfInstagram #Bookstagram #TropesILove #SawyerBennett #BookstagramRecs #RomanceBooks #RomanceBookReview #HockeyBookBoyfriend

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

eBook/Audio Review: 4.5 Stars
North is the 16th book in the Pittsburg Titans series. This is North Paquette and Farren Abrams’ story.

Narrators are Stephen Dexter & Savannah Peachwood, both new to me narrators. I loved when they voiced the primary characters North and Farren. Stephen has a sexy voice and when he spoke each of the parts for the male characters, it was great. It is a little harder for someone with a deeper voice to speak the female characters. Savannah did a fantastic job with the vocals for the female characters and again it is a little hard to speak the male characters parts. But all in all, it was great to listen to them bring the book alive.

Farren came from Calgary, and she is leaving it all behind. She runs all the way to Pittsburg. Where her big brother, Rafferty is. Also, where North is her previous hook up. (BTW, Rafferty’s story was told in book 15 of the same name).

Farren is a runner. She is a commitment phobe. That is what she always does when things get close to the heart, she runs. She tries her best to keep things casual and lets North know it is only about the sex, but is it? North wants more from Farren and lets her know it.

I really enjoyed this story of push and run the other way! Farren is fun and sexy when she isn’t running. Farren wouldn’t let him in but North keeps trying until he doesn’t anymore. I loved Farren’s big brother, Rafferty for stepping in.

This was a good book, and I am really looking for Penn’s story next!


Pittsburgh Titans Series
#1 Baden Oulett & Sophie Winters
#2 Stone Dumelin & Harlow Alston
#3 Gage Heyward & Jenna Holland -
#4 Coen Highsmith & Tillie Marshall
#5 Drake McGinn & Brienne Norcross
#6 Cannon West & Ava Cavanaugh
#7 Hendrix Bateman & Stevie Kisner
#8 Camden Poe & Danica Brandt
#9 Bain Hillridge & Keira McGinn
#10 Van 2 - Van Turner & Simone Fournier
#11 Boone Rivers & Lilly Hoffman
#12 Callum Derringer & Juniper Ryan
#13 Foster McInnis and Mazzy “Mary Elizabeth” Archer
#14 King Jack “King” Kingston and Willa Montreaux
#15 Rafferty Abrams and Temperence “Tempe” Martin
#16 North Paquette & Farren Abrams

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

North is a brother's best friend, secret-hook-up-to-more story set in the Pittsburgh Titans universe. If you've read Rafferty (not necessary, but there will be spoilers if you didn't), there's a lot of parallel events between the two books for the first half or so--Farren is Rafferty's sister, and she came to stay with him during the course of his book. That's where this one begins--though it's not the first time she and North hook up.

I really liked North--he's pretty much the standard Titan hero (the relatively well-adjusted, non-broody version) and is an excellent book boyfriend. He really likes Farren and isn't crazy about keeping their relationship a secret, though he pretty much defers to her wishes until he decides he can't anymore...which normally I'd have more feelings about, except...Farren.

Farren really needed to talk to someone about her issues. She's let a single (admittedly horrible, but still) event in high school color how she sees all men and relationships forever, and OMG I wanted her to get over it already. She finally does, thank goodness, and I was ready for this to be an all's well that ends well book, until Rafferty and North decide to go way beyond the pale and confront the guy who hurt her in a totally OTT way. I really wanted someone to act like a grown up here, but apparently it wasn't to be?

Throughout it all we get plenty of teasers about what is going on with our next hero ( Penn ) and I am beyond ready for his book! Fingers crossed it does not disappoint :)

I listened to the audiobook, which for the most part was well done. Both narrators have pleasant voices to listen to. Sometimes the male narrator's tone didn't quite match what was happening in the scene, which did take me a bit out of the story temporarily, but overall it was a good experience.

Rating: 3 stars? 3 1/2? I'm torn here, but leaning toward 3

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Titans story

*Review for ebook & audio*

Sawyer Bennett's Pittsburgh Titans has been an absolute MUST READ for me, and its sixteenth installment continued to bring everything I love about this series. NORTH is a he falls first, teammate's sister, hockey romance which was a wonderful blend of sweet and spicy, and humour and drama. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming, a journey of emotions.

North Paquette and Farren Abrams are so easy to like and very relatable. North, oh I loved him, he was gentle, caring, patient, yet also able to be dominant and so hot, and his mouth ... it was filthy!! Farren was a real conundrum, she could be strong and sassy, yet also flighty and ready to run from any form of committment. She has her reason, as an event in her past plays havoc with her ability to trust easily. I adored the patience North had with Farren as he slowly began to get her to realise that he wasn't going away. These two were perfect together, their chemistry was insane, banter humourous, and heat explosive.

*Audio*

Stephen Dexter and Savannah Peachwood were the perfect narrators to bring North and Farren to life. They brought all the humour, passion, and drama to these amazing characters. Their portrayal ensured the emotions were experienced rather than just felt.

I thoroughly enjoyed NORTH, it was another terrific addition to this already incredible series. It was also fun that it ran alongside Rafferty's story, being able to see that one from a different perspective. Next up is Penn , Penn Navarro's story and I'm really looking forward to that one. Pennis a bit of a mystery man, nothing is known about him. With the few hints Sawyer has dropped about his background, I can't wait to find out more.

A highly recommended read.

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love North so much, so it pains me to admit that this was not a favorite. Sawyer Bennett is a go-to author for me, often getting me out of reading slumps, so it also pains me to say I think Farren is underdeveloped. There was a lot of telling and not showing when it came to that character. That means that while I liked North and Farren as a couple and absolutely believe they are meant for each other, I wasn’t feeling that they were meant for each other. Something I have come to expect from this author is feeling the chemistry.

The book was over halfway through before Farren admitted that she is aimless. For the whole first half of the book, I couldn’t get a bead on if she was selfish, had anxiety issues, was unmotivated, or some other issues were holding her back from living her life once she showed up in Pittsburgh. Let me be clear, the things Farren is holding onto from her past that have shaped her romantic life are not what I’m talking about. I appreciate the author showing that something that seems like a tiny blip to one person may cause lifelong trauma for another person. I’m talking about Farren’s lack of a job and seeming to do nothing about not having a job while living off her brother’s kindness. It made it hard for me to connect with the character.

Again, I do believe North and Farren are meant for each other. He can be laid back when it’s needed, but also has a way of pushing Farren without it feeling like he’s pressuring her. I enjoyed seeing her learn to trust. And I absolutely love how much of a cinnamon roll North ended up being.

We’re gearing up for Penn’s story and I found myself more invested in the tidbits on Penn’s past than on the North/Farren story. That’s a problem. So while I enjoyed this story, it wasn’t necessarily the couple that it focuses on that kept me engaged.

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t click with this book because I don’t like the “brothers’s best friend” trope. However, the way the author wrote it was much better than other versions I’ve read. North was a bit reluctant to sleep with Farren and keep it from her brother Rafferty, who is his teammate. Although Farren wanted to keep the secret, North kept fighting it because it didn’t feel honest, and I loved that.

I found North to be such an upstanding guy. Friendly, honest, a team player, concerned about all his teammates, sees them as family. A rockstar in bed, and a rock of support when you need it. He’s the perfect book boyfriend!

I saw Farren as a lost one. From a traumatic experience in her teens, she’s closed herself off from any close relations, and seems to live a driftless life. Her family, including Rafferty, call her a free spirit. It boggles my mind that she has a near genius IQ, could do anything she wanted to do, and her family just let her breeze around in all her failures. Plus, she’s brilliant, she could have figured it out or seek help. It was frustrating!

For all these reasons, the book didn’t click with me, even though I loved all the scenes with the Titans, the games, the women in the Titans’ friend circle, and above all, the suspense with Penn Navarro. I was a bit disappointed there was no sighting of my idol Brianne Norcross, but Willa and Mazzy appear frequently, as they have befriended Farren. Outside of her emotional issues, Farren is a delightful friend, smart and entertaining. Just allergic to commitment, sigh.

The writing is superb as always, the pace perfect, and the characters wonderful. It’s always a delight to read a book written by Sawyer Bennett.

[MNHockeymomreads (Heather) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think if you look up “good guy” in the dictionary you would find a picture of North Paquette. North is steady, loves hockey, and is a good friend. North is also hooking up with his teammate and friend's sister….in secret. I love this trope so much and the banter and text convos that they have were amazing and added so much to the storyline for me. I was also loving North’s very dirty mouth which was a HUGE surprise! North really is giving all of the perfect book boyfriend vibes. He plans the most fun dates and presses Farren for more but still respects her boundaries.
Farren Abrams is sort of a drifter and sort of goes where the wind takes her; which is how she ends up in Philadelphia in her brother Rafferty’s guest bedroom. Farren is an interesting girl- she definitely wants people to believe that she is flighty and just down for some fun but she doesn’t give off that vibe. I really liked how Rafferty, her girlfriends and North really press her on what she actually wants and in turn making her really face her fears.
Brothers best friend and friends with benefits to more are always my favorite books so having them together was such a treat! North and Farren were electric between the sheets, and North worked overtime to show Farren that they had so much potential as a couple! As Atlas said, hooking up with your teammate's sister is risky but obviously so worth it for North and Farren! I really enjoyed Rafferty and North’s books with parallel timelines and the breadcrumbs and teasing for Penn’s book really makes the waiting for him so hard, but I know that it is going to be amazing! If you love hockey romances with an amazing team dynamic and strong girl gangs this is a must read series in my opinion!

[Karin D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

North is just the sweetheart!

North Paquette is another talented player on the Pittsburgh Titans Hockey Team and also one of the few remaining single guys as well! After going out after an away game in Calgary, North meets a girl (Farren, who just happens to be his teammate’s, Rafferty’s, sister). They start chatting, get drunk & hook up. Then they hook one more time, but it’s all good, because they both know it’s just a no-strings thing, & they’re good with that.

Flash forward 3 months, and Farren shows up in Pittsburgh on her brother’s doorstep. She confesses to quitting her job, quitting on her boyfriend & wanting to stay awhile with him. Rafferty’s suspicious because Farren has a history of taking off on the fly for no apparent reason………or is there????

After Rafferty leaves his apartment to get ready for their hockey game (which Farren is going to), she sends off a quick text to North, informing him she’s “in town” & asks him if he’d be interested in seeing her. North is excited to see Fallen again, so they agree to meet after the game.

They start seeing each other behind her brother’s back, and North is definitely wanting this relationship to be much more than “casual.” Farren is not interested in making their connection permanent, but that’s not to say North isn’t going to give it his all in trying to change her mind. He, nor anyone else, knows why Farren is the way she is. He’s going to have to tread lightly though or risk her running from him.

This book was great! I love Rafferty, but North is just such a good guy! He’s so easy to love!❤️ It’s amazing to me that this is the 16th book in this series! The books are all fantastic & would DEFINITELY recommend adding to your collection!

[kgagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a 'He Falls First' romance and North was extra swoony! He would have nights of clandestine passionate with his teammate, Rafferty's sister, Farren, when she would visit. Now that she has moved in with her brother, North and Farren continue seeing each other secretly, with no commitments. Farren has something in her past that has her guarding her heart. She keeps things light in all aspects of her life so she can move on easily before she can be hurt again. But she and North have an easy connection, having fun, and their chemistry is explosive. She is also making friends with the Titan's wives, making her feel more at ease. North loves how she fits in with his life and begins to want more with her, but is afraid she'll bolt if he pushes too hard. Can her brother, teammates and wives help him with a plan, or will it backfire breaking both their hearts? I fell so hard for, and became so invested in these wonderfully fun, and flawed characters, and their story hooked me right from the start! Farren was so smart, and sassy, and North is sweet, protective, and deliciously dirty, making me love them together. I also love how this story was weaved in with Rafferty's story along with some intriguing and heartbreaking scenes with Penn, making me want to know more about him. This series doesn't get old to me, I can't get enough of these hockey hotties, and the women who challenge and love them!
I loved the performances by narrators Stephen Dexter and Savannah Peachwood. They portray each character with a perfect balance between fun & flirty, heartbreaking emotion, and sizzling passion flawlessly. They work so well together, conveying so much emotion in their performances, that they make this fun, and passionate story even more captivating.

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

North is another excellent installment in this author’s Pittsburgh Titans Series! This author continually excels in crafting enjoyable sports romances that features relatable characters and engaging storylines. With North, I especially enjoy the older brother’s teammate trope as it tends to add that aura of forbiddenness.

Farren and North make a beautiful couple and talk about sparks flying with some fiery in between the sheets action! I adored North as he is scrumptious, but also very considerate and caring. He respects his teammates and best friend, but also can’t help himself when it comes to Farren.

Our lovely heroine, Farren is only in her early 20s which is something that I had to remind myself of throughout the book given some of the reactions and thought processes she had. At times, she seemed to be overly stuck on a past event and as such allowed the experience to cloud things and influence her decisions. That being said, as I learned more about her, I came to understand her better. North is truly able to see her, but can he convince the commitment skittish Farren to accept his advances to turn their relationship into something more?

While this is book 16 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Just know that some of the couples from the previous novels are present throughout the book. Of course, if you have read the other books, you will love the reappearances of these characters! As always, the author lays out the groundwork for one of the future heroes and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

North by Sawyer Bennett is a swoony, slow-burn brother’s best friend romance that delivers all the feels with a delicious mix of heart, heat, and humor. North, the ever-charming second liner for the Pittsburgh Titans, absolutely stole the show for me. He’s the perfect blend of cocky and caring—confident without being arrogant, sexy without trying too hard, and oh-so-patient when it comes to winning over Farren.
Farren, the younger sister of his teammate Rafferty, is fiercely independent and emotionally guarded, only looking for something casual. Her walls are sky-high, and while I understood why she was so hesitant, I’ll admit I found her a bit frustrating at times. Thankfully, North more than made up for it—his determination to show her what they could have was beautifully done. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved how natural their connection felt—easy laughter, deep conversations, and that underlying tension that kept things sizzling.
While I didn’t fully connect with Farren’s hot-and-cold behavior, the emotional payoff and North’s unwavering steadiness made this a solid and satisfying read. Sawyer Bennett also sets the stage brilliantly for the next installment, and I’m already intrigued by what’s coming next in the series.
All in all, North is a feel-good romance with just enough angst and a hero worth swooning over. Definitely one to pick up if you love a patient alpha and a good brother’s best friend trope! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. 4.5 stars