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Benched: A Hockey Romance
Winterpeg, or as the locals call it, Winnipeg.
For a SoCal girl like Lauren, it was like being in the middle of nowhere but for Josh, her father and the head coach of the NHL’s Winnipeg Rockies, it was the epitome of success.
Standing behind the home net, Lauren wondered why they had to move there, until she met him.
Enter Sawyer. Handsome, mysterious, and the Rockies’ team captain. Standing beside her, he couldn’t tear his attention away, until it was time to hit the ice. He knew he had to win the game, make it special for the girl he didn’t know, but was completely smitten by.
Torn between doing the right thing and what their hearts want, Benched brings you a story of heartbreak and love.
What you want most isn’t always what you can have.
For a SoCal girl like Lauren, it was like being in the middle of nowhere but for Josh, her father and the head coach of the NHL’s Winnipeg Rockies, it was the epitome of success.
Standing behind the home net, Lauren wondered why they had to move there, until she met him.
Enter Sawyer. Handsome, mysterious, and the Rockies’ team captain. Standing beside her, he couldn’t tear his attention away, until it was time to hit the ice. He knew he had to win the game, make it special for the girl he didn’t know, but was completely smitten by.
Torn between doing the right thing and what their hearts want, Benched brings you a story of heartbreak and love.
What you want most isn’t always what you can have.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2025
6 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 15, 2025
DNF @ 19% - I'm convinced these positive reviews are just people trying to pull my leg because OMG that was atrocious! Seriously though, if you loved this book, it's all good. I really don't mean any offense, but this book was so poorly written IMO that it boggles my mind that there weren't at least some issues raised in the reviews I've read. Truly, I need to go sit down, have a drink and stare at the wall for a while. Maybe contemplate my life some cause WOW. WOW this was probably the worst thing I've read in a long time!
Firstly, the writing is unpolished and juvenile. I've read fanfiction that was written better, and I cannot believe anyone edited this or that Amanda received constructive criticism of any sort while writing this. It read like someone writing a self-insert Wattpad story.
Lauren reads like she's 15, not 18. She's very immature and I rolled my eyes HARD when she was so pissed at her dad for wanting to move to Winnipeg when she was in the process of preparing to move to Boston! We hear again and again how she's just her dad's everything, and how dedicated to her studies she is. She gave me major Mary Sue vibes. Especially because she's there, trying to "temper" her best friend's wild ways (her spending, dating, drinking, etc). Oh, and she's shy but attracts the interest of Mason and Sawyer so, you know, she's just "that" girl.
I just can't care about a character like that. One that's so damn 2-dimenstional and uninteresting.
Speaking of uninteresting! Sawyer!
Sawyer is flat af. Literally, the man has zero substance as a character, and what I did read didn't make me wanna push forward and read more. In his chat with a team mate, he sounded like he was in his early twenties, not like he's older and a seasoned pro, a captain meant to lead his teammates.
ALSO, he's 31 and she's 18. I like an age gap romance, but that just screams predatory to me. Especially because he knows she's the coach's daughter and must know she's got to be no more than 20 years old. Like...how are we supposed to root for this couple? How are we supposed to be sitting on the edges of our seats, anticipating them coming together? It just gave me a major case of the ick
I don't think A. Amanda had a bad idea. I think it needed serious editing that it just didn't get, and someone who could give feedback that wasn't all glowing. You don't get a strong story if you only get glowing praise and not constructive feedback.
All in all, nothing I read made me want to continue reading and life is too short to subject yourself to books like this. 1000% not for me.
Firstly, the writing is unpolished and juvenile. I've read fanfiction that was written better, and I cannot believe anyone edited this or that Amanda received constructive criticism of any sort while writing this. It read like someone writing a self-insert Wattpad story.
Lauren reads like she's 15, not 18. She's very immature and I rolled my eyes HARD when she was so pissed at her dad for wanting to move to Winnipeg when she was in the process of preparing to move to Boston! We hear again and again how she's just her dad's everything, and how dedicated to her studies she is. She gave me major Mary Sue vibes. Especially because she's there, trying to "temper" her best friend's wild ways (her spending, dating, drinking, etc). Oh, and she's shy but attracts the interest of Mason and Sawyer so, you know, she's just "that" girl.
I just can't care about a character like that. One that's so damn 2-dimenstional and uninteresting.
Speaking of uninteresting! Sawyer!
Sawyer is flat af. Literally, the man has zero substance as a character, and what I did read didn't make me wanna push forward and read more. In his chat with a team mate, he sounded like he was in his early twenties, not like he's older and a seasoned pro, a captain meant to lead his teammates.
ALSO, he's 31 and she's 18. I like an age gap romance, but that just screams predatory to me. Especially because he knows she's the coach's daughter and must know she's got to be no more than 20 years old. Like...how are we supposed to root for this couple? How are we supposed to be sitting on the edges of our seats, anticipating them coming together? It just gave me a major case of the ick
I don't think A. Amanda had a bad idea. I think it needed serious editing that it just didn't get, and someone who could give feedback that wasn't all glowing. You don't get a strong story if you only get glowing praise and not constructive feedback.
All in all, nothing I read made me want to continue reading and life is too short to subject yourself to books like this. 1000% not for me.
January 11, 2025
I recently finished Benched by A. Amanda, and let me tell you, it's a must-read! It's the kind of story that grabs you from the very first few pages and has you turning the pages late into the night. Lauren Abbott is a very sympathetic and strong protagonist. She's educated, independent, and entirely unprepared for the upheaval that occurs when her father relocates her to central Canada to coach an NHL club. The chilly backdrop of Winnipeg feels so vivid, and when Lauren meets Sawyer Winslow the whole plot starts to boil in a tremendous way!
.
Lauren's journey through loss, self-discovery, and scorching attraction is captivating, while Sawyer's determination to combine love, leadership, and his own secrets forms a powerful, unstoppable force. Together, they form a link that is vivid, passionate, and absolutely authentic. A. Amanda's novel is fascinating in every way, with board-rattling brutality and persistent drive. Benched is a passionate, ice-breaking romance that will catch your heart and keep you wondering about Lauren and Sawyer long after the last chapter.
.
Sawyer Winslow is the ideal romantic lead: vibrant charming, and quiet. As the team leader, he exudes natural charm, and his connection with Lauren is off the charts. The way their relationship develops—with all of the furious banter, tremendous emotions, and calm, heart-stopping moments—is completely compelling. You can't help but pull for them, even if you know their relationship is fraught with complications.
.
The novel contains everything I look for in a great romance: forbidden love, an age gap, and the type of slow-burn connection that takes your breath away. A. Amanda writes in such crisp, riveting detail that you can feel every glance, unsaid phrase, and heated touch between Lauren and Sawyer. And let's not forget about hockey! The moments on the ice are electrifying and loaded with board-rattling intensity, perfectly contrasting the burning emotions outside the rink.
.
This hockey book is about taking risks, standing up for what you want, and finding your place in a world that feels like it’s spinning too fast. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the kind of love that’s worth fighting for. If you’re looking for a book with compelling characters, an icy-hot romance, and a plot that will keep you hooked until the very last page, this one needs to be at the top of your list!
.
Lauren's journey through loss, self-discovery, and scorching attraction is captivating, while Sawyer's determination to combine love, leadership, and his own secrets forms a powerful, unstoppable force. Together, they form a link that is vivid, passionate, and absolutely authentic. A. Amanda's novel is fascinating in every way, with board-rattling brutality and persistent drive. Benched is a passionate, ice-breaking romance that will catch your heart and keep you wondering about Lauren and Sawyer long after the last chapter.
.
Sawyer Winslow is the ideal romantic lead: vibrant charming, and quiet. As the team leader, he exudes natural charm, and his connection with Lauren is off the charts. The way their relationship develops—with all of the furious banter, tremendous emotions, and calm, heart-stopping moments—is completely compelling. You can't help but pull for them, even if you know their relationship is fraught with complications.
.
The novel contains everything I look for in a great romance: forbidden love, an age gap, and the type of slow-burn connection that takes your breath away. A. Amanda writes in such crisp, riveting detail that you can feel every glance, unsaid phrase, and heated touch between Lauren and Sawyer. And let's not forget about hockey! The moments on the ice are electrifying and loaded with board-rattling intensity, perfectly contrasting the burning emotions outside the rink.
.
This hockey book is about taking risks, standing up for what you want, and finding your place in a world that feels like it’s spinning too fast. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the kind of love that’s worth fighting for. If you’re looking for a book with compelling characters, an icy-hot romance, and a plot that will keep you hooked until the very last page, this one needs to be at the top of your list!
January 11, 2025
Benched is a ruthless, relentless romance filled with scorching banter and romance that will keep you amazed all the way to the end of the book. Lauren Abbott, the fiercely independent daughter of an NHL coach, is thrust into a harsh world of freezing rinks and unwavering determination.
.
From the moment she meets Sawyer Winslow, the team captain with a tendency for violating rules and a smirk that could melt the coldest winter, you know she's in for a wild trip. The tension between these two is intense, addictive, and completely intriguing.
.
Sawyer Winslow is everything you desire in a romantic hero: tattooed, charming, and full of heart. His icy-hot connection with Lauren is intoxicating, with every stolen glance and caustic comment feeling like a glove-dropping challenge. His passion for cooking, as well as his grounded yet secretive nature, provide the variety to his ardent, uncompromising pursuit of Lauren. He falls first and hardest, and seeing him balance his emotions against the rink's unspoken regulations and the coach's daughter taboo is as exciting as a breakaway on the ice.
.
The plot is a dynamic, power-play masterpiece, combining forbidden romance, age-gap tension, and forced proximity to deliver a captivating slow-burn love story. Lauren's struggle to fight her increasing attraction to Sawyer while managing sorrow, relocation, and adulthood lends a realistic, emotional element to the story. The stakes are tremendous both on and off the ice, with each chapter building to a tense finale that keeps you captivated. A. Amanda's polished prose brings every fierce fight and sensitive moment to life with piercing sharpness.
.
What actually sets aside Benched is its blend of exhilarating romance and honest, emotional overtones. It's a narrative about balancing love and independence, confronting fears, and breaking the rules. Sawyer and Lauren's adventure, filled with vivid intensity and unwavering desire, is not to be missed. If you're looking for a wonderful romance with glove-dropping passion and a fierce, unforgettable heroine, Benched is a must-read for every sports romance fan, the adrenaline this book made me produce is very HIGH!
.
From the moment she meets Sawyer Winslow, the team captain with a tendency for violating rules and a smirk that could melt the coldest winter, you know she's in for a wild trip. The tension between these two is intense, addictive, and completely intriguing.
.
Sawyer Winslow is everything you desire in a romantic hero: tattooed, charming, and full of heart. His icy-hot connection with Lauren is intoxicating, with every stolen glance and caustic comment feeling like a glove-dropping challenge. His passion for cooking, as well as his grounded yet secretive nature, provide the variety to his ardent, uncompromising pursuit of Lauren. He falls first and hardest, and seeing him balance his emotions against the rink's unspoken regulations and the coach's daughter taboo is as exciting as a breakaway on the ice.
.
The plot is a dynamic, power-play masterpiece, combining forbidden romance, age-gap tension, and forced proximity to deliver a captivating slow-burn love story. Lauren's struggle to fight her increasing attraction to Sawyer while managing sorrow, relocation, and adulthood lends a realistic, emotional element to the story. The stakes are tremendous both on and off the ice, with each chapter building to a tense finale that keeps you captivated. A. Amanda's polished prose brings every fierce fight and sensitive moment to life with piercing sharpness.
.
What actually sets aside Benched is its blend of exhilarating romance and honest, emotional overtones. It's a narrative about balancing love and independence, confronting fears, and breaking the rules. Sawyer and Lauren's adventure, filled with vivid intensity and unwavering desire, is not to be missed. If you're looking for a wonderful romance with glove-dropping passion and a fierce, unforgettable heroine, Benched is a must-read for every sports romance fan, the adrenaline this book made me produce is very HIGH!
January 11, 2025
Seriously, drop whatever you're doing, get this book, and ready to become absolutely addicted. This has everything you could ever want in a sports romance—sensual passion, forbidden love, and so much drama that you won't be able to put it down. Lauren Abbot is my new queen. She's tough, independent, and completely relatable—I mean, we've all had those "why is this happening to me?" moments, right? Don't even get me started on Sawyer Winslow, because he is EVERYTHING. The dude is a walking heart-eye emoji. Tattoos, charm, difficulty, and swoon.
.
The whole enemies-to-lovers affair is Chef's kiss. Lauren and Sawyer have this tempting banter that will leave you giggling like a fool. They act as if they can't bear each other, yet the tension is palpable in every glance, every remark, and every time they're forced to be together. And let me tell you, when things eventually begin to heat up (and I mean really heat up), it's the type of icy-hot romance that will send chills down your spine. Their bond is intense and unbreakable, and you'll be shouting at the book for them to declare their feelings already.
.
What I appreciated most about the writing was how it made everything feel so very real. A. Amanda's style is really amazing. The hockey scenes were absolutely thrilling. The feelings are so real and deep that you'll feel as if you're right beside them. The plot is so detailed and satisfying that it feels like it was written specifically to keep you interested from beginning to end. You will move from laughing to sobbing to grasping your heart, thinking, "How is this happening?!" It's one of the most enthralling and wonderfully constructed books I've read in years.
.
Benched is packed with everything I love—interesting characters, a forbidden romance that gives you all the feels, and moments that’ll make you fall in love with love all over again. If you’re a fan of slow burns, sassy heroines, and literally perfect hockey captains with hearts of gold, you NEED this book in your life. Grab it, read it, and then come fangirl with me because I’m dying to talk about it!!!!
.
The whole enemies-to-lovers affair is Chef's kiss. Lauren and Sawyer have this tempting banter that will leave you giggling like a fool. They act as if they can't bear each other, yet the tension is palpable in every glance, every remark, and every time they're forced to be together. And let me tell you, when things eventually begin to heat up (and I mean really heat up), it's the type of icy-hot romance that will send chills down your spine. Their bond is intense and unbreakable, and you'll be shouting at the book for them to declare their feelings already.
.
What I appreciated most about the writing was how it made everything feel so very real. A. Amanda's style is really amazing. The hockey scenes were absolutely thrilling. The feelings are so real and deep that you'll feel as if you're right beside them. The plot is so detailed and satisfying that it feels like it was written specifically to keep you interested from beginning to end. You will move from laughing to sobbing to grasping your heart, thinking, "How is this happening?!" It's one of the most enthralling and wonderfully constructed books I've read in years.
.
Benched is packed with everything I love—interesting characters, a forbidden romance that gives you all the feels, and moments that’ll make you fall in love with love all over again. If you’re a fan of slow burns, sassy heroines, and literally perfect hockey captains with hearts of gold, you NEED this book in your life. Grab it, read it, and then come fangirl with me because I’m dying to talk about it!!!!
January 11, 2025
A. Amanda's Benched is a visceral, fierce romance that lures you in with its icy-hot tension and keeps you riveted with its constant emotional depth. Lauren Abbott, the coach's fiercely independent daughter, is sent from sunny California to the bitter cold of interior Canada.
.
The abrupt relocation feels like punishment until she meets Sawyer Winslow, the Winnipeg Rockies' team captain, whose personality, intensity, and obvious fascination turn her life upside down. Lauren and Sawyer's heated clash of personalities produce an electrifying chemistry that makes the boards rattle every time they get together.
.
Sawyer Winslow is everything a breakaway romance hero should be: tenacious, rugged, and thrillingly complicated. On and off the ice, his presence is tremendous. Whether he's leading his team with ice-breaking accuracy or preparing something profound in the kitchen, he has a richness that draws you in.
.
The age difference and his role as the charming, rule-bending captain add levels of forbidden fascination to his relationship with Lauren. His tireless following of her is fierce and sensitive, a thrilling contrast that raises the stakes of their connection. Watching him manage the lines he knows he shouldn't cross builds to the energy between him and Lauren.
.
The plot is an unstoppable merge of forbidden energy and emotional discovery, propelled by A. Amanda's incisive and captivating prose. Lauren and Sawyer's forced proximity creates a combustible backdrop for their interactions, and each scene is carefully planned to be intense!
.
This was a five stars hockey read, definitely a debut that will stand in my heart and I will not soon forget Amanda has the ability to write masterpiece and thoughtful plots that will make every reader melt!
.
The abrupt relocation feels like punishment until she meets Sawyer Winslow, the Winnipeg Rockies' team captain, whose personality, intensity, and obvious fascination turn her life upside down. Lauren and Sawyer's heated clash of personalities produce an electrifying chemistry that makes the boards rattle every time they get together.
.
Sawyer Winslow is everything a breakaway romance hero should be: tenacious, rugged, and thrillingly complicated. On and off the ice, his presence is tremendous. Whether he's leading his team with ice-breaking accuracy or preparing something profound in the kitchen, he has a richness that draws you in.
.
The age difference and his role as the charming, rule-bending captain add levels of forbidden fascination to his relationship with Lauren. His tireless following of her is fierce and sensitive, a thrilling contrast that raises the stakes of their connection. Watching him manage the lines he knows he shouldn't cross builds to the energy between him and Lauren.
.
The plot is an unstoppable merge of forbidden energy and emotional discovery, propelled by A. Amanda's incisive and captivating prose. Lauren and Sawyer's forced proximity creates a combustible backdrop for their interactions, and each scene is carefully planned to be intense!
.
This was a five stars hockey read, definitely a debut that will stand in my heart and I will not soon forget Amanda has the ability to write masterpiece and thoughtful plots that will make every reader melt!
January 10, 2025
A. Amanda's Benched is a tense, ice-breaking romance that left me breathless! The story is set in the harsh, wintry setting of Winnipeg, and follows Lauren, a Southern California girl thrown into the raw chill of hockey's heartland. Her dissatisfaction with being uprooted is palpable, and her perspective, tinged with fierce humour, makes her trip extremely engaging!
.
Sawyer, the Rockies' tough and unforgiving leader, explodes onto the page with glove-dropping chemistry, sharpening every interaction with Lauren! Their bond is essential and intense, a breakaway romance that feels like a fascinating power struggle from the outset. Sawyer's violent determination on the ice translates into a never-ending chase of his true love, Lauren. However, the tension between his frigid determination and the weight of his responsibilities is electrifying, causing each decision and gaze to pulse with penalty-box passion!
.
The design of the plot is addictive and it dwells your brain inside the life of the main characters instantly. Amanda infuses a riveting story of love, sacrifice, and ambition across each chapter, bringing the action to life! From the hard-hitting ice battles to the emotional, ice-breaking moments between Lauren and Sawyer, the book's design is a puck-perfect blend of passion and emotion. It's impossible not to get taken up in their relationship's raw, unrelenting stakes, as they move through pain and searing connection with utter resolve!
.
Benched is an outstanding hockey romance, a story that sharpens every feeling and pulses with dramatic force. Amanda's story glides through like a skate on new ice, delivering a thrilling, vivid romance with unyielding pace! Prepare for a fierce, unforgettable love story that is as driven as the sport it is set against!
.
Sawyer, the Rockies' tough and unforgiving leader, explodes onto the page with glove-dropping chemistry, sharpening every interaction with Lauren! Their bond is essential and intense, a breakaway romance that feels like a fascinating power struggle from the outset. Sawyer's violent determination on the ice translates into a never-ending chase of his true love, Lauren. However, the tension between his frigid determination and the weight of his responsibilities is electrifying, causing each decision and gaze to pulse with penalty-box passion!
.
The design of the plot is addictive and it dwells your brain inside the life of the main characters instantly. Amanda infuses a riveting story of love, sacrifice, and ambition across each chapter, bringing the action to life! From the hard-hitting ice battles to the emotional, ice-breaking moments between Lauren and Sawyer, the book's design is a puck-perfect blend of passion and emotion. It's impossible not to get taken up in their relationship's raw, unrelenting stakes, as they move through pain and searing connection with utter resolve!
.
Benched is an outstanding hockey romance, a story that sharpens every feeling and pulses with dramatic force. Amanda's story glides through like a skate on new ice, delivering a thrilling, vivid romance with unyielding pace! Prepare for a fierce, unforgettable love story that is as driven as the sport it is set against!
January 11, 2026
Benched by A. Amanda had me completely hooked from start to finish. I told myself I’d read a few chapters… and suddenly I was at the end, staring at the page in disbelief. That cliffhanger ending? Absolutely criminal—in the best way. I needed book two immediately.
The character growth, especially with the MMC, was done so well. Watching him slowly evolve, let his guard down, and confront his own flaws made the emotional payoff hit even harder. Nothing felt rushed, and every step forward felt earned.
I also loved how the side characters actually mattered. They weren’t just filler—they had distinct personalities, real impact on the story, and added so much depth to the overall world. The chemistry, tension, and proximity moments were perfectly balanced, making this such an addictive sports romance.
If you love strong character development, meaningful side characters, and endings that leave you desperate for more, Benched is a must-read.
The character growth, especially with the MMC, was done so well. Watching him slowly evolve, let his guard down, and confront his own flaws made the emotional payoff hit even harder. Nothing felt rushed, and every step forward felt earned.
I also loved how the side characters actually mattered. They weren’t just filler—they had distinct personalities, real impact on the story, and added so much depth to the overall world. The chemistry, tension, and proximity moments were perfectly balanced, making this such an addictive sports romance.
If you love strong character development, meaningful side characters, and endings that leave you desperate for more, Benched is a must-read.
January 14, 2025
I am speechless the book was so good!! 😍😍
Lauren's character development was so well described and built. In itself you can see how she finds herself in the course of the book. (I loved to follow her journey)
And then the building tension between her and Sawyer??
It was slow burn at its best ❤️🔥This man really has it bad for Lauren. I really liked that she tried to deny her attraction to him at first because of the age gap. It makes the book even more realistic
Lauren's character development was so well described and built. In itself you can see how she finds herself in the course of the book. (I loved to follow her journey)
And then the building tension between her and Sawyer??
It was slow burn at its best ❤️🔥This man really has it bad for Lauren. I really liked that she tried to deny her attraction to him at first because of the age gap. It makes the book even more realistic
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews