Kace

Pittsburgh Titans #20

by Sawyer Bennett

He’s a star goalie with a genius IQ and a secret side hustle in applied physics. She’s the brilliant professor who’s falling for her anonymous research partner… but can’t stop thinking about the hot hockey player who is pursuing her. What happens when she discovers they are one in the same?

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

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

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

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 3🌶️

This book reminded me why sports romance can be so addictive. This was my first Sawyer Bennett book, and now I’m tempted to go back and start from the beginning. Kace completely pulled me in with his double life as a pro hockey goalie and a brilliant physics researcher, and that contrast kept me invested the whole way through.

Laurel balanced him out so well. She’s thoughtful, reserved, and very sure of her boundaries, which made her feel incredibly real. I loved how their connection started through their academic dynamic and slowly grew into something more personal. Kace is such a soft, attentive hero who truly admires Laurel’s mind, which made their relationship feel warm and supportive. His secret did frustrate me at times, but it also kept the tension going.

What really stood out was Laurel’s perspective on introversion. It felt so honest and relatable, adding an extra emotional layer to the story. The found family aspect is also a highlight, and I loved watching Laurel slowly find her place within that group.

I immersive read this one, switching between ebook and audio, and it made the experience even better. Aiden Snow captured Kace’s layered personality perfectly, while Isabelle Ruther brought a softness to Laurel that made her even more relatable.

Overall, such an enjoyable read and I’m definitely excited to explore the rest of the series.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Sawyer Bennett and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to the Pittsburgh Titans universe always feels like coming home, and this latest instalment is a perfect reminder of why the series is so addictive.

This time, we step into the complex dual life of Kace Elliott, and I was completely hooked by the premise. A starting NHL goalie for the Pittsburgh Titans, with a genius IQ and a hidden career in applied physics. It’s such a compelling contrast, and it’s handled brilliantly. The tension between Kace’s two identities; Kace as a confident, high profile athlete and introspective William, an intellectually driven researcher, adds real depth to his character.

And then there’s Laurel Kent. Smart, principled, and grounded in a world that values honesty. She’s the perfect counterbalance to Kace’s carefully compartmentalised life. Watching their relationship develop, first through the safety of their academic connection, then in the unpredictable, high stakes reality of his hockey world, was both heartwarming and quietly intense.

What I absolutely adore, is Sawyer’s narrative style. There’s an ease and fluidity to the writing that pulls you straight into the story, but it’s the emotional layering that really makes it shine. The internal conflict Kace experiences never feels forced. It’s raw, believable, and at times genuinely frustrating (in the best way). You understand why he makes the choices he does, even as you’re bracing for the inevitable fallout.

Another fantastic addition to the series, and yet again, a completely different story that proves why the Pittsburgh Titans books never lose their appeal.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started with an email and the attraction only grew deeper. He was desperate to meet her and a secret can tear their relationship apart. Dynamic chemistry and a match made in the blink of an eye will absolutely charm you when you think Sawyer couldn’t get any better along comes Kace!

[Dawn Schock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, look. I loved this book, I promise. But I was screaming at Kace through the entire thing. And this was a clear example of when book smarts doesn't mean you are using all of your common sense because Kace, my man, you should have listened to Penn.

Anyway, this one was a lot of fun despite my frustrations 😅 I loved the way Laurel and Kace's relationship developed and they both worked to give each other as much emotional support as they needed.

And being a bit of a nerdy academic, I loved the braniac side of the story. I love when intelligence is rep-ed in books.

Both narrators were phenomenal and really brought these two to life.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sawyer Bennett's writing style. She grabs me from the beginning of the story. It flows so well that I get lost within the story. I become completely abssorbed and before I know it I have finished the story. Thank goodness she is one of those authors that releases numerous books each year.

Kace's story crushes the athlete stereotype. He isn't just a dumb jock goalie. He is a super geek still working within the physics academia as a researcher. It is his brilliant mind that brings him to Dr. Laurel Kent. It is her dislike for athletes that has him doing the unthinkable and not sharing who he truely is after meeting her speed dating.

Kace has some fancy moves. He slowly breaks down Laurel's barrier while building his own. What would happen if she found out the truth? Would he find away to tell her that would keep her by his side? The build up was intense. The Titans are moving up the ranks making my fears increase. Would he crash and burn?

[Winter Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

[Anas Attic Book Blog]

Kace by Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by Aiden Snow and Isabel Ruther
Book 20 in the Pittsburgh Titans Series, but can stand alone.
Kace is the last standalone in the Pittsburgh Titans Series, and I’m sad that the team I’ve gotten to know is coming to an end.

I work for Sawyer and received these audiobooks on a complimentary basis, so it’s up to you how much you trust this review. But I will say this. Since she’s my boss, if I thought it was under 4 stars, I just wouldn’t review it. I review every single book I read honestly, but this is a bit of a unique situation.

Sawyer’s writing is addictive. Her books are quick and get right to the heart of the story without ever feeling like they have filler or are overly long, which I notice more in Kindle Unlimited books where page count seems to matter more. Each book in this hockey romance series stands alone just fine, but it’s the team dynamic and the interaction between the players and WAGS I’ve gotten to know over the past few books that really make this series so special.

Kace is the Titans goalie, but he’s also in a master’s program for applied physics and working remotely as a research assistant for Dr. Laurel Kent under his real name, William. They’ve never met in real life, but they’ve gotten very close over email, and they’re both into each other. The problem is that Laurel would never date her assistant.

So he sets up an “accidental” meeting at a speed dating event as Kace the hockey player and never lets on that he’s also William. He wants her to get to know both sides of him and fall for the athlete she swore she’d never date before revealing they’re the same person. And it works. But how will she react when she finds out she’s been falling for someone who’s been lying to her?

Honestly, this is one of my least favorite tropes. I hate the lying and the stress of what will happen when she finds out. But somehow Sawyer made it work for me. Did I yell at the audiobook a few times? YES. Did I call Kace an idiot out loud? Also yes. But as always, I love Sawyer’s characters enough to still root for them, even when they’re being idiots.

I loved visiting the rest of the team and their wives and girlfriends. Laurel’s dad was such a Titans fan and completely adorable. I just really enjoy these light, quick, sexy, slightly angsty reads. There’s always a little humor mixed in, and the team camaraderie makes it even better.

The Narration
Aiden Snow and Isabel Ruther performed this audiobook, and they were fantastic at bringing the couple to life. I always enjoy Aiden Snow, but Isabel was new to me and I liked her a lot. She was perfect as Laurel and really captured both her sweet and smart sides.

The Down & Dirty
I really enjoyed Kace, and I’m sad to leave the Pittsburgh Titans series behind. I’m not someone who usually gravitates toward hockey romance, but Sawyer’s books always pull me in no matter what she writes. I’ll definitely be following her into the next hockey series, the Portland Wildfire, starting with Crosby this month. Since I came into the Titans series toward the end, I’m actually excited to start the next series from the beginning.

Rating:
I’m holding back on rating Kace. I pride myself on honest reviews, and in this case, I just can’t separate the fact that I work for Sawyer enough to give an accurate rating. But I know I loved it enough to review and recommend it, even with a trope I don’t usually love.


Purchase Kace (Pittsburgh Titans 20) by Sawyer Bennett
Kindle | Paperback | Audible


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[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I love this book series and the author has done a fantastic job building a wonderful, supportive, and loving found family amongst the players and their wives and girlfriends. In this book it's goalie Kace's time to fall in love. His teammates don't know it, but Kace is a genius in applied physics and his "side hustle" is working as researcher "William" for Dr. Laurel Kent, a fellow scientist at a university. They've never met, but work very well together and respect each other's skills. They've formed a fun and flirty relationship and Kace wants nothing more than to take it to the next level, but Laurel made it very clear that she'd never date another athlete. So, when an opportunity arises for him to meet her, he decides he'll try to date her as Kace and see if he can win her over, and if so, he'll tell her about his William persona.

When they finally meet Kace charms a date out of Laurel and it goes well. They continue dating and he starts winning her over as he starts to distance himself as William the assistant. He figures he'll tell her the truth after playoffs. Well, we all know how well that plan will go, right? Right.

Kace is the perfect golden retriever hero. He is thoughtful and goes out of his way to plan unique dates that appeal to Laurel's interests. He loves her mind and is so supportive of her work. He constantly brags about rather than being intimidated by her brains and it's a feeling she's not used to from a man. For her part, Laurel eases up on her preconceived notions about athletes and dating and allows herself to be open to a relationship. They are such a cute couple and I love the respect and support they give each other. Kace's teammates don't let Kace wallow in his issues and force him to let them help. Their friend group is awesome and definitely gives me friend group envy.

What I loved the most about the book, however, wasn't about the couple's relationship. It was the author's spot-on description of what it feels like to be an introvert. I am an introvert, and people that know me always scoff and say "no way, not you", but they have no idea and I can never really explain it to them. When I read how Laurel explained it to Kace, however, I actually started crying (and I'm not typically a cryer) because I finally felt seen. Her description is so perfect and exactly how I feel but never had the words to express it. I highlighted that section of the book and the next time I have to explain it to someone, as I inevitably will have to do because I truly don't think people understand what introverts go through, I'm just going to hand them this part of the book and tell them to read it. Thank you, Sawyer. Your words mean everything to me.

I listened to the audio of this book and the narrators did a fantastic job expressing all of the emotions going through the characters. They really brought the story to life and you could feel the excitement, tension, and tenderness in their voices.

I received a complimentary audio of this book from The Author Agency. All opinions are my own.

[Three Chicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review by Trinette Dungee

Kace Elliot has been moved up to goaling on the Pittsburgh Titans and his living his dream. Drafted in the NFL while in college he has managed to play professional hockey and follow his other passion and works as a scientific research assistant while working on his master’s degree and is known as William Elliot. Not even his teammate is aware of the double life he leads. He manages to navigate both worlds successfully and one never interferes with the other.

Kace/William enjoys working under Dr. Laural Kent. The two have never met face to face and communicate strictly by text and email. Through these conversations he has developed a bit of a crush on her and he’s pretty sure she’s into him too. He’s also learned that Laurel is not all that impressed by athletes; she prefers the academic types. When an opportunity presents itself for Kace to meet her in person, he snags the opportunity and is surprised when she’s willing to give him a date. His plan is to get her to like the Kace the athlete, and figure out what to do once she learns Kace and William are one in the same.

Laurel Kent has always been different, even to her parents. She never had a ton of friends or did any of the typical teenage things. While she loved her parents, the fact that they didn’t “get her” put a strain on their relationship. She’s never really felt understood by men, but her research assistant William seemed to completely get her and made her feel comfortable being herself. At the insistence of a friend, she attends a speed dating event. It’s here that she meets Kace. He’s definitely not someone she would typically attract, but Kace seems to be very interested in her and before the night is over, she learns he plays for the Pittsburgh Titans. She agrees to a date with him and finds she really enjoys his company. Before long she’s spending more time with Kace and thinking less about William.

I’ve read stories before where the male character is a jock or athlete and has “nerd” tendencies, but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced an athlete like Kace. He’s an actual genius who has plans outside of sports when it’s time for him to retire. I was so sold on this story. Typically, there will be the smart athlete who did well in college before being drafted and has plans to go into sports management, broadcasting etc. after graduation. Or they do well with real estate or construction. But Kace was an academic. His future life track did not involve hockey at all.

This was a quick read/listen with likable characters and a good storyline. The chemistry between Kace and Laurel was instantaneous. Many of the past characters resurfaced in this latest installment of the Titans and they were just as likeable now as they were when we first met them. I did a combo of ebook and audio for this book. The audio was narrated by Aiden Snow whose voice matched Kace perfectly and Isabella Ruther who is new to me.

With the warm weather approaching add this one to that spring read on your front porch or to your list of beach reads for the summer.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kace Elliott leads a double life: star goalie for the Pittsburgh Titans in the public eye, and a research partner in his spare time and as his plan for after hockey using the name William. He is interested in the project leader he works with, as much her mind and the banter they have online as with her headshot he found online. But they have never met in person and when he learns she plans to attend a speed dating event, he knows this is his chance to make a move.

Dr. Laurel Kent is fully comfortable in her career and research facilities. But socially, she prefers to keep to herself and firmly established friendships. A friend challenges her to step out of her comfort zone and try speed dating, though Laurel can think of so many other things she’d rather do.

Kace crashed the speed dating and convinced Laurel to give him a chance, despite his status as an athlete and without sharing that he is also William. Giving him time to convince her that athletes don’t all fit her experience becomes his challenge and his focus, while also worrying that she will learn of his secret before he is ready.

I loved watching Kace ease Laurel out of her comfort zone in ways that felt natural and considerate for her needs. She is truly uncomfortable in crowds and among strangers, so he does his best to introduce her to his teammates in smaller, quieter settings. He is considerate and as focused on Laurel as he is on the puck when he’s on the ice.

The piece that frustrated me the most was also the pin that held much of the story’s tension high. It bothered me that he kept up the duplicity, lying about who he was for so long. I know without the lie, the story would have been completely different, but I lost some respect for him because of the way he handled that situation.

But I did love Laurel through and through. She has such a sense of self and didn’t let Kace pull her in directions she wasn’t comfortable or didn’t feel like herself. I loved the friendships she formed with the women of the Titans and the way they supported her, even when it wasn’t clear if she and Kace would make it.

Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther were great choices to narrate these characters. Aiden as Kace gave great inflection to the two sides of this complicated character. I loved Isabelle’s adjustments as she voiced the various characters throughout. In dual narration, these two bring the characters to life and made it even more fun to read the story (I switched between audio and ebook depending on where I was trying to read).

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[Eleanor Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret identity, brainy hockey hero, and emotional tension that hits harder than expected

🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ALC🎧
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Kace – Pittsburgh Titans series
By Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by Aiden Snow & Isabelle Ruther

This is Kace and Laurel Story

💘

This one is giving smart + sexy + complicated.
Sawyer Bennett Kace blends sports romance with a secret identity twist that keeps the tension simmering the entire time. It’s not just hockey—it’s hidden truths, emotional stakes, and falling for someone who doesn’t know the real you.  



🔥 Tropes You’ll Get
    •    🏒 Hockey romance
    •    🎭 Secret identity / double life
    •    🧠 Genius MMC (yes, we love a smart king)
    •    💻 Online connection → real life
    •    💔 “I should’ve told you sooner” angst
    •    🔥 Slow burn with emotional payoff



👫 Main Characters

🔥 Kace Elliott
Hockey goalie by day, literal genius scientist by night… and somehow still a mess when it comes to love.
He’s confident on the ice, but emotionally? Struggling. Watching him juggle two identities—and the guilt that comes with it—adds so much depth.
A literal Genius and a hockey goalie…so hot.


🧠 Laurel Kent
Brilliant, grounded, and not here for athletes. She values honesty and integrity, which makes the whole situation even more intense when the truth starts unraveling.
She’s not just smart—she stands on it, and I loved that.

💥 Their Chemistry
Built first on connection, THEN attraction—which makes it hit deeper.
The tension? Not just physical… it’s emotional, intellectual, and doomed from the start energy.



🎙️ Audiobook Narration
    •    🎧 Dual narration with Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther
Is fire
    •    Aiden Snow. His voice brings that confident-but-conflicted MMC energy perfectly.
Together Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther made the emotional scenes—especially when everything starts to fall apart—really land
    •    Dialogue feels natural, especially the banter and intellectual connection.



💔 Emotional Impact

This one leans more emotional than you might expect from a sports romance:
    •    The weight of deception vs. intention
    •    Wanting to be loved fully—but hiding part of yourself
    •    That slow realization that you might lose everything

And when the truth comes out??
Yeah… it hurts.



⭐ Final Thoughts💭

Kace is more than just a hockey romance—it’s about identity, vulnerability, and the risk of letting someone see all of you.

If you love:
✔️ Smart heroes
✔️ Secret identity tension
✔️ Emotional slow burns with payoff

This audiobook is 100% worth the listen.


📌 Quick Rating
    •    🏒 Sports Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    •    💔 Emotion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
    •    🎧 Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    •    🔥 Spice: ⭐⭐⭐✨
    •    💘 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

A Shout out to TTA for this incredible opportunity and to you my besties for reading my review and ramblings.
Until next time
One love 💕 one book at a time
🦋𝒢ℯℴ𝓇ℊ𝒾ℴ𝓊𝓈❀🦋✍︎☕︎

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kace is the twentieth, and final, book in the Pittsburgh Titans series following rookie goalie Kace as he falls for his alter ego's research partner, Laurel.

Kace's first name is William, and it is the name he goes by at school and in the world of scientific research. Kace is his middle name and how he is known in the hockey world. These two worlds are very different, but he is the same person straddling the line between them. He is a genius, but when he is given the opportunity to play professional hockey for the Titans, he jumps at it. But he is also continuing as a research assistant in physics with a team located at the University of Pittsburgh.

Laurel is the lead researcher for a physics project at the University of Pittsburgh. She is also an assistant professor there. She loves working with her research assistant since he catches trends or problems early and quickly allowing for corrections in a timely manner. Although they have never spoken or met, they do communicate over a secure messaging app. Over time, she has come to look forward to his messages.

Kace has been flirting with Laurel as William. But when he finds out she is going to an event, he decides to crash it. The first time he meets Laurel face to face is at this event, as Kace, the professional hockey player. She does not date athletes. But he is on a mission to change her mind.

All Kace wants is for Laurel to give him a chance as a hockey player. He knows she likes him as a research partner, but her aversion to athletes makes him want her to accept that piece of him, since it is such a major part of his life right now.

Laurel does not date much. She does not go out much, even with friends. So when she meets Kace, she is overwhelmed by his outgoing nature and desire to go out with her. Sports are not her thing. But Kace is persuasive. So she gives him a chance.

Over time, as her relationship with Kace grows, her relationship with William becomes more professional and less flirtatious. She is not sure what is going on, but she misses talking to him. Little does she know that Kace is keeping a whopper of a secret from her.

When the truth comes out, will it be the end of Kace and Laurel? Will she understand why he did not tell her he was also William? Will his teammates tell him "I told you so"?

Throughout this book I kept asking myself how do you mesh two completely different types of people in to one person. I feel for Kace. It is a lot like an uber rich person wanting to be liked for them and not for their money. In this case, he wants Laurel to give a person outside her comfort zone a chance.

Laurel has a right to be upset that Kace did not disclose the other side of himself. She feels deceived. And she kind of is. But he did drop small hints. Listening to him talk, she should have figured out he is uber smart. Just because he is an athlete does not mean he is not smart. And just because he is smart does not mean he cannot be a professional athlete.

I really loved Laurel's parents. They are down to earth people who raised a down to earth daughter. And her dad is a hoot. His love of hockey is beyond. So getting to go to the games with her and hang out with the team is the best thing she could ever give him.

But the thing that hit for me was the fact that all of the WAGs were there for Laurel. They took her under their wings. Invited her out. Gave her advice on how to handle dating a professional athlete. And in her bad moments, they were there to support her. Winnie is her go to person and she is there for her. This is a group of women and friends she never expected to have in her life and it has opened her eyes to how small her world is.

Goodness, it has been too long since I have listened to my man Aiden Snow. I love his deep, growly voice and he did Kace proud. Such a joy to listen to him. Isabelle Ruther is a new to me narrator, and I really enjoyed her take on Laurel. She is a nice change of pace in the narrator world and I am looking forward to more books read by her.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Love for the Titans! Great Story & Narration🎧

Kace
Pittsburgh Titan, Book 20
By: Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Aiden Snow, Isabelle Ruther

I can never get enough of Sawyer Bennett’s hockey players, and she created something very special with her Pittsburgh Titans team, not just a team but a family, all amazing and interesting characters. There is a lot more to the Titans’ star goalie, Kace Elliott, and it starts with his high IQ and his side gig as a research partner for Dr. Laurel Kent, a side gig that keeps him active for his next profession in bio physics for when he retires from hockey. He and Laurel never met in person, but he knows a lot about her, and he really wants to know her better, but doesn’t think she’d go out with him as long as he works for her, he also found out she would not go out with athletes either. When he learns she is attending a speed dating event, he crashes it, but only for her, and he convinces her to go out on a date with him, problem is she now knows him as Kace, and does not know he is William, her research assistant too. It was great watching Kace woo Laurel, win her over, and change her opinion on athletes, but she is going to be for a big surprise when he finally tells her he is also William Elliott, her research assistant/partner, a man she also had an interest in. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, some charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a wonderful romance. I loved the STEM representation, and it was great to see the camaraderie amongst the team members going strong, also loved the back-and-forth banter between them. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another wonderfully entertaining story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther were excellent in voicing the characters, and were convincing in every role. Snow’s Kace was spot on, perfectly grasping every aspect of his personality and demeanor, and Ruther did the same in Laurel’s role and was just as fabulous. They aced the roles of all the side/secondary characters too. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance as they conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. They are a great narration team, with voices and talent that complement each other, and a captivating performance that rivets you to the story. Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kace by Sawyer Bennett was such an interesting and unique take on romance, blending intellect, identity, and emotional vulnerability in a compelling way.

William is a genius, an applied physics researcher who thrives on logic, data, and structure. He works alongside Dr. Laurel Kent, a fellow scientist at the university. Despite working closely together, their relationship exists entirely through emails and chat, where a quiet connection begins to form. There’s curiosity, interest, and something more, but neither of them is brave enough to take that next step.

Laurel is reserved and deeply introverted. She trusts in predictable outcomes and prefers logic over emotion, and dating, especially someone like an athlete, isn’t something she sees for herself.

What she doesn’t know is that William has another identity.

Outside of his research world, William is also “Kace,” the starting goalie for the Pittsburgh Titans. When he discovers Laurel is going speed dating, he takes a chance and meets her there as Kace. From that moment, he leans fully into that side of himself, confident, charming, and incredibly romantic. The dates he plans are thoughtful and swoony, and it’s easy to see why Laurel starts to fall for him.

But at the same time, “William” begins to withdraw.
The emails become less frequent, the connection that once felt so natural starts to fade, and Laurel can’t quite understand why. She finds herself caught between the man she’s building something real with in person and the one who first captured her mind.

That push and pull added such a strong emotional element to the story. William/Kace wants Laurel to love all of him, but instead of bringing those two sides together, he separates them, creating confusion, tension, and ultimately a deeper conflict built on secrecy.

I really enjoyed how this dynamic played out. The contrast between romantic, attentive Kace and the distant, quieter William made the story even more compelling. It highlighted themes of identity, vulnerability, and the fear of not being fully accepted.
A unique, emotional romance with an intriguing premise and plenty of tension to keep you hooked.

🎧The audiobook was absolutely fantastic! Huge kudos to Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther, they really brought the story to life. Their performances added so much depth to both William/Kace and Laurel, capturing the emotional tension and dual identity perfectly. Definitely an audiobook worth listening to!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kace Elliott is a goalie for the Pittsburgh Titans, and he’s seeing a lot more ice time lately. He’s funny, charming, confident, and follows his hockey rituals. But he has a hidden side where he is brilliant, especially in physics, where he was halfway through his Master's at MIT when he left to play pro hockey. He has a secret side gig working as a part-time research assistant.

Lately, he and his researcher have been communicating and chatting more and more, and he’s developed a bit of a crush, even though they’ve never met. Laurel is also enjoying the friendly exchanges with her research assistant, and even though she’s opened the door a little bit, he’s never stepped through it. So she’s decided that she’s going to go along with her friend and go on a speed date night.

Well, Kace just can’t have new competition and decides to crash it. There’s only one little problem. He’s going as Kace the hockey player and not as William, her research assistant. So this opened the door for a whole bunch of mess. A hockey player with a hidden geek identity interested in one woman, and the same woman not realizing that there are two different men.

I loved Kace. His personality, his energy, the fact that he fell hard, and the fact that he has this dual personality of athlete and science geek. But I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan of the hidden personality aspect and lying to her. Even he knew it was not a good decision.

I liked Laurel too. I could relate to her about just wanting to stay in her own little cocoon and not be put in a bunch of social situations with new people or be put in the spotlight, and how she usually made safe choices. Kace definitely wasn’t the safest choice, but he wanted to be chosen. But I just didn’t like her being put in that position where she felt guilty about it.

It brings back most of the newer couples from the Pittsburgh Titans series and even some other teams from other series.

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[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

KACE is the twentieth and (final? ) instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PITTSBURGH TITANS hockey romance series. This is Titan’s goalie and scientist William ‘Kace’ Elliott, and research scientist Dr. Laurel Kent’s story line. KACE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross over with the author’s Arizona Vengeance.


SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately two 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 (Kace and Laurel) KACE follows the building romance and relationship between Kace and Laurel. Laurel Kent is a research scientist who has never met her online assistant William. A night out on a speed dating invitation introduces Laurel to NHL goalie Kace Elliott, the man with whom Laurel will fall in love but from the outset, Laurel tells Kace she had issues with professional athletes, and Kace is keeping a secret that could push Laurel out of his life.

The world building focuses on the run up to the Stanley Cup finals at the Pittsburgh Titans but once Kace’s secret is revealed, the fall-out may affect the goalie going forward.

The relationship between Kace and Laurel is one of immediate attraction but Laurel’s struggles with professional athletes is heightened when she discovers that Kace is keeping a secret that could affect their relationship going forward. Laurel never expected to fall in love but Kace’s secret is a threat to her ability to trust. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are familiar, energetic and charismatic including Kace’s teammates, and their significant others. We are introduced to Laurel and Kace’s parent. Team enforcer Van Turner will be returning as a coach in the spin off series, the Portland Wildfire.

KACE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and heart break, friendships and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is captivating, and edgy; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

copy supplied for review

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

**Audiobook Review**

I can’t believe we’re in book 20 of this series and I have loved each book. “Kace” is a swoony, emotional and romantic hockey romance that was a great conclusion to an amazing series.

William ‘Kace’ Elliott is the newest goalie for the Pittsburgh Titans who took over when Drake got hurt. But he’s just not an athlete, he also has a genius IQ and was studying at MIT before he was drafted. Kace also works part time as a research assistant and he has developed a crush on his research partner. Dr. Laurel Kent is a genius as well and science is her safe space for sure. They have never met in person but definitely have a connection and Kace wants to make the next move but Laurel is against dating athletes. When she lets it slip she’s going to a speed dating event, Kace makes an appearance. But Laurel only knows William so she doesn’t put together they are the same person. And as they spend time together, it gets harder for Kace to reveal that he and William are the same guy.

From the moment I started, I could not stop listening. I loved how far this series has come, how unique each story is and how intertwined the guys are with each other on and off the ice. Kace was great from the beginning and I loved how unique he was. A goalie by day and a researcher by night. He has a big brain and still puts it to use even if the NHL is his main career. Laurel is someone who I connected with right away and I loved how analytical she was and always got to the point. But she also had a small dose of social anxiety which is so relatable. I loved how she technically met “William” first so she could really see what Kace was like, that he just wasn’t an athlete. They had a sweet relationship and I loved listening to evolve into more. They were able to build something solid even though Laurel didn’t know they were the same guy. Kace’s intentions were never cruel, he just wanted Laurel to see him and not the athlete. The ending was so sweet as they figured out how to be together and I’m going to miss this series for sure.

Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther narrated as Kace and Laurel and I loved listening to them bring this story to life. Aiden’s narration was caring and sweet just like Kace. Isabelle was a new to me narrator and her narration was great. She brought the smart and genuine Laurel alive perfectly.

[Tampatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad to see the Pittsburgh Titans dynasty coming to an end, but Sawyer Bennett truly gave it the send-off it deserved 💫

Kace, goalie extraordinaire for the Titans, is also a scientific genius secretly working as “William,” a research assistant to the brilliant Dr. Laurel Kent. They’ve never met, yet their connection is filled with respect, wit, and a soft, flirty ease that feels incredibly real. And Kace? He’s already halfway gone for her.

The only problem—Laurel has sworn off athletes… but of course, Kace isn't going to let something so small as that stop him. He's absolutely going to take his shot!

Ok speed dating to take that shot? LOVED IT! He was so cocky and confident I just loved him here! He takes a leap and introduces himself as just Kace - the goalie- knowing she's not into athletes. Also knowing he has a chance to get her to like him for this side before he has to reveal she already knows his brainier half. You just know it’s going to blow up eventually—but honestly, it comes from such a genuine place. He doesn’t just want her—he wants her to love every part of his life.

I absolutely loved the slow burn. Kace may have fallen first, but Laurel’s journey is more gradual and thoughtful, which made it feel so real. Watching her sort through her feelings—without realizing she’s falling for the same man twice—was both tender and emotional.

Laurel was such a standout—brilliant, driven, and passionate about her work in STEM. As an introvert, she feels the weight of social situations deeply, and that representation felt so honest. You can really feel her struggle stepping outside her comfort zone, and I loved how Kace met her exactly where she was—never pushing, just steady, patient, and so sweet.

Their relationship is such a perfect blend of soft, flirty, and quietly sexy. The chemistry builds so naturally, and I found myself fully rooting for them.

The audiobook made it even better—Aiden Snow brings Kace to life with that smooth, slightly gruff warmth, while Isabel Ruther captures Laurel’s softness, vulnerability, and quiet strength beautifully.

And of course, the Titan family is as lovable as ever—full of humor, banter, and unwavering support. That found-family feeling really shines here, and I’m going to miss this group so much.

This story is soft, smart, and full of heart. Watching these two grow—individually and together—was such a rewarding experience, and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon 💕

Thank you to #sawyerbennet & #theauthoragency for both the ALC & ARC of this one! It was such a blast to tandem their story!

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Goalie & the Scientist

📖ebook & 🎧audio review

After 20 books Sawyer Bennett's Pittsburgh Titans has come to an end with KACE, and it is the perfect goodbye. KACE is a hidden identity, swoony hero, brainy heroine, he falls first and hard, found family, slow burn romance which came with all the feels.

There are two sides to Kace Elliott. The first is a popular goalie for the Titans, the second is a brilliant scientist, William, who works remotely as a research assistant. Laurel Kent is a scientific genius who loves predictabiity, gets lost in her work, and dislikes all athletes. She's also smitten by her research assistant, Wiliam, even though she has never met him.

Kace knows Laurel likes William, but he wants to meet her as Kace, and a speed dating event gives him the perfect opportunity. I loved the slow burn of their evolving relationship. while Kace falls hard for Laurel, she feels a pull toward him yet cannot forget William. As they spend more time together their connection and feelings deepen. Kace battles with his secret, how and when to tell Laurel the truth, plus there's the added pressure of the playoffs making his decision even harder. The truth has a way of coming to light when you least expect it, how will Kace and Laurel deal with the fallout?

Aiden Snow and Isabel Ruther are the narrators for this story and they were brilliant at bringing Kace and Laurel to life. I love Aiden's voice, it's smooth yet gruff. Isabel, a new narrator to me, was perfect as Laurel, showing her sweetness, vulnerability, and fiestiness. They made the immersive read thoroughly enjoyable.

KACE was a terrific story. I laughed, got frustrated, and got close to tears. I loved the relationship Kace and Laurel had with their parents, Laurel's dad was amazing, a real 'fan boy'. The Titan's teammates provided all their usual humour and their partners were as welcoming as always, they are an amazing family and I'm going to miss them.

I can't wait to meet Sawyer's new team the Portland Wildfire, I just know there is going to be some fabulous stories from them.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished my ARC of KACE by Sawyer Bennett. Believe it or not, this was my very first time reading anything in the Pittsburgh Titans series, which is kind of wild because it is actually the 20th and final book! But honestly, it read perfectly as a standalone, so I did not feel lost at all.

The thing that really hooked me, especially being a female in STEM, was the premise. I am always a sucker for solid science representation in fiction, and it was so neat to see that brought into a sports romance. The male lead, Kace, is a starting NHL goalie, but he has a secret double life: he is a genius in applied physics working as a remote research assistant under his middle name, William. His research partner is Dr. Laurel Kent, a brilliant, highly analytical physicist who explicitly does not date any athletes because of her past.

When an unexpected opportunity arises for them to cross paths, Kace takes a massive risk. He introduces himself strictly as the hockey player, completely hiding the fact that he is also "William," her research assistant, with whom she already has an amazing intellectual connection with online.

The dynamic between them is amazing. Kace gives off this total golden retriever energy; he is so supportive of her and plans all these incredibly thoughtful dates to gently coax Laurel out of her shell. I really appreciated how Laurel's introversion was written, too. It felt authentic and relatable rather than just a quirky character trait. She processes the world logically and values honesty, which makes Kace's massive secret that much more stressful to read. You spend the whole book rooting for them while simultaneously bracing for the inevitable fallout when she finds out she has been dating two halves of the same guy!

Even though I am new to the Titans universe, the found family aspect with his hockey teammates and their partners was super sweet and welcoming. If you like a secret-identity trope with some genuinely great banter and a female lead who completely owns her space in the science world, then this is absolutely worth the read.

The data is in, and my hypothesis was correct: this book is an absolute winner. A massive thank you to Sawyer Bennett and The Author Agency for providing me with this ARC to analyze!😉

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

Yes, Kace is book 20 in this author‘s Pittsburgh Titan series and she continues to successfully weave together original stories that capture the heart. Now, don’t think you need to read the pervious 19 books in the series. You do not! This is a complete standalone, but for those who have fallen in love the characters featured in the earlier books, you will be thrilled to be reunited with your favorite hockey players and their significant others!

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the story. A brilliant female lead with a mind for applied physics? A hunky hockey player genius with a double life? Sign me up! Everyone knows Kace as the starting goalie with the Pittsburgh Titans. Everyone except Laurel. She knows him as William, the ridiculously intelligent research partner that she works with. To add a layer of complexity, only Laurel knows him as the genius mind with an aptitude for physics. The rest of the world is clueless. You can see where this is going, right? Maybe, maybe not!

This author always wows me with her writing style and how well she develops her characters. Kace is scrumptious hockey player who shows book smart doesn’t always equal smart when it comes to matters of the heart. Laurel is an interesting character. She is very analytical, gets lost in her computations, and craves the predictable. Or does she? There was a lot of cheesy (or nerdy?) banter between the two of them that I found both entertaining and endearing. Together there are the perfect match!

I appreciated the STEM representation in this novel along with the hockey aspect and I feel the author did an excellent job in incorporating the two together. I like both characters even if I struggled at times to related to Laurel and at times wanted to knock some sense into Kace. Nonetheless, I enjoyed experiencing how their love story played out. It is amazing to believe that I have been immersed in the Titans’ family for 20 books (didn’t Baden’s story just release, like yesterday?!) and while I am reluctant to let them go, I do feel the series was wrapped up nicely.

[Julie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun twist on the hockey romance category – the talented hockey player also has a genius IQ! Kace Elliott is the starting goalie for the Pittsburgh Titans and is quite famous for his athletic ability. Using his other name (William), Kace has a secret side-gig in applied physics as a part-time research assistant for Doctor Laurel Kent. She is a brilliant physicist who is introverted, a bit anxious, and a self-described nerd. Laurel has never met William because he works remotely, and they’ve had weeks of flirty banter while they work.

Kace decides that he must meet Laurel when (as William) he hears she is attending a speed dating event at a local bar. Kace attends as his hockey player true self and meets Laurel in person. He falls even harder for her once he sees her. Laurel has said many times to William that she does NOT date athletes after previous bad experiences with arrogant men. Kace knows that he has an uphill battle to make her fall for this part of him – the athlete. Laurel is already falling for the nerdy scientist persona of William, but Kace wants her to know all of him.

Laurel agrees to date Kace, and she starts to let down her stereotypical beliefs against athletes once she sees that Kace is kind, caring and smart. It’s amusing to see Kace, the hockey player get jealous of his other persona, William, when Laurel keeps texting with him. Laurel feels like she is trying to choose between two men when the reader knows this is not the case. Kace’s big dilemma is that he doesn’t know how or when to reveal the truth.

I really enjoyed this book for the wonderful message it carries – we are not all one thing, and you can’t just put people in one-dimensional boxes. Laurel is a brilliant scientist, yet she’s also a loving woman who wants more out of life than just her work. Kace is a highly skilled athlete and a genius member of Mensa with a high IQ. Watching them fall in love with every aspect of each other was truly magical!

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have so many mixed emotions when it comes to this story. I couldn’t wait to get to know Kace better and learn more about his double life. Yet, I forgot that would mean he would be doing a whole lot of lying and keeping secrets. That secret-keeping is what kept me from going all in on this couple. Both characters are amazing, their chemistry is fantastic, and they fit together so perfectly. But I was so angry at Kace for getting intimate with Laurel without her knowing how they really met. I think it was made worse for me because I have inadvertently read a handful of the secret-keeping books in the last month, so I’m all tapped out on a trope that doesn’t work for me.

That doesn’t mean this isn’t a great book, because it is. The hockey in this story is on point. Not all sports romance will include much of the sport. Some readers like to get into the nitty-gritty of the sport, and others just want it mentioned in passing. For me, I like it both ways. Whatever serves the story best. Since the Titans are in the middle of the playoffs and Kace is the backup goalie who has been thrust into the primary position, the hockey scenes serve the story well. Sawyer Bennett did a bang-up job of making me feel I was in the arena watching the games play out. It didn’t take over the story, but when the hockey was on page, it was done brilliantly.

Although I wasn’t happy about how long Kace kept his secret, if you took that out of the equation, he is a very caring and attentive partner. He never judges Laurel’s need for solitude and peace, even when that means she cannot attend all of his games. Kace has no qualms about including Laurel’s friends and family in team activities so she will feel more secure. I really love this couple together, and I think that’s another reason Kace’s duplicity bothered me so much.

It seems this is the last book in the Titans’ series, with a new series starting in Portland and an expansion team. I was happy to see that Van and his wife, Simone, would be the transition characters, as Van is moving into coaching.

[Books I Flove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it. The last book in the series. 20 stories. Each one as unique as it can be. Brought together by a tragic accident. 4 years have these characters been part of my life. And I couldn't love them more than I do.
Kace is the starting goalie of the Titans, but he's also a research assistant for the Pitt U, because he's a smart boy! But no one knows, and he likes to keep this on the down low. He's working together with Laurel online only, but they get along well and they speak the same language.
Laurel is really smitten with her assistant William, and would love for him to ask her out on a date! Because being as smart as she is, finding a good partner is not easy! At a speed dating event she meets Kace, who impresses her and she agrees to a date. Even tho she said no to dating athletes.
But dating Kace is not what she expected. He's supportive, nice, attentive, lovely and the tension between these two is wooooow. So feelings are growing, on both sides. But what happens when Laurel finds out, that Kace and William are the same person?

This book had me smiling from ear to ear while reading, I was so giddy for these 2 and rooted for them! They are a perfect match. Of course most of our beloved characters from the series were there as well, and played a part in it.
The hints of the new series' from the author which are coming up next? Awesome. Makes me super excited to read them!
It's like a full circle moment, and when you are a big fan of this authors work like I am you will be absolutely in awe of this book.
Thank you so much for 4 amazing years!

The narrators voices set a perfect tone for the book. I felt like I was being a part of the story, and enjoyed listening to it immensely.

I kindly received an arc and alc from the author and voluntarily left a review.

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 Stars***

As soon as the premise of Kace’s journey to his is HEA was revealed in Atlas’ book, I was all in. I loved that he had this ‘secret’ side to him, well, two secret sides considering how compartmentalized his life and I also knew that things would go sideways because of it and, while it sounds bad, I was totally looking forward to seeing his ‘plan’ go a bit sideways and I wasn’t disappointed in any way, shape or form with how everything went with Kace and Laurel.

I adored Kace and Laurel. Kace, despite his secrets, is a really good human. He’s sweet, charming and actually pays attention to the little things. Laurel is smart…like crazy smart and her brain takes in the world in a scientific and orderly way, but she is open to stepping out of the comfort zone of her orderly life.

Going into this, we all knew that things would go sideways when the whole Kace/William debacle was exposed and it did. And though I knew it was coming, I was upset because Kace and Laurel had such a good thing going. Even though Kace had more knowledge about Laurel, they really did get to know each outside of the lab and in the ‘real’ world and they truly clicked. They even hit a mini rough patch or two and worked through it by talking it out. So when the reveal and subsequent explosion happened, I was wondering how they’d work through it and I have to say, it was better than I expected it to be and am very happy with how everything worked out for them.

I’m a little sad to say good-bye to the Titans, though I know we’ll be hearing about them in the next series, but this was a great send off. I loved the found family vibes ~ I LOVE Penn even more now ~ and how close everyone is. So…now to head to Portland and fall in love with a whole new cast of characters!

~ Copy provided by TAA & voluntarily reviewed ~

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

I cannot believe this is the end of the Pittsburgh Titans series. This has been such a fun ride from the first glimpse of the Titans sitting in a bar with the Arizona Vengeance as the news broke of the crash, to falling in love with a new team, new town, new players, and an amazing ensemble of fierce heroines.
What better way to wrap up this series than with the goalie that is not only on a winning streak but found his one and only, Kace Elliott. Kace is a highly intelligent man that loves both hockey and science. He lives in both worlds, and the two don’t often collide. Kace has such a steady, calm presence about him which makes him an excellent goalie especially since he can also read people so very well.
Sawyer has such a way with her heroines, they are some of my favorites in all of ‘romancelandia’ and Dr. Laurel Kent is at the top of the list. Laurel is highly intelligent but also has a high EQ and is able to read people, not unsimilar to Kace, but she also knows herself well and does a good job of setting boundaries when she knows something would make her uncomfortable. She knows what she likes and what she doesn’t like but she also is okay with pushing herself out of her comfort zone a little, too.
I think what I enjoyed the most about Kace and Laurel is that Kace went after what he wanted- and he pursued HARD. Laurel, while hesitant at first, went along, and fell hard and fast for Kace. And while Kace is genius level smart he also is an idiot and his duplicity isn’t doing him favors. While we witnessed Kace and Laurel fall in love we were also along for the ride of some pretty amazing hockey, too. While Sawyer may have wrapped up our time in Pittsburgh it was a memorable run and now onto the next city ... .hopefully we get to see some familiar faces!

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily writing this review after listening to/reading a gifted ALC/ARC of this novel via The Author Agency. KACE is Book 20 in the PITTSBURGH TITANS series by Sawyer Bennett. Kace Elliott leads a double life as a professional hockey goalie and a scientific research assistant. He falls for Dr. Laurel Kent, a brilliant physics professor for whom he works remotely. Determined to have Laurel fall in love with the professional hockey player before revealing his secret identity, Kace finds himself tangled in his own web of lies and afraid to lose the woman who had stolen his heart. This is a spicy, open door, first person, dual POV, contemporary sports romance with tropes like hockey romance, women in STEM, slow burn, he falls first and harder, secret/hidden identity, found family, workplace romance, brainy heroine, and swoony hero. I really liked this new volume in the series about the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team. I found Kace’s dual identity of professional athlete/physics researcher and MENSA level IQ fascinating, and appreciated the point that being a jock doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. I loved having a front row seat as the author challenges Laurel’s preconceived assumptions that she would have nothing in common with an athlete. While Kace made mistakes during his courtship, I did understand his thought process, which was validated by Laurel’s initial response to him. Both main characters were likable and showed growth by the end of the novel, Laurel having made positive changes in more than one area of her life. I always love a hockey romance because of the found family aspect of the team, and this novel follows that norm. The narrators, Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther, did a really good job bringing these characters to life, including distinctive voices for the various secondary characters. The recording played well at a number of different speeds. I definitely recommend this audiobook/book for listeners/readers who enjoy contemporary hockey romance and women in STEM.

[Kira Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of doing an immersive read with this book since I had the ARC & ALC! I don't think I could have imagua greater experience! This book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone!

A hockey goalie, Kace Elliot, that is literally a genius in applied physics with a side hustle as an assistant, using his first name in the job of William Elliot, to the brilliant professor, Dr. Laurel Kent. William and Laurel have never met in person but she is falling for her assistant, William, with every email and message sent and received. Kace, "William", is falling for Laurel as well. When she tells him about losing a bet and that she has to attend a speed dating event with her best friend and colleague, he quickly comes up with a plan to meet her in person as Kace and not William since he knows that she is very anti-athlete when it comes to dating. Kace hopes he can win her over as his athletic self before he tells her who she actually knows him as. What could go wrong with that? What happens when his hockey world and his academic worlds collide? How will his teammates react? What about his new found relationship with Laurel? Grab your copy and find out!

I love that the author really dove into what it's like to be an introvert. The anxiety , the feelings, physically, mentally, and emotionally. This was written with the utmost care and consideration regarding this issue. It was truly wonderful to see.

I loved the narration of this book! The narrators did an amazing job. They made you feel the emotions of the characters and really drew you into the story rather than make you feel like you're being read to. I absolutely loved it!

This review is voluntary and the thoughts are my own. Thank you so much for the ARC and ALC of this book. It was truly an amazing reading experience!

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely can’t believe we’ve reached book 20—yes, twenty—and the final instalment in the mesmerising, unique Pittsburgh Titans series by Sawyer Bennett. And honestly, Kace is the perfect way to close it out.

What makes this story stand out straight away is Kace himself. To the world, he’s a star hockey goalie—focused, driven, and living life in the spotlight. But that’s only one side of him. The life he keeps hidden, the one no one knows about, is where his true brilliance lies—an incredible mind with an off-the-charts IQ, working in applied physics.

And the best part? Laurel has absolutely no idea.

To her, he’s just her research partner. No fame, no hockey, no larger-than-life reputation—just a man she connects with on an intellectual and personal level. That anonymity gives their relationship something rare and genuine. She falls for who he really is, not the public version of him.

Watching these two worlds exist separately—and then inevitably collide—is where the magic happens. Because when the truth comes out, when Laurel realises exactly who Kace is, everything shifts. The chemistry that’s been building quietly and naturally suddenly ignites into something intense, emotional, and completely consuming.

This story balances heart and intellect so beautifully. Kace finally has someone who sees beyond the surface, and Laurel finds herself pulled into a world she never expected—but one that feels right because of him.

As a final book, it delivers everything. Not only do we get this unique, layered romance, but we also spend time with so many of the couples we’ve loved throughout the series, reminding us just how special this hockey family is.

The Pittsburgh Titans series has always given us something a little different with each story, and Kace is no exception. It’s emotional, original, and the perfect ending to a series that has truly stood out.

A fitting, heartfelt goodbye to a hockey family I’m not quite ready to let go of. 💙🏒

[Crazy~Chaotic Book~Babes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix an extremely intelligent man with a professional hockey player? Honestly… the time of your life!

Kace is more than just an athlete—he’s incredibly smart and works as a research assistant for Laurel, even though his teammates have no idea about that side of him. Hockey may be his career, but he’s determined not to lose his skills in physics, so he keeps that part of his life going quietly in the background. He’s also been interested in Laurel for a while, despite never having met her. So when he finds out she’s about to meet someone he knows, he makes sure to step in and take control of the situation.

Kace and Laurel are alike in so many ways, yet very different where it counts. Laurel isn’t a fan of athletes and believes she may have found something meaningful with two different people, leaving her at a crossroads. Meanwhile, Kace is holding onto a secret that could completely unravel everything building between them—and the tension around whether he’ll reveal it keeps you hooked.

I really loved the dynamic between Kace and Laurel. Their push and pull had me fully invested, and I couldn’t help but root for them the entire time. I honestly wanted even more of their story because their connection was so engaging.

The emotional conflict adds another layer—can Kace risk losing something great, and can Laurel move past something she’s not sure she can forgive? Watching her navigate family relationships, especially while feeling like an outsider, made her journey even more compelling.

The narration by Aiden Snow and Isabelle Ruther was fantastic. They brought the story to life and made an already great book even more enjoyable to listen to.