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New York Vipers #1
Grizz
Grizz McAvoy is the most electrifying player in professional hockey…and the most volatile. He’s got a wicked shot, a hair-trigger temper, and spent his childhood surviving his father's cruelty. Off the ice, he's a PR catastrophe, racking up fines, burning through handlers, and daring the New York Vipers organization to do something about it. He’s built his entire identity around one winning solves everything.
But winning can’t silence the past trauma that haunts him when the arena lights go dark.
Daisy Turner was fired from a top style magazine for asking questions powerful men didn't want to answer and exposing hypocrisy in the world of high-fashion. She's looking to salvage her career as a journalist by scraping together a second chance as Grizz's new media handler. Fearless in her own right, she carries scars from a betrayal that taught her trust is a currency she can't afford to spend freely.
From their first combustible meeting, Grizz and Daisy collide in a battle of wills neither is prepared to lose. She challenges him, and he can't look away. What begins as mutual provocation becomes far more dangerous when the walls between professional and personal start to crumble, and the wreckage of Grizz's past threatens to destroy the one person brave enough to see through his rock-solid armor.
Grizz is a scorching, emotionally charged hockey romance about two people who were never supposed to fall for each other, and the bruising, tender, inevitable collision that happens when they do.
But winning can’t silence the past trauma that haunts him when the arena lights go dark.
Daisy Turner was fired from a top style magazine for asking questions powerful men didn't want to answer and exposing hypocrisy in the world of high-fashion. She's looking to salvage her career as a journalist by scraping together a second chance as Grizz's new media handler. Fearless in her own right, she carries scars from a betrayal that taught her trust is a currency she can't afford to spend freely.
From their first combustible meeting, Grizz and Daisy collide in a battle of wills neither is prepared to lose. She challenges him, and he can't look away. What begins as mutual provocation becomes far more dangerous when the walls between professional and personal start to crumble, and the wreckage of Grizz's past threatens to destroy the one person brave enough to see through his rock-solid armor.
Grizz is a scorching, emotionally charged hockey romance about two people who were never supposed to fall for each other, and the bruising, tender, inevitable collision that happens when they do.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
About the author
Sawyer Bennett
197 books14.5k followersNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
July 7, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
ARC Review 📖
I always enjoy a good hockey romance, and this one definitely delivered.
What kept me turning the pages most, though, was Grizz and Daisy’s emotional journey. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, and I loved how their witty back-and-forth slowly gave way to trust, vulnerability, and genuine affection. Beneath the humor and steam was a story with far more heart than I expected.
Grizz’s past made him a much more layered character than his tough exterior first suggests, and I appreciated that his healing felt gradual rather than effortless. Daisy was the perfect match for him, challenging him without losing sight of the person behind his reputation. Their relationship felt earned, and the emotional moments landed just as well as the lighter ones.
My only wish was for a little more breathing room at the end, as everything wrapped up a bit faster than I expected. Even so, this was an engaging start to the series with memorable characters, great banter, and enough emotional depth to keep me invested.
I finished this one with a smile and plenty of anticipation for what’s next.
~~~~
ALC Review (Audiobook) 🎧
The audiobook made this story even more enjoyable. Lance Greenfield captured Grizz’s rough edges, frustration, and gradual emotional growth perfectly, while Lucy Rivers brought Daisy’s confidence, warmth, and sharp wit to life. Their performances made the banter feel even more natural and the emotional moments hit that much harder. Together, they created an engaging listening experience that pulled me into the story from beginning to end, and I’d happily listen to this narrator pairing again.
~~~~
I was lucky enough to receive both an ARC and an ALC, and being able to immersive read and listen to this story made the whole experience even more special.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
ARC Review 📖
I always enjoy a good hockey romance, and this one definitely delivered.
What kept me turning the pages most, though, was Grizz and Daisy’s emotional journey. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, and I loved how their witty back-and-forth slowly gave way to trust, vulnerability, and genuine affection. Beneath the humor and steam was a story with far more heart than I expected.
Grizz’s past made him a much more layered character than his tough exterior first suggests, and I appreciated that his healing felt gradual rather than effortless. Daisy was the perfect match for him, challenging him without losing sight of the person behind his reputation. Their relationship felt earned, and the emotional moments landed just as well as the lighter ones.
My only wish was for a little more breathing room at the end, as everything wrapped up a bit faster than I expected. Even so, this was an engaging start to the series with memorable characters, great banter, and enough emotional depth to keep me invested.
I finished this one with a smile and plenty of anticipation for what’s next.
~~~~
ALC Review (Audiobook) 🎧
The audiobook made this story even more enjoyable. Lance Greenfield captured Grizz’s rough edges, frustration, and gradual emotional growth perfectly, while Lucy Rivers brought Daisy’s confidence, warmth, and sharp wit to life. Their performances made the banter feel even more natural and the emotional moments hit that much harder. Together, they created an engaging listening experience that pulled me into the story from beginning to end, and I’d happily listen to this narrator pairing again.
~~~~
I was lucky enough to receive both an ARC and an ALC, and being able to immersive read and listen to this story made the whole experience even more special.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am sometimes skeptical when reading a co written book but I quite enjoyed this one. I felt it flowed really well and I couldn’t decide who wrote what character but suspect Sawyer did Daisy’s chapters while Bill did Grizz’s.
I have said it a few times but I love a man who can be vulnerable. Grizz doesn’t trust easy but there’s something about Daisy that has him opening up and telling her his broken childhood that’s structured his life. She’s not only a good listener but she supports him and also gives great advice. Unfortunately Grizz takes time to realize he is worthy of love and a HEA.
With most Sawyer Bennett books, there is no epilogue as each book in the series continues on the timeline. I did hope to have more of a conclusion for Daisy and Grizz so hopefully we hear more in book two. I listened along whilst reading this story, Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers did a brilliant job depicting their characters.
I have said it a few times but I love a man who can be vulnerable. Grizz doesn’t trust easy but there’s something about Daisy that has him opening up and telling her his broken childhood that’s structured his life. She’s not only a good listener but she supports him and also gives great advice. Unfortunately Grizz takes time to realize he is worthy of love and a HEA.
With most Sawyer Bennett books, there is no epilogue as each book in the series continues on the timeline. I did hope to have more of a conclusion for Daisy and Grizz so hopefully we hear more in book two. I listened along whilst reading this story, Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers did a brilliant job depicting their characters.
July 8, 2026
This was easy to read, well-paced, and immensely enjoyable. I really liked Grizz and Daisy as a couple, they were both complex, engaging characters and they fit really well together.
The storyline really centers around Grizz and his demons. His childhood and his relationship with his father, one that his father's Alzheimer's has rewritten into a loving supportive father son narrative, one that's polar opposite from the truth that still haunts Grizz today.
These demons colour his present relationships, his behaviour on the ice and in interviews, allowing the anger to surface and be a liability but Daisy, hired by the team as his PR rep to keep him out of trouble, sees through the facade he presents to the world, to the person he is, but his fear is destructive and as their relationship develops, he can't help but tear it all down.
“I thought hockey was everything,” he goes on, “Goals. Wins. Banners. Validation. Proof that the pain was worth something.” He swallows hard. “I thought if I kept winning I'd shed my past.”
My throat burns and my eyes sting. I know what this is costing him to unveil the truth of his feelings. Grizz and vulnerability don't go hand in hand.
“But here's the truth,” he says, lifting his eyes to mine now, raw and unprotected. “None of it matters if I don't have someone to share it with.”
I loved the way the authors allowed us to get inside these characters. My opinion of Grizz was much like Daisy's when she meets him, arrogant, entitled, always uncompromisingly right, but I enjoyed getting to know him, and I was invested in seeing them together and happy.
The storyline really centers around Grizz and his demons. His childhood and his relationship with his father, one that his father's Alzheimer's has rewritten into a loving supportive father son narrative, one that's polar opposite from the truth that still haunts Grizz today.
These demons colour his present relationships, his behaviour on the ice and in interviews, allowing the anger to surface and be a liability but Daisy, hired by the team as his PR rep to keep him out of trouble, sees through the facade he presents to the world, to the person he is, but his fear is destructive and as their relationship develops, he can't help but tear it all down.
“I thought hockey was everything,” he goes on, “Goals. Wins. Banners. Validation. Proof that the pain was worth something.” He swallows hard. “I thought if I kept winning I'd shed my past.”
My throat burns and my eyes sting. I know what this is costing him to unveil the truth of his feelings. Grizz and vulnerability don't go hand in hand.
“But here's the truth,” he says, lifting his eyes to mine now, raw and unprotected. “None of it matters if I don't have someone to share it with.”
I loved the way the authors allowed us to get inside these characters. My opinion of Grizz was much like Daisy's when she meets him, arrogant, entitled, always uncompromisingly right, but I enjoyed getting to know him, and I was invested in seeing them together and happy.
Read
July 8, 2026Oh... THIS was delicious 😮💨🏒
Grizz was such a fun read from start to finish and had me completely hooked on the tension between these two.
And the tension was BEAUTIFUL... I mean truly beautiful. Every interaction was packed with chemistry, banter, and just enough frustration to keep me turning the pages. The slow build had me absolutely eating it up.
One of my favourite things was how quickly they became comfortable around each other, despite low-key hating one another at first 😂 There's something about that "I can't stand you... but you're somehow the only person I want around” dynamic that gets me every single time. The push and pull between them was so much fun to read, and I loved watching all those walls slowly come down.
This book was just really really fun. The romance, the tension, the banter, the entire cast... I genuinely loved spending time with all of these characters. It had the perfect balance of swoony moments, humour, and hockey chaos that kept me invested the whole way through.
And can we please talk about Julian for a second?? Because he ended up being such an unexpected highlight towards the end of the book. I wasn't expecting to become so intrigued by him, but now I absolutely NEED his story next. Safe to say I'll be picking up the next book as soon as I can.
✨ TROPES ✨
😤 Enemies to Lovers ☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine 🌧️ 💼 Workplace Forbidden Romance 🖤 Morally Grey Hero ⚔️ Touch Her and Die 📍 Forced Proximity 🫠 He Falls First
If you love tension that has you kicking your feet, a morally grey hero who falls HARD, and a romance that's equal parts fun, swoony, and addictive, Grizz is definitely worth checking out. 🏒❤️
Grizz was such a fun read from start to finish and had me completely hooked on the tension between these two.
And the tension was BEAUTIFUL... I mean truly beautiful. Every interaction was packed with chemistry, banter, and just enough frustration to keep me turning the pages. The slow build had me absolutely eating it up.
One of my favourite things was how quickly they became comfortable around each other, despite low-key hating one another at first 😂 There's something about that "I can't stand you... but you're somehow the only person I want around” dynamic that gets me every single time. The push and pull between them was so much fun to read, and I loved watching all those walls slowly come down.
This book was just really really fun. The romance, the tension, the banter, the entire cast... I genuinely loved spending time with all of these characters. It had the perfect balance of swoony moments, humour, and hockey chaos that kept me invested the whole way through.
And can we please talk about Julian for a second?? Because he ended up being such an unexpected highlight towards the end of the book. I wasn't expecting to become so intrigued by him, but now I absolutely NEED his story next. Safe to say I'll be picking up the next book as soon as I can.
✨ TROPES ✨
😤 Enemies to Lovers ☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine 🌧️ 💼 Workplace Forbidden Romance 🖤 Morally Grey Hero ⚔️ Touch Her and Die 📍 Forced Proximity 🫠 He Falls First
If you love tension that has you kicking your feet, a morally grey hero who falls HARD, and a romance that's equal parts fun, swoony, and addictive, Grizz is definitely worth checking out. 🏒❤️
July 11, 2026
This one started out rough for me. I didn't like Grizz, he was a man-child who was a dick! I don't know that I ever really warmed up to him. Did I understand why he was the way he was, yes, but if felt like an excuse. Daisy, on the other hand, I liked. I liked how she wanted to get the root of things at her job, even if it was the exact thing that did her in. It did seem odd how she found her new job, until we had the connection of her BFF and the the team owner.
It seemed ridiculous that a grown man needed a keeper, but that was where we were at. The job seemed like it was beneath Daisy, but she did her best, even as Grizz was such a dick to her. It felt like them crossing the line came out of no where and very fast, I wasn't sure if either of them really liked each other at that point. It did seem like regular sex calmed down Grizz's dickishness, a good thing. It even allowed him to get close to Daisy and start to spill his secrets.
Of course things couldn't be all happy and things imploded. I felt bad for both of them then, it didn't seem like things would work out and help came in an unusual person. It was nice to see they figured things out by the end, if only because I suddenly found myself more intrigued by the helper than this couple.
It seemed ridiculous that a grown man needed a keeper, but that was where we were at. The job seemed like it was beneath Daisy, but she did her best, even as Grizz was such a dick to her. It felt like them crossing the line came out of no where and very fast, I wasn't sure if either of them really liked each other at that point. It did seem like regular sex calmed down Grizz's dickishness, a good thing. It even allowed him to get close to Daisy and start to spill his secrets.
Of course things couldn't be all happy and things imploded. I felt bad for both of them then, it didn't seem like things would work out and help came in an unusual person. It was nice to see they figured things out by the end, if only because I suddenly found myself more intrigued by the helper than this couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2026
This is the first in a new series, and this is Grizz and Daisy’s story.
Grizz is a volatile pro hockey player who has a hair trigger temper, and is a PR nightmare, and is haunted by past trauma, while Daisy is fearless and determined, and a journalist who is trying to salvage her career as his media handler. When Grizz and Daisy meet there is an instant battle of wills, where neither is prepared to lose, and she challenges him at every step.
This is a well written east to read, emotionally charged story, with found family, friendships, tension, past trauma, challenges, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, enemies / lovers, forbidden workplace romance, trust, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and addictive sports romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
Grizz is a volatile pro hockey player who has a hair trigger temper, and is a PR nightmare, and is haunted by past trauma, while Daisy is fearless and determined, and a journalist who is trying to salvage her career as his media handler. When Grizz and Daisy meet there is an instant battle of wills, where neither is prepared to lose, and she challenges him at every step.
This is a well written east to read, emotionally charged story, with found family, friendships, tension, past trauma, challenges, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, enemies / lovers, forbidden workplace romance, trust, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and addictive sports romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
July 20, 2026
A wonderful read. Grizz and Daisy are great together. Grizz is a star on the ice making plays and scoring goals, but his short temper and off ice attitude make him a PR nightmare. The owner needs to clean up his image so they hire a fixer, Daisy, to manage him and make sure he understands what’s at stake.
The problem? Daisy does her job so well that he soon realizes that the game he thought was all he needed, isn’t all he needs to make his life full. He needs to share with someone and that someone is Daisy.
Passion leaps off the page and the hockey? Well if you’re a fan the play by play is perfection. I truly loved reading this book!
The problem? Daisy does her job so well that he soon realizes that the game he thought was all he needed, isn’t all he needs to make his life full. He needs to share with someone and that someone is Daisy.
Passion leaps off the page and the hockey? Well if you’re a fan the play by play is perfection. I truly loved reading this book!
July 13, 2026
Wasn't sure if it was the intensity of the thriller I was reading at the same time or what. This book just felt flat. It's not bad, there's just not much character development so I never caught any enthusiasm for either Grizz or Daisy. Their romance moved slow and I couldnt gather interest. I'm normally all over a hockey romance, especially one by Sawyer Bennett.
I was surprised to learn at the end, that book 2 won't be about another member of the team, but the owner, Julian. Seems odd. Think I'll wait for reviews before moving forward with this series.
I was surprised to learn at the end, that book 2 won't be about another member of the team, but the owner, Julian. Seems odd. Think I'll wait for reviews before moving forward with this series.
July 7, 2026
Review of an advanced copy received from the Author
Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors, and co-written with a former professional ice hockey player, which gives the hockey scenes an extra layer of authenticity.
Grizz has everything I love in a sports romance, including sizzling chemistry, witty banter, emotional depth, and characters who feel real.
Grizz McAvoy is far more than the stereotypical bad-boy hockey player. Beneath his explosive temper is a man shaped by trauma, and his journey is both heartbreaking and beautifully written. Daisy Turner is the perfect match for him, where she is strong, fearless, and never afraid to challenge him. Their chemistry is electric from the very first page.
The story balances difficult themes with sensitivity while delivering plenty of passion, humour, and heart. I laughed, I teared up, and I stayed up far too late because I simply couldn't put it down.
If you love emotionally complex heroes, strong heroines, and sports romances with real depth, Grizz is a must-read. Another book that didn't disappoint.
Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors, and co-written with a former professional ice hockey player, which gives the hockey scenes an extra layer of authenticity.
Grizz has everything I love in a sports romance, including sizzling chemistry, witty banter, emotional depth, and characters who feel real.
Grizz McAvoy is far more than the stereotypical bad-boy hockey player. Beneath his explosive temper is a man shaped by trauma, and his journey is both heartbreaking and beautifully written. Daisy Turner is the perfect match for him, where she is strong, fearless, and never afraid to challenge him. Their chemistry is electric from the very first page.
The story balances difficult themes with sensitivity while delivering plenty of passion, humour, and heart. I laughed, I teared up, and I stayed up far too late because I simply couldn't put it down.
If you love emotionally complex heroes, strong heroines, and sports romances with real depth, Grizz is a must-read. Another book that didn't disappoint.
July 17, 2026
I’ve read/listened to a lot by this author and this one did nothing for me. I got through it, but that’s about it.
Review of advance copy
Grizz is the first book in the new New York Vipers series featuring media problem child, Grizz McAvoy, and new public relations coordinator, Daisy Turner.
Grizz grew up playing hockey. His father treated him as if he were not good enough and he had to work harder. Then his father would put him on a regimen so he would do better next time. When he was drafter, he could not get away from Saskatchewan fast enough. Sadly, he left his sister behind to take care of their father. He has made a name for himself in the league for his rough play, penalties, fines and even suspensions.
Daisy grew up with loving parents in the Washington DC area. She has been working in the fashion magazine world for years. Until she no longer was. Her best friend from college is the nephew to the owner of the New York Vipers. He helps her get the job with them to perform a much needed PR makeover for one of their top players. She has no idea what she has just signed up for.
Their first encounter set the stage for what is yet to come. Grizz is in the team gym working out when Daisy walks in. He is surly and thinks he has sent her on her way. But she does not give up that easily and returns bearing all of his demands and proceeds to match him word for word, task for task, snark for snark.
Sadly, this is not the end of their push/pull relationship. The ping pong tournament was a hoot. Throw in giving the wrong street to the taxi causing them to be late and these two are like oil and water.
But something is changing in Grizz. He has definitely calmed down and is behaving better with the press after games. The team owner is chalking it up to Daisy, but she is not so sure she has done anything of value.
But the fact that Daisy hears him when he does not thing anyone is listening. When she wants to play up how much he supports the Alzheimer's charity, he adamantly refuses. When she finds out why, she learns more about him than she ever expected to.
Things are changing in their relationship. They are no longer enemies. Although they have both been attracted to each other since the beginning, neither would act on it. But now, all bets are off.
But when Grizz oversteps in a press interview, Daisy is there to scold him. But instead she gets something she never expected.
Is this the end of Grizz and Daisy? Will he apologize? Will she take the job she was offered in Los Angeles?
I have never laughed so hard at some of the stunts Grizz pulled in this book. He was born to keep you on your toes. But Daisy has snark and gives as good as she gets. She will keep him on his toes and the banter is priceless.
Grizz's backstory is heartbreaking. When he has to fly home to deal with his father's illness, Daisy is there to support him. But even though his dad only remembers the good times, Grizz is reliving all of the horrible days growing up. He is having issues letting go of his anger, and who could blame him. But the only way he will find peach is if he comes to terms with what happened, the man his father was and the man his father is now.
I think my favorite line in the book was when the owner ot the Vipers tells Grizz that he and Daisy are the worst kept secret ever. I about spit my coffee out of my mouth. They made no effort to conceal their relationship, but to have your boss tell you he has known all along is a whole other story.
It has been awhile since I have listened to both Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers so it was like going home to hear them narrate this book. These two work so well together, I hope to hear more from this duo in future books.
Grizz grew up playing hockey. His father treated him as if he were not good enough and he had to work harder. Then his father would put him on a regimen so he would do better next time. When he was drafter, he could not get away from Saskatchewan fast enough. Sadly, he left his sister behind to take care of their father. He has made a name for himself in the league for his rough play, penalties, fines and even suspensions.
Daisy grew up with loving parents in the Washington DC area. She has been working in the fashion magazine world for years. Until she no longer was. Her best friend from college is the nephew to the owner of the New York Vipers. He helps her get the job with them to perform a much needed PR makeover for one of their top players. She has no idea what she has just signed up for.
Their first encounter set the stage for what is yet to come. Grizz is in the team gym working out when Daisy walks in. He is surly and thinks he has sent her on her way. But she does not give up that easily and returns bearing all of his demands and proceeds to match him word for word, task for task, snark for snark.
Sadly, this is not the end of their push/pull relationship. The ping pong tournament was a hoot. Throw in giving the wrong street to the taxi causing them to be late and these two are like oil and water.
But something is changing in Grizz. He has definitely calmed down and is behaving better with the press after games. The team owner is chalking it up to Daisy, but she is not so sure she has done anything of value.
But the fact that Daisy hears him when he does not thing anyone is listening. When she wants to play up how much he supports the Alzheimer's charity, he adamantly refuses. When she finds out why, she learns more about him than she ever expected to.
Things are changing in their relationship. They are no longer enemies. Although they have both been attracted to each other since the beginning, neither would act on it. But now, all bets are off.
But when Grizz oversteps in a press interview, Daisy is there to scold him. But instead she gets something she never expected.
Is this the end of Grizz and Daisy? Will he apologize? Will she take the job she was offered in Los Angeles?
I have never laughed so hard at some of the stunts Grizz pulled in this book. He was born to keep you on your toes. But Daisy has snark and gives as good as she gets. She will keep him on his toes and the banter is priceless.
Grizz's backstory is heartbreaking. When he has to fly home to deal with his father's illness, Daisy is there to support him. But even though his dad only remembers the good times, Grizz is reliving all of the horrible days growing up. He is having issues letting go of his anger, and who could blame him. But the only way he will find peach is if he comes to terms with what happened, the man his father was and the man his father is now.
I think my favorite line in the book was when the owner ot the Vipers tells Grizz that he and Daisy are the worst kept secret ever. I about spit my coffee out of my mouth. They made no effort to conceal their relationship, but to have your boss tell you he has known all along is a whole other story.
It has been awhile since I have listened to both Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers so it was like going home to hear them narrate this book. These two work so well together, I hope to hear more from this duo in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🏒❤️ Beyond the Headlines ❤️🏒
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Sometimes the person everyone has already written off is the one who needs someone willing to look a little deeper. Grizz was an emotional hockey romance that explored trauma, healing, and learning to believe you're worthy of love, all wrapped inside an enemies-to-lovers workplace romance.
Grizz McAvoy isn't an easy hero to love at first. He's angry, defensive, reckless, and determined to push everyone away before they have the chance to hurt him. His reputation as hockey's biggest PR nightmare certainly doesn't help. But as his walls slowly began to crack, I found myself understanding the man behind all the headlines. His childhood trauma and complicated relationship with his father made him a far more layered character than I expected, and watching him slowly allow himself to be vulnerable was the strongest part of the entire book.
Daisy was exactly the woman Grizz needed. She refused to be intimidated by his attitude, challenged him when necessary, and never allowed his reputation to influence how she saw him. I loved her determination, intelligence, and willingness to fight for both her career and the people she cared about. More importantly, she saw the good in Grizz long before he believed it existed himself.
The chemistry between these two was fantastic from their very first meeting. Their banter was sharp, their arguments entertaining, and every interaction felt charged with tension. I especially enjoyed watching their professional relationship slowly evolve into friendship, trust, and eventually something much deeper.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was Grizz's emotional journey. His healing never felt rushed or magically solved by falling in love. Instead, Daisy simply gave him the courage to begin facing the pain he'd buried for years. Their relationship wasn't about fixing each other. It was about helping each other become the people they always deserved to be.
The hockey scenes were exciting, and I loved meeting the rest of the New York Vipers. This definitely feels like a series with a lot of potential, and I'm already looking forward to spending more time with these characters.
My biggest reason for settling on four stars instead of five was the pacing toward the end. While I loved where Grizz and Daisy ended up, their relationship progressed a little faster than I expected, and the ending itself felt abrupt. I found myself wishing for an epilogue or just a little more time with them after everything they had overcome.
Overall, Grizz is a strong start to a brand-new hockey romance series filled with emotional depth, fantastic banter, memorable characters, and plenty of heart. If you enjoy grumpy hockey players, fierce heroines, workplace romance, and stories about healing from the past, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Sawyer Bennett, Bill Kennan, and The Author Agency for providing me with a gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Sometimes the person everyone has already written off is the one who needs someone willing to look a little deeper. Grizz was an emotional hockey romance that explored trauma, healing, and learning to believe you're worthy of love, all wrapped inside an enemies-to-lovers workplace romance.
Grizz McAvoy isn't an easy hero to love at first. He's angry, defensive, reckless, and determined to push everyone away before they have the chance to hurt him. His reputation as hockey's biggest PR nightmare certainly doesn't help. But as his walls slowly began to crack, I found myself understanding the man behind all the headlines. His childhood trauma and complicated relationship with his father made him a far more layered character than I expected, and watching him slowly allow himself to be vulnerable was the strongest part of the entire book.
Daisy was exactly the woman Grizz needed. She refused to be intimidated by his attitude, challenged him when necessary, and never allowed his reputation to influence how she saw him. I loved her determination, intelligence, and willingness to fight for both her career and the people she cared about. More importantly, she saw the good in Grizz long before he believed it existed himself.
The chemistry between these two was fantastic from their very first meeting. Their banter was sharp, their arguments entertaining, and every interaction felt charged with tension. I especially enjoyed watching their professional relationship slowly evolve into friendship, trust, and eventually something much deeper.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was Grizz's emotional journey. His healing never felt rushed or magically solved by falling in love. Instead, Daisy simply gave him the courage to begin facing the pain he'd buried for years. Their relationship wasn't about fixing each other. It was about helping each other become the people they always deserved to be.
The hockey scenes were exciting, and I loved meeting the rest of the New York Vipers. This definitely feels like a series with a lot of potential, and I'm already looking forward to spending more time with these characters.
My biggest reason for settling on four stars instead of five was the pacing toward the end. While I loved where Grizz and Daisy ended up, their relationship progressed a little faster than I expected, and the ending itself felt abrupt. I found myself wishing for an epilogue or just a little more time with them after everything they had overcome.
Overall, Grizz is a strong start to a brand-new hockey romance series filled with emotional depth, fantastic banter, memorable characters, and plenty of heart. If you enjoy grumpy hockey players, fierce heroines, workplace romance, and stories about healing from the past, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Sawyer Bennett, Bill Kennan, and The Author Agency for providing me with a gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to The Author Agency, Sawyer Bennett, and Bill Keenan for the ARC. All opinions are my own in the following ARC Review.
Genres: Hockey Romance, Sport Romance
Tropes: Hockey Player/PR Manager, Banter, Hot Head MMC, Stubborn FMC, Enemies To Lovers, No Strings Fling, Workplace Romance, Fling To Relationship, Hurt/Comfort
MC: Daisy (FMC), Grizz (MMC)
Setting: New York City
Triggers: childhood abuse, parent with Alzheimer’s
Synopsis: Grizz is a superstar hockey player with a bad temper and an arrogant attitude. Daisy is a fearless journalist who loses her job and takes a position in public relations, where she’s assigned to repair Grizz’s image. Their first meeting is rocky, but Daisy refuses to be intimidated, earning his respect. As they spend more time together, Grizz opens up about his abusive childhood and the conflicting emotions he feels now that his father has Alzheimer’s. They begin a casual fling, which eventually develops into something deeper, and Grizz asks Daisy to make their relationship exclusive. When Grizz’s father is moved into a care facility, Daisy stands by his side through the emotional experience. But after a crushing loss on the ice, Grizz pushes her away, leading Daisy to accept a job in Los Angeles. After receiving some much-needed advice from his team’s owner, Grizz realizes he’s in love with Daisy. Determined not to let her go, he finds Daisy, confesses his love, and asks for a second chance.
Thoughts: I thought this was a good book, but it didn’t really stand out. It follows a familiar sports romance storyline featuring a PR manager and a player. I had a hard time liking Grizz during the first half of the book, even though I usually enjoy a broody MMC. He leaned too heavily into the “I don’t care, I’m untouchable” attitude, to the point where he almost felt irredeemable. Once his backstory was revealed though, I sympathized with him more. His walls were exceptionally high, but deep down he was a good person. I was glad Daisy was able to break through his defenses, and help him realize it was time to let go of his anger and start living a more fulfilling life. I struggled with Daisy at times as well. She was written as though she could do no wrong, yet a couple times she seemed oblivious to Grizz’s feelings and occasionally came across as thoughtless. There was plenty of tension between them, but their transition into a real relationship felt hurried. I think it was more an issue with the flow of the story, than the relationship itself. I did enjoy how Grizz chased after Daisy and the sweet speech he gave her, after his conversation with Julian. Additionally, I thought the ending felt abrupt, almost unfinished. At the very least, it needed an epilogue, unless one is included in the final published version. Overall, I think this was a solid start to a new series, setting the groundwork for more storylines with all the characters introduced.
Genres: Hockey Romance, Sport Romance
Tropes: Hockey Player/PR Manager, Banter, Hot Head MMC, Stubborn FMC, Enemies To Lovers, No Strings Fling, Workplace Romance, Fling To Relationship, Hurt/Comfort
MC: Daisy (FMC), Grizz (MMC)
Setting: New York City
Triggers: childhood abuse, parent with Alzheimer’s
Synopsis: Grizz is a superstar hockey player with a bad temper and an arrogant attitude. Daisy is a fearless journalist who loses her job and takes a position in public relations, where she’s assigned to repair Grizz’s image. Their first meeting is rocky, but Daisy refuses to be intimidated, earning his respect. As they spend more time together, Grizz opens up about his abusive childhood and the conflicting emotions he feels now that his father has Alzheimer’s. They begin a casual fling, which eventually develops into something deeper, and Grizz asks Daisy to make their relationship exclusive. When Grizz’s father is moved into a care facility, Daisy stands by his side through the emotional experience. But after a crushing loss on the ice, Grizz pushes her away, leading Daisy to accept a job in Los Angeles. After receiving some much-needed advice from his team’s owner, Grizz realizes he’s in love with Daisy. Determined not to let her go, he finds Daisy, confesses his love, and asks for a second chance.
Thoughts: I thought this was a good book, but it didn’t really stand out. It follows a familiar sports romance storyline featuring a PR manager and a player. I had a hard time liking Grizz during the first half of the book, even though I usually enjoy a broody MMC. He leaned too heavily into the “I don’t care, I’m untouchable” attitude, to the point where he almost felt irredeemable. Once his backstory was revealed though, I sympathized with him more. His walls were exceptionally high, but deep down he was a good person. I was glad Daisy was able to break through his defenses, and help him realize it was time to let go of his anger and start living a more fulfilling life. I struggled with Daisy at times as well. She was written as though she could do no wrong, yet a couple times she seemed oblivious to Grizz’s feelings and occasionally came across as thoughtless. There was plenty of tension between them, but their transition into a real relationship felt hurried. I think it was more an issue with the flow of the story, than the relationship itself. I did enjoy how Grizz chased after Daisy and the sweet speech he gave her, after his conversation with Julian. Additionally, I thought the ending felt abrupt, almost unfinished. At the very least, it needed an epilogue, unless one is included in the final published version. Overall, I think this was a solid start to a new series, setting the groundwork for more storylines with all the characters introduced.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Going into a new series is always very exciting- even more when it is a new hockey series! It really isn’t a huge secret that I have been a huge fan of Sawyer Bennett’s for a long time. She is an amazing writer who has amazing characters that have such depth and growth and they feel so real…she *might* have also written some of my favorite couples of all time, too! I also thoroughly enjoyed Bill Keenan’s writing style in his debut novel and I went in very hopeful that this series and collaboration would be great. But I was wrong, so wrong. This book was just WOW, I don’t really have other words! Separately Sawyer and Bill are both amazing writers but together they are simply magic. I literally could not put this book down- and I was so sad when it was over. Grizz & Daisy are still in my daily thoughts almost 10 days later! There are so many pieces in this book that stood out to me. For example, the hockey feels a little next level-it’s the way the locker room sounds, feeling in the locker room, little nuances that are often not mentioned, but they are nailed in this book. Another thing that really stood out to me is the way New York City is written. As someone who has not been to New York City I definitely feel like I was in New York- these observations are not overly written, it flows and it makes you feel like you are there in central park with Daisy watching someone paint, or walking with Grizz as he strolls around and it is clearly written by someone who is familiar with New York and loves it.
Grizz McAvoy is such a complex character. He has so much going on but tries his absolute hardest to keep it all locked in and doesn’t want to invite people in. What he is skilled in is hockey. It is his life and enables him to provide for his family. I love how he knows that he is good and owns it. He walks around like he does not have a care in the world, however, his attitude is having a really negative impact on his career and his team's image.
Daisy too, has a lot going on. Just as she thinks her career is taking off, it sort of crashes and she needs to pivot. She also doesn’t necessarily trust herself especially in relationships and really wants to keep people at a distance because she’s been hurt. Daisy is quick witted and so very tenacious- I love how she does not back down from a challenge.
Sometimes enemies to lovers is at times hard to wrap my head around because the jump from enemies to the lovers can at times be a huge leap. However, I was finding myself saying over and over oh, my goodness just kiss already because the tension and chemistry was just THAT intense. And oh boy when they did. Have a fan handy, friends! They not only had an amazing chemistry and banter they really saw each other. Grizz noticed things, and Daisy knew when to push for more and when to back off and let him share things on his terms. I absolutely fell in love with The Vipers and cannot wait for what is next in this series!
Grizz McAvoy is such a complex character. He has so much going on but tries his absolute hardest to keep it all locked in and doesn’t want to invite people in. What he is skilled in is hockey. It is his life and enables him to provide for his family. I love how he knows that he is good and owns it. He walks around like he does not have a care in the world, however, his attitude is having a really negative impact on his career and his team's image.
Daisy too, has a lot going on. Just as she thinks her career is taking off, it sort of crashes and she needs to pivot. She also doesn’t necessarily trust herself especially in relationships and really wants to keep people at a distance because she’s been hurt. Daisy is quick witted and so very tenacious- I love how she does not back down from a challenge.
Sometimes enemies to lovers is at times hard to wrap my head around because the jump from enemies to the lovers can at times be a huge leap. However, I was finding myself saying over and over oh, my goodness just kiss already because the tension and chemistry was just THAT intense. And oh boy when they did. Have a fan handy, friends! They not only had an amazing chemistry and banter they really saw each other. Grizz noticed things, and Daisy knew when to push for more and when to back off and let him share things on his terms. I absolutely fell in love with The Vipers and cannot wait for what is next in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Grizz McAvoy is at the top of his hockey career, but his volatile temper on and off the ice has him in hot water with his team. In order to help clean up his image, they have hired a handler to manage his appearances.
Daisy Turner is picking up the pieces of her journalism career after being fired for asking tough questions. Though being a media handler isn’t her dream, nor does she have sports experience, she is up for the challenge in the hopes that the visibility will lead her back to the fashion world.
When they meet, they discover that they are a perfect challenge for the other. No one pushes back on Grizz when he is at his worst, but Daisy doesn’t back down. They are both working on their professional images and as they work closely together the sparks fly and chemistry flies in private as well. Though neither wants a relationship, they find a no-strings balance that seems to work for them. Until the strings start tangling.
What I really loved about this story was Grizz’s struggle with his father. Their relationship is fraught with challenges. Dementia and memories play tricks on Grizz, as he is pressured to have sympathy for a man who never showed him any grace as a child. And the worst part is that his dad doesn’t remember any of the tough times, and has manufactured picture perfect vignettes that Grizz has to listen to while knowing the truth. As Daisy comes alongside Grizz in these moments I loved the way she helped him navigate the ups and downs of dealing with his father’s care.
My biggest surprise in this story was the speed at which the ending happened. I enjoyed the interference that led to the final interactions between Daisy and Grizz, but I ended feeling like there were still lose ends to tie up in their situation. I did enjoy the bits we get from the Vipers’s owner to introduce him, as he will be the MMC in the next book and hope that we see some of the story threads that aren’t fully solved addressed as well in the next book.
I had the pleasure of listening to an audio copy of the book. Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers gave fantastic performances as Grizz and Daisy and I enjoyed listening to the personality they added to the characters.
I look forward to continuing this series as we get to know more players and see more from the owner as well.
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Daisy Turner is picking up the pieces of her journalism career after being fired for asking tough questions. Though being a media handler isn’t her dream, nor does she have sports experience, she is up for the challenge in the hopes that the visibility will lead her back to the fashion world.
When they meet, they discover that they are a perfect challenge for the other. No one pushes back on Grizz when he is at his worst, but Daisy doesn’t back down. They are both working on their professional images and as they work closely together the sparks fly and chemistry flies in private as well. Though neither wants a relationship, they find a no-strings balance that seems to work for them. Until the strings start tangling.
What I really loved about this story was Grizz’s struggle with his father. Their relationship is fraught with challenges. Dementia and memories play tricks on Grizz, as he is pressured to have sympathy for a man who never showed him any grace as a child. And the worst part is that his dad doesn’t remember any of the tough times, and has manufactured picture perfect vignettes that Grizz has to listen to while knowing the truth. As Daisy comes alongside Grizz in these moments I loved the way she helped him navigate the ups and downs of dealing with his father’s care.
My biggest surprise in this story was the speed at which the ending happened. I enjoyed the interference that led to the final interactions between Daisy and Grizz, but I ended feeling like there were still lose ends to tie up in their situation. I did enjoy the bits we get from the Vipers’s owner to introduce him, as he will be the MMC in the next book and hope that we see some of the story threads that aren’t fully solved addressed as well in the next book.
I had the pleasure of listening to an audio copy of the book. Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers gave fantastic performances as Grizz and Daisy and I enjoyed listening to the personality they added to the characters.
I look forward to continuing this series as we get to know more players and see more from the owner as well.
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July 15, 2026
While I have read most of Sawyer Bennett’s books, this is only my second Bill Keenan book. Truth be told, I wasn’t overly enthused with the one I read, but my love of Sawyer Bennett’s hockey romances made this one a no-brainer for me. I am happy to report that it worked well for me and I have no regrets. For those unfamiliar with one or both of these authors, Bill Keenan was a professional hockey player, so he brings a lot to the table with the ins and outs of hockey. Sawyer Bennett has written multiple hockey romance series, as well as other sub-genres of Romance, so she is also an important piece with this pairing.
When it comes to the connection and tugging at my heartstrings, this story delivered. Watching Grizz slowly open up and let Daisy behind his very high walls was touching. His story is infuriating and explains so much about why he is how he is. Don’t get me wrong, Grizz’s temper tantrums and bad attitude are not excusable. Thankfully, he starts to see how inexcusable his actions are pretty quickly. Once Daisy proves to Grizz that she is not one to back down and she’s not a pushover, Grizz starts to at least try to regulate his emotions. There is immense character growth throughout this book for him.
Other than Grizz’s “bad boy” persona being established, the first chapters seem to focus on Daisy’s life. She’s abruptly and unfairly let go from her job, we learn about her bad luck in love she had in the past, and meet her bestie, who helped her get the job with the Vipers. After Daisy and Grizz start spending time together, Daisy’s problems and past seem to be pushed to the side a bit. It works for this story, but I did miss that she never discusses her past significant relationship with Grizz so he could understand her as well as she seems to understand him. It’s not that she is a shallow character; Daisy is still a sympathetic and well-rounded person. It would have been nice to see more of her life, though.
Grizz’s past is dense with trauma, so it’s understandable that it takes center stage in this book. There is also the world-building of the Vipers team and organization that is needed for the series, since this is the first book. Because Grizz is so grumpy, there are only a few characters that are introduced in a way that I know they’ll have their stories told, but it was also good to see some familiar faces from Ms. Bennett’s previous books. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to read those books to read this one. Just a fun Easter egg for longtime readers of her books.)
The book did its job. There were a few things that didn’t work for me, but not so much that it took away from the things that worked well. I’m looking forward to more from this duo.
When it comes to the connection and tugging at my heartstrings, this story delivered. Watching Grizz slowly open up and let Daisy behind his very high walls was touching. His story is infuriating and explains so much about why he is how he is. Don’t get me wrong, Grizz’s temper tantrums and bad attitude are not excusable. Thankfully, he starts to see how inexcusable his actions are pretty quickly. Once Daisy proves to Grizz that she is not one to back down and she’s not a pushover, Grizz starts to at least try to regulate his emotions. There is immense character growth throughout this book for him.
Other than Grizz’s “bad boy” persona being established, the first chapters seem to focus on Daisy’s life. She’s abruptly and unfairly let go from her job, we learn about her bad luck in love she had in the past, and meet her bestie, who helped her get the job with the Vipers. After Daisy and Grizz start spending time together, Daisy’s problems and past seem to be pushed to the side a bit. It works for this story, but I did miss that she never discusses her past significant relationship with Grizz so he could understand her as well as she seems to understand him. It’s not that she is a shallow character; Daisy is still a sympathetic and well-rounded person. It would have been nice to see more of her life, though.
Grizz’s past is dense with trauma, so it’s understandable that it takes center stage in this book. There is also the world-building of the Vipers team and organization that is needed for the series, since this is the first book. Because Grizz is so grumpy, there are only a few characters that are introduced in a way that I know they’ll have their stories told, but it was also good to see some familiar faces from Ms. Bennett’s previous books. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to read those books to read this one. Just a fun Easter egg for longtime readers of her books.)
The book did its job. There were a few things that didn’t work for me, but not so much that it took away from the things that worked well. I’m looking forward to more from this duo.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GRIZZ absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
I went into this expecting a spicy hockey romance with a grumpy, hot-headed player and some forced proximity vibes and what I got was so much more. This book had teeth. It had heart. It had me completely obsessed from beginning to end.
Grizz McAvoy is not your typical hockey hero. He’s angry, explosive, reckless, and an absolute PR nightmare, but underneath all that rage and attitude is a man carrying wounds that never properly healed. Watching him fight against his past while clinging to the belief that winning could somehow fix everything was heartbreaking.
This man had me wanting to shake him, hug him, and throw him directly into therapy all at the same time.
And Daisy? She was exactly the woman Grizz needed.
She’s smart, fearless, stubborn as hell, and refuses to let him bulldoze or intimidate her. After everything she’s been through herself, she understands what it means to protect your heart and keep people at arm’s length. Their chemistry from that very first meeting was absolutely electric. Every interaction felt like striking a match and tossing it into a fireworks factory.
The banter? Incredible.
The tension? Excruciating in the best way.
The chemistry? Off the charts.
But what I loved most was that beneath all the sparks and arguments was this beautiful relationship slowly forming between two broken people who finally found someone willing to see past the armour they wore for everyone else.
Daisy saw Grizz. Not the headlines, not the fines, not the angry hockey superstar everyone had already written off. She saw the man underneath all of that and somehow made him believe he deserved to be seen too.
And Grizz? Watching this giant, intimidating, emotionally constipated hockey player slowly unravel for her had me absolutely melting.
The way the authors handled trauma and the lasting impact of childhood abuse felt honest and raw without ever overshadowing the romance. Grizz’s healing journey wasn’t quick or easy or magically fixed by love, and I appreciated that so much.
This book was intense, emotional, sexy, frustrating, tender, and completely addictive.
I laughed, I swooned, I wanted to yell at both of them at various points, and by the end I was sitting there staring at the final page wondering what exactly I was supposed to do with my life now that it was over.
If you love hockey romances with damaged heroes, fierce heroines who don’t back down, explosive chemistry, emotional depth, and the beautiful chaos of two stubborn people falling in love despite themselves, Grizz needs to be on your TBR immediately.
GRIZZ absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
I went into this expecting a spicy hockey romance with a grumpy, hot-headed player and some forced proximity vibes and what I got was so much more. This book had teeth. It had heart. It had me completely obsessed from beginning to end.
Grizz McAvoy is not your typical hockey hero. He’s angry, explosive, reckless, and an absolute PR nightmare, but underneath all that rage and attitude is a man carrying wounds that never properly healed. Watching him fight against his past while clinging to the belief that winning could somehow fix everything was heartbreaking.
This man had me wanting to shake him, hug him, and throw him directly into therapy all at the same time.
And Daisy? She was exactly the woman Grizz needed.
She’s smart, fearless, stubborn as hell, and refuses to let him bulldoze or intimidate her. After everything she’s been through herself, she understands what it means to protect your heart and keep people at arm’s length. Their chemistry from that very first meeting was absolutely electric. Every interaction felt like striking a match and tossing it into a fireworks factory.
The banter? Incredible.
The tension? Excruciating in the best way.
The chemistry? Off the charts.
But what I loved most was that beneath all the sparks and arguments was this beautiful relationship slowly forming between two broken people who finally found someone willing to see past the armour they wore for everyone else.
Daisy saw Grizz. Not the headlines, not the fines, not the angry hockey superstar everyone had already written off. She saw the man underneath all of that and somehow made him believe he deserved to be seen too.
And Grizz? Watching this giant, intimidating, emotionally constipated hockey player slowly unravel for her had me absolutely melting.
The way the authors handled trauma and the lasting impact of childhood abuse felt honest and raw without ever overshadowing the romance. Grizz’s healing journey wasn’t quick or easy or magically fixed by love, and I appreciated that so much.
This book was intense, emotional, sexy, frustrating, tender, and completely addictive.
I laughed, I swooned, I wanted to yell at both of them at various points, and by the end I was sitting there staring at the final page wondering what exactly I was supposed to do with my life now that it was over.
If you love hockey romances with damaged heroes, fierce heroines who don’t back down, explosive chemistry, emotional depth, and the beautiful chaos of two stubborn people falling in love despite themselves, Grizz needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Grizz is a phenomenal hockey star, but he’s also antagonistic, aggressive, opinionated, surly, growly, unfiltered, and hyper-focused on winning. He doesn’t care about politics and propriety. So now he’s the bad boy and social PR nightmare for the New York Vipers, and the owner is getting more demanding. So the owner hires Daisy Turner to reel him in. She’s a very strong-willed, determined, investigative reporter who just got fired for her blunt honesty and truth-telling. She’s not afraid of intimidation or a challenge.
And she loves to push and challenge him. But surprisingly enough, he kind of likes that. No one else stands up to him except for his best friend and sister, and so it’s refreshing to see someone who doesn’t kiss up to him or be intimidated. She’s determined to get everybody what they want and need, but she’s got to have Grizz buy into it. And slowly he’s starting to appreciate what she has to say. He also enjoys a bit of hate-kissing and their pent-up sexual attention. But they both know that that’s a very, very bad idea. They are both on redemption tours and need to make this a success to help their careers.
Their interactions are antagonistic and volatile professionally and personally. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they can’t seem to stop the pull and combustion. Their secret no-strings casual fling seems to be becoming a distraction and kind of shakes things up for both of them.
I enjoyed the parts where Grizz's walls came down, and he shared some of the hard issues he was dealing with. He’s built up big walls that have kept most people out, but she seems to find a way to puncture them and get down to the real man in his core. And that’s a whole lot scary for him.
I have to admit that I felt like the last part of the book felt rushed, and part of the conflict was resolved easily, and the ending was very abrupt. Like I was sitting there looking for another epilogue or a link to another epilogue. I guess we’ll get more of these characters in the next book, which is going to be about the team owner, but it still just surprised me.
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And she loves to push and challenge him. But surprisingly enough, he kind of likes that. No one else stands up to him except for his best friend and sister, and so it’s refreshing to see someone who doesn’t kiss up to him or be intimidated. She’s determined to get everybody what they want and need, but she’s got to have Grizz buy into it. And slowly he’s starting to appreciate what she has to say. He also enjoys a bit of hate-kissing and their pent-up sexual attention. But they both know that that’s a very, very bad idea. They are both on redemption tours and need to make this a success to help their careers.
Their interactions are antagonistic and volatile professionally and personally. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they can’t seem to stop the pull and combustion. Their secret no-strings casual fling seems to be becoming a distraction and kind of shakes things up for both of them.
I enjoyed the parts where Grizz's walls came down, and he shared some of the hard issues he was dealing with. He’s built up big walls that have kept most people out, but she seems to find a way to puncture them and get down to the real man in his core. And that’s a whole lot scary for him.
I have to admit that I felt like the last part of the book felt rushed, and part of the conflict was resolved easily, and the ending was very abrupt. Like I was sitting there looking for another epilogue or a link to another epilogue. I guess we’ll get more of these characters in the next book, which is going to be about the team owner, but it still just surprised me.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
Awesome Story & Narration🎧Engaging & Heartfelt!
Grizz
New York Vipers, Book 1
By: Sawyer Bennett, Bill Keenan
Narrated by: Lance Greenfield, Lucy Rivers
Authors Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan welcome you to New York for an exciting new series, the “New York Vipers”, and what a start it is, an enemies-to-lovers hockey romance that will hold your attention throughout and touch your heart. Professional hockey player Grizz McAvoy is amazing on the ice, and he thinks his winning record speaks for itself, but his attitude and behavior off the ice are problematic, and the team assigned handlers has not helped. Daisy Turner, a fashion journalist, lost her job with a top style magazine because she asked questions that the powerful men in the fashion industry did not like. Scrambling on what to do to salvage her career as a journalist, she takes a PR job, a media handler for the bad boy of hockey, a job her best friend told her about. Daisy and Grizz bonked heads the moment they met, but she is tough as nails and stood up to him, giving as good as she got, or rather even better. It was great watching these two work together, get to know each other, then see their relationship develop and morph into something so much more. Both had intriguing backstories, and I enjoyed learning more about them and finding out why Grizz was the way he was. I loved all the layers of the story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. This is a wonderful author collaboration, and the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the complexity of the characters, their development, and growth. Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan, thank you for the fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers did an amazing job voicing the characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities, with Greenfield nailing it as Grizz, angsty and arrogant attitude, then showing his softer and caring side. Rivers was just as amazing in Daisy’s role and did the same with showcasing her personality, including her fierceness and her vulnerabilities. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the side characters too. Their expressive delivery conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. It is a pleasure listening to these two perform, an entertaining performance that captivates your attention and keeps you glued to the story.
Grizz
New York Vipers, Book 1
By: Sawyer Bennett, Bill Keenan
Narrated by: Lance Greenfield, Lucy Rivers
Authors Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan welcome you to New York for an exciting new series, the “New York Vipers”, and what a start it is, an enemies-to-lovers hockey romance that will hold your attention throughout and touch your heart. Professional hockey player Grizz McAvoy is amazing on the ice, and he thinks his winning record speaks for itself, but his attitude and behavior off the ice are problematic, and the team assigned handlers has not helped. Daisy Turner, a fashion journalist, lost her job with a top style magazine because she asked questions that the powerful men in the fashion industry did not like. Scrambling on what to do to salvage her career as a journalist, she takes a PR job, a media handler for the bad boy of hockey, a job her best friend told her about. Daisy and Grizz bonked heads the moment they met, but she is tough as nails and stood up to him, giving as good as she got, or rather even better. It was great watching these two work together, get to know each other, then see their relationship develop and morph into something so much more. Both had intriguing backstories, and I enjoyed learning more about them and finding out why Grizz was the way he was. I loved all the layers of the story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. This is a wonderful author collaboration, and the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the complexity of the characters, their development, and growth. Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan, thank you for the fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers did an amazing job voicing the characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities, with Greenfield nailing it as Grizz, angsty and arrogant attitude, then showing his softer and caring side. Rivers was just as amazing in Daisy’s role and did the same with showcasing her personality, including her fierceness and her vulnerabilities. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the side characters too. Their expressive delivery conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. It is a pleasure listening to these two perform, an entertaining performance that captivates your attention and keeps you glued to the story.
July 9, 2026
4.25stars-GRIZZ is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult NEW YORK VIPERS erotic, hockey romance series co-authored by Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan. This is professional hockey player James ‘Grizz’ McAvoy, and investigative journalist turned PR crisis manager Daisy Turner’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Grizz and Daisy) GRIZZ follows in the wake of the arrival of our story line heroine. Grizz McAvoy is a brand, represents the team, and he’s one suspension and one game from losing it all. New York Vipers owner is determined to keep his player from crossing the proverbial line, and hires PR crisis manager Daisy Turner to do the job but Grizz is struggling with past trauma and the drama back home, and Daisy wants to ensure Grizz finds his path going forward. Grizz is not making it easy, and when the past returns, Daisy finds herself on the outside looking in as Grizz starts to implode.
The world building focuses on the game of hockey-on one man’s struggle to move on from his past, a past that both shaped his future, and destroyed any sense of worth and any chance at his own happily ever after. As Daisy battles to keep Grizz on a path towards success, she will lose her heart to a man who refuses it all.Grizz is a stubborn, volatile, broken and desperate man who is unable to see beyond the past.
The relationship between Grizz and Diasy begins acrimoniously. Grizz doesn’t want a ‘babysitter’; doesn’t see an issue with his behavior, blaming the fallout on everyone else. Daisy needs the job, and is determined to change Grizz for the better, ensuring a happy player, happy team and happy owner. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.
The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and animated. We are introduced to Julian Langley, team owner, a man whose loneliness is reflected in his choice of partners: left-wingers Deacon Campbell, and Tanner Wylie; coach Carlin; Grizz’s sister Eliza, Daisy’s friend Elias Reed, and Daisy’s former boss Kendra.
GRIZZ is a story of power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking, emotional and edgy; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, flawed, spirited and determined.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Grizz and Daisy) GRIZZ follows in the wake of the arrival of our story line heroine. Grizz McAvoy is a brand, represents the team, and he’s one suspension and one game from losing it all. New York Vipers owner is determined to keep his player from crossing the proverbial line, and hires PR crisis manager Daisy Turner to do the job but Grizz is struggling with past trauma and the drama back home, and Daisy wants to ensure Grizz finds his path going forward. Grizz is not making it easy, and when the past returns, Daisy finds herself on the outside looking in as Grizz starts to implode.
The world building focuses on the game of hockey-on one man’s struggle to move on from his past, a past that both shaped his future, and destroyed any sense of worth and any chance at his own happily ever after. As Daisy battles to keep Grizz on a path towards success, she will lose her heart to a man who refuses it all.Grizz is a stubborn, volatile, broken and desperate man who is unable to see beyond the past.
The relationship between Grizz and Diasy begins acrimoniously. Grizz doesn’t want a ‘babysitter’; doesn’t see an issue with his behavior, blaming the fallout on everyone else. Daisy needs the job, and is determined to change Grizz for the better, ensuring a happy player, happy team and happy owner. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.
The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and animated. We are introduced to Julian Langley, team owner, a man whose loneliness is reflected in his choice of partners: left-wingers Deacon Campbell, and Tanner Wylie; coach Carlin; Grizz’s sister Eliza, Daisy’s friend Elias Reed, and Daisy’s former boss Kendra.
GRIZZ is a story of power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking, emotional and edgy; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, flawed, spirited and determined.
copy supplied for review
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
**Audiobook Review**
The moment that Sawyer Bennett announced she had written a book with a co-writer who also has experience and knowledge from the hockey world, I couldn’t wait to read it. “Grizz” is a steamy, heartfelt and fun enemies to lovers, workplace hockey romance that was a great start to the “New York Vipers” series.
Grizz McAvoy is a star player for the New York Vipers and has no problem tearing it up on the ice and finishing what someone else starts. He’s a PR nightmare and the owner has had enough so he hires Daisy Turner. Daisy is a writer who was fired from a fashion magazine for asking the hard questions no one wants to ask so she’s the perfect one to keep him in line. They butt heads from the moment they meet because Grizz most definitely doesn't want a babysitter. But once they start to break down each other’s walls, it’s clear that there’s an attraction neither can deny.
From the moment I started, I was hooked on Grizz. I loved his attitude on the ice and how he wasn't afraid to throw down when needed. He didn’t apologize for who he was and made sure everyone knew that. His confidence was one of his attractive qualities and so was his vulnerability when he opened up to Daisy. Daisy is smart, driven and isn’t afraid to go after the truth no matter how hard it might be to hear. She wasn’t afraid to go toe to toe from the beginning and that was the start of the beginning of an undeniable chemistry between them. The banter was fantastic and was the perfect lead up to them giving into their feelings for each other. The steamy scenes were great and really showed how attracted they were to each other. I loved the hockey scenes, they were so well written that I felt like I was on the ice with the team. Grizz’s past broke my heart and how he had to deal with his father now. The rest of the team were great and I’m looking forward to reading their books when they’re released. I loved how they worked on their problems and didn’t let anything get between them when they realized how much they cared for each other.
Lucy Rivers and Lance Greenfield narrated this audio and they were great as Daisy and Grizz. Lucy brought the smart and driven Daisy alive perfectly. I loved Lance as the gritty yet vulnerable Grizz. These two were the perfect choice to bring this story to life.
The moment that Sawyer Bennett announced she had written a book with a co-writer who also has experience and knowledge from the hockey world, I couldn’t wait to read it. “Grizz” is a steamy, heartfelt and fun enemies to lovers, workplace hockey romance that was a great start to the “New York Vipers” series.
Grizz McAvoy is a star player for the New York Vipers and has no problem tearing it up on the ice and finishing what someone else starts. He’s a PR nightmare and the owner has had enough so he hires Daisy Turner. Daisy is a writer who was fired from a fashion magazine for asking the hard questions no one wants to ask so she’s the perfect one to keep him in line. They butt heads from the moment they meet because Grizz most definitely doesn't want a babysitter. But once they start to break down each other’s walls, it’s clear that there’s an attraction neither can deny.
From the moment I started, I was hooked on Grizz. I loved his attitude on the ice and how he wasn't afraid to throw down when needed. He didn’t apologize for who he was and made sure everyone knew that. His confidence was one of his attractive qualities and so was his vulnerability when he opened up to Daisy. Daisy is smart, driven and isn’t afraid to go after the truth no matter how hard it might be to hear. She wasn’t afraid to go toe to toe from the beginning and that was the start of the beginning of an undeniable chemistry between them. The banter was fantastic and was the perfect lead up to them giving into their feelings for each other. The steamy scenes were great and really showed how attracted they were to each other. I loved the hockey scenes, they were so well written that I felt like I was on the ice with the team. Grizz’s past broke my heart and how he had to deal with his father now. The rest of the team were great and I’m looking forward to reading their books when they’re released. I loved how they worked on their problems and didn’t let anything get between them when they realized how much they cared for each other.
Lucy Rivers and Lance Greenfield narrated this audio and they were great as Daisy and Grizz. Lucy brought the smart and driven Daisy alive perfectly. I loved Lance as the gritty yet vulnerable Grizz. These two were the perfect choice to bring this story to life.
July 8, 2026
5 They Need Each Other Stars
Grizz and Daisy couldn’t be more opposite…. Or are they? This is an amazing start to a new series and a new team. Grizz is the Vipers most volatile players on and off the ice and Daisy is hired to refine his public persona. What neither of them expected was to find the person that truly sees who they are and really listens to what each other is saying. This is the challenge for them because with this new found transparency, there’s fear as well.
I absolutely loved these two. There’s this simmering chemistry between them from the very first time they met and that scene alone had me chuckling because nothing was going to keep Daisy from doing her job, especially Grizz. This man is all gruff and some bite and this girl gives it right back to him. What’s so amazing is that he actually starts to listen to her. She has an air about her that is calm in the storm which is really what Grizz needs even if he doesn’t want to admit it out loud.
As their story progresses, they start to give in to the attraction even knowing that it could not last. They’re definitely willing to take the risk because the reward could be worth it all. As their truths are revealed, there’s something so raw and honest in Grizz’s revelations that truly broke my heart. This man has so many layers and as Daisy gets to see the why’s and what’s of how he became the man he is, it just makes her love him that much more. The problem is, will they make it in spite of his past and the hold it has on him? Can she handle him and all his emotions that could prevent him from recognizing the love he never thought he deserved? There are more questions that need answers but you’ll get all the answers when you experience this book.
I was lucky enough to be able to listen to and read this book and I thoroughly enjoyed by Lucy Rivers and Lance Greenfield bringing every nuance of this book to life. I felt all the anger, passion and emotional moments to their fullest extent as I became consumed by this love story. While this book is not my first by Ms. Bennett, this is the first book that she co-wrote with Bill Keenan and they make a great writing team. I couldn’t tell who was writing what which solidifies their cohesiveness as authors. I’m very excited for the next book in this series!
Grizz and Daisy couldn’t be more opposite…. Or are they? This is an amazing start to a new series and a new team. Grizz is the Vipers most volatile players on and off the ice and Daisy is hired to refine his public persona. What neither of them expected was to find the person that truly sees who they are and really listens to what each other is saying. This is the challenge for them because with this new found transparency, there’s fear as well.
I absolutely loved these two. There’s this simmering chemistry between them from the very first time they met and that scene alone had me chuckling because nothing was going to keep Daisy from doing her job, especially Grizz. This man is all gruff and some bite and this girl gives it right back to him. What’s so amazing is that he actually starts to listen to her. She has an air about her that is calm in the storm which is really what Grizz needs even if he doesn’t want to admit it out loud.
As their story progresses, they start to give in to the attraction even knowing that it could not last. They’re definitely willing to take the risk because the reward could be worth it all. As their truths are revealed, there’s something so raw and honest in Grizz’s revelations that truly broke my heart. This man has so many layers and as Daisy gets to see the why’s and what’s of how he became the man he is, it just makes her love him that much more. The problem is, will they make it in spite of his past and the hold it has on him? Can she handle him and all his emotions that could prevent him from recognizing the love he never thought he deserved? There are more questions that need answers but you’ll get all the answers when you experience this book.
I was lucky enough to be able to listen to and read this book and I thoroughly enjoyed by Lucy Rivers and Lance Greenfield bringing every nuance of this book to life. I felt all the anger, passion and emotional moments to their fullest extent as I became consumed by this love story. While this book is not my first by Ms. Bennett, this is the first book that she co-wrote with Bill Keenan and they make a great writing team. I couldn’t tell who was writing what which solidifies their cohesiveness as authors. I’m very excited for the next book in this series!
Review of advance copy
An electric read
Reason why you'll love this book:
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Opposites Attract
🏒 He falls first & hard
🏒 Workplace Romance
The new collaboration of Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan's New York Vipers series certainly started with an electric read in GRIZZ. It was an emotional and steamy, and I totally devoured it within a few hours. My heart melted for the burly hockey player and cheered for the fierce woman who brings him to his knees.
Grizz McAvoy is a phenoenon on the ice, he's also a liability with his aggressive quick temper, which often leads him into trouble. Daisy Turner is a force to be reckoned with, the PR Rep who hasbeen brought in to clean up his actions and his reputation. He's not happy with the decision and she's not about to back down.
Their chemistry is both fierce and sizzling from the moment they meet. They challenge each other and neither is willing to back down. Grizz realises Daisy is going to be a constant in his life, she's strict in her words and actions, but there is also kindness and understanding. Slowly Daisy gains Grizz's respect, enabling him to tell her of the burdens he carries from his past. Grizz falls first and hard, his need for her is real, and Daisy begins to fall when she sees the man beneath the aggression and the volatility. I loved the progression of their relationship, the respect, the care, and the understanding they built.
🎧Audio Review🎧
Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers' narration was sublime. I enjoyed how they brought to Grizz, Daisy and the other characters to life. The vocal tones, the personality quirks, the emotions, the sassiness of Daisy, and the gruffness of Grizz were portrayed perfectly and ensured listening was thoroughly enjoyable.
The collaboration of Sawyer and Bill was superb. Their writing flowed effortlessly and had me constantly swooning and smiling. I loved the side characters, especially Tanner and the team's owner Julian, I look forward to their stories. Another highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ 5 STARS
Reason why you'll love this book:
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Opposites Attract
🏒 He falls first & hard
🏒 Workplace Romance
The new collaboration of Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan's New York Vipers series certainly started with an electric read in GRIZZ. It was an emotional and steamy, and I totally devoured it within a few hours. My heart melted for the burly hockey player and cheered for the fierce woman who brings him to his knees.
Grizz McAvoy is a phenoenon on the ice, he's also a liability with his aggressive quick temper, which often leads him into trouble. Daisy Turner is a force to be reckoned with, the PR Rep who hasbeen brought in to clean up his actions and his reputation. He's not happy with the decision and she's not about to back down.
Their chemistry is both fierce and sizzling from the moment they meet. They challenge each other and neither is willing to back down. Grizz realises Daisy is going to be a constant in his life, she's strict in her words and actions, but there is also kindness and understanding. Slowly Daisy gains Grizz's respect, enabling him to tell her of the burdens he carries from his past. Grizz falls first and hard, his need for her is real, and Daisy begins to fall when she sees the man beneath the aggression and the volatility. I loved the progression of their relationship, the respect, the care, and the understanding they built.
🎧Audio Review🎧
Lance Greenfield and Lucy Rivers' narration was sublime. I enjoyed how they brought to Grizz, Daisy and the other characters to life. The vocal tones, the personality quirks, the emotions, the sassiness of Daisy, and the gruffness of Grizz were portrayed perfectly and ensured listening was thoroughly enjoyable.
The collaboration of Sawyer and Bill was superb. Their writing flowed effortlessly and had me constantly swooning and smiling. I loved the side characters, especially Tanner and the team's owner Julian, I look forward to their stories. Another highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ 5 STARS
July 12, 2026
This story follows Grizz, the explosive star player of the New York Vipers, and Daisy, a rising fashion writer who gets fired for asking the hard questions nobody wants to answer. Both of them are bold, stubborn, and used to being called “difficult,” so when Daisy ends up working for the Vipers and is assigned to keep Grizz in line, the clash is instant.
What I loved is how Daisy sees past Grizz’s rough edges right away. She doesn’t baby him, doesn’t get intimidated, and doesn’t let him skip out on his responsibilities. That earns his respect fast, and the chemistry between them starts building in this push‑pull way that feels natural for two people who don’t trust easily. Their connection turns physical early, and even though they call it casual, it’s obvious they’re becoming each other’s safe place.
The book spends a lot of time inside their heads — their fears, their anger, their pasts — and that gives the romance a heavier, more emotional tone. Grizz’s family situation adds depth, showing why he carries so much bottled‑up pain. Daisy becomes the person who steadies him, even when he tries to shove her away.
There is a breakup, and it hurts, but it fits who they are: two people terrified of repeating old patterns. The reunion is tender and full of longing, though I wished the ending had more closure. I wanted an epilogue or at least clarity about Daisy’s job plans.
What I loved:
• Daisy’s strength — she’s firm, funny, and refuses to shrink herself.
• Grizz’s vulnerability — once he lets you see it, you root for him.
• Elias, the best friend — honestly one of my favorite parts. His support is warm and non‑pushy.
• The writing style feels different from Sawyer Bennett’s solo books: more description, more rumination, less hockey action. I missed the girlfriend group energy from other Vipers stories, but the friendship here was wonderful.
My final opinion is that this is heated, emotional, character‑heavy romance about two abrasive, passionate people learning how to soften for each other. It’s messy, tender, and full of slow healing. The ending needed a bit more wrap‑up, but the journey was strong and satisfying.
What I loved is how Daisy sees past Grizz’s rough edges right away. She doesn’t baby him, doesn’t get intimidated, and doesn’t let him skip out on his responsibilities. That earns his respect fast, and the chemistry between them starts building in this push‑pull way that feels natural for two people who don’t trust easily. Their connection turns physical early, and even though they call it casual, it’s obvious they’re becoming each other’s safe place.
The book spends a lot of time inside their heads — their fears, their anger, their pasts — and that gives the romance a heavier, more emotional tone. Grizz’s family situation adds depth, showing why he carries so much bottled‑up pain. Daisy becomes the person who steadies him, even when he tries to shove her away.
There is a breakup, and it hurts, but it fits who they are: two people terrified of repeating old patterns. The reunion is tender and full of longing, though I wished the ending had more closure. I wanted an epilogue or at least clarity about Daisy’s job plans.
What I loved:
• Daisy’s strength — she’s firm, funny, and refuses to shrink herself.
• Grizz’s vulnerability — once he lets you see it, you root for him.
• Elias, the best friend — honestly one of my favorite parts. His support is warm and non‑pushy.
• The writing style feels different from Sawyer Bennett’s solo books: more description, more rumination, less hockey action. I missed the girlfriend group energy from other Vipers stories, but the friendship here was wonderful.
My final opinion is that this is heated, emotional, character‑heavy romance about two abrasive, passionate people learning how to soften for each other. It’s messy, tender, and full of slow healing. The ending needed a bit more wrap‑up, but the journey was strong and satisfying.
July 7, 2026
There’s something so satisfying about watching an emotionally unavailable hockey player fall completely and utterly in love, and Grizz delivered exactly that.
At first glance, Grizz McAvoy is every sports romance cliché—the hot-headed hockey star with a reputation for trouble. But the more the story unfolds, the more you realize his anger isn’t just part of his personality; it’s armor. Beneath the penalties, PR disasters, and sharp tongue is someone who’s spent his entire life trying to outrun a painful past, and I loved that the book never treated his trauma as a simple obstacle to overcome.
Daisy was the perfect match for him. She’s smart, fearless, and refuses to be intimidated by Grizz’s reputation. I especially enjoyed that she wasn’t there to “fix” him. Instead, she challenged him, called him out when necessary, and gradually earned his trust while dealing with her own emotional baggage. Their relationship felt like a genuine partnership rather than a rescue mission.
The chemistry between them is incredible from the start. Their banter is sharp, their arguments are entertaining, and the slow shift from professional frustration to genuine affection was one of my favourite parts of the book. Once the romance takes off…wow. The emotional moments hit just as hard as the steamy ones.
The pacing felt well-balanced, mixing hockey, media drama, romance, and character development without letting any one aspect overshadow the others. The hockey scenes added excitement, but the emotional journey remained the heart of the story.
One thing I really appreciated was how both characters were allowed to be flawed. They make mistakes, they struggle to communicate, and they carry scars that influence their decisions. That made their relationship feel authentic and rewarding to watch develop.
If you’re looking for a hockey romance with plenty of chemistry, emotional healing, witty banter, and a hero who’s much softer than he wants the world to believe, Grizz absolutely delivers.
At first glance, Grizz McAvoy is every sports romance cliché—the hot-headed hockey star with a reputation for trouble. But the more the story unfolds, the more you realize his anger isn’t just part of his personality; it’s armor. Beneath the penalties, PR disasters, and sharp tongue is someone who’s spent his entire life trying to outrun a painful past, and I loved that the book never treated his trauma as a simple obstacle to overcome.
Daisy was the perfect match for him. She’s smart, fearless, and refuses to be intimidated by Grizz’s reputation. I especially enjoyed that she wasn’t there to “fix” him. Instead, she challenged him, called him out when necessary, and gradually earned his trust while dealing with her own emotional baggage. Their relationship felt like a genuine partnership rather than a rescue mission.
The chemistry between them is incredible from the start. Their banter is sharp, their arguments are entertaining, and the slow shift from professional frustration to genuine affection was one of my favourite parts of the book. Once the romance takes off…wow. The emotional moments hit just as hard as the steamy ones.
The pacing felt well-balanced, mixing hockey, media drama, romance, and character development without letting any one aspect overshadow the others. The hockey scenes added excitement, but the emotional journey remained the heart of the story.
One thing I really appreciated was how both characters were allowed to be flawed. They make mistakes, they struggle to communicate, and they carry scars that influence their decisions. That made their relationship feel authentic and rewarding to watch develop.
If you’re looking for a hockey romance with plenty of chemistry, emotional healing, witty banter, and a hero who’s much softer than he wants the world to believe, Grizz absolutely delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grizz McAvoy is the most electrifying player in professional hockey…and the most volatile. He is the star player for the New York Vipers Hockey Team and he plays to win, whatever the cost. Optics and popularity contests are distractions. The one thing his dad always drilled into him… winning solves all problems, and he was here to win hockey games. The rest is irrelevant. But off the ice, he’s a PR nightmare and the New York Vipers organization has had enough. So they bring in her…
Daisy Turner, a fashion journalist, was dismissed from Contour, the nation’s leading fashion magazine, for challenging powerful men to answer difficult questions and exposing hypocrisy in the high-fashion industry. Throughout her career, she has been vocal in criticizing men like Grizz. Now, she is expected to transform him into a more acceptable figure for sponsors, children wearing his jerseys, and the league’s press department.
These two characters clash from the very beginning. Their chemistry is electrifying and sizzling from the moment they meet. Daisy is intelligent, tough, and doesn’t back down from Grizz. Instead, she challenges him, which earns his respect and makes him open up to her about the haunting memories from his past that affect him daily. Grizz falls for her first and hardest. I couldn’t help but smile, swoon, and cheer for this couple.
“I don’t know when she became the place I go when everything starts to slip, but I know one thing with uncomfortable certainty— Whatever this is between us, it’s already changing me, whether I’m ready to admit it or not.”
This is an incredible beginning to this series. It was emotionally charged and steamy, and I couldn’t put it down. I was captivated by the big hockey player and cheered for the fierce woman who brought him to his knees. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about some of the Viper teammates and management. I eagerly anticipate reading more about them, especially Tanner! Let’s get ready for The New York Vipers Series!
Daisy Turner, a fashion journalist, was dismissed from Contour, the nation’s leading fashion magazine, for challenging powerful men to answer difficult questions and exposing hypocrisy in the high-fashion industry. Throughout her career, she has been vocal in criticizing men like Grizz. Now, she is expected to transform him into a more acceptable figure for sponsors, children wearing his jerseys, and the league’s press department.
These two characters clash from the very beginning. Their chemistry is electrifying and sizzling from the moment they meet. Daisy is intelligent, tough, and doesn’t back down from Grizz. Instead, she challenges him, which earns his respect and makes him open up to her about the haunting memories from his past that affect him daily. Grizz falls for her first and hardest. I couldn’t help but smile, swoon, and cheer for this couple.
“I don’t know when she became the place I go when everything starts to slip, but I know one thing with uncomfortable certainty— Whatever this is between us, it’s already changing me, whether I’m ready to admit it or not.”
This is an incredible beginning to this series. It was emotionally charged and steamy, and I couldn’t put it down. I was captivated by the big hockey player and cheered for the fierce woman who brought him to his knees. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about some of the Viper teammates and management. I eagerly anticipate reading more about them, especially Tanner! Let’s get ready for The New York Vipers Series!
July 7, 2026
James "Grizz" McAvoy is the starting center for the New York Vipers and NHL's bad boy! He loves to fight on the ice and do whatever he can to win. He is a nightmare for other teams as well as his own. He's been suspended and fined and doesn't care. Julian Langley the team owner and billionaire is tired of his ways and decides there needs to be a change.
Daisy Turner is a contributor for Contour, the nation's top fashion magazine and good at her job. She loves to ask people the tough questions, especially the men. When one question is over the line, Daisy ends up getting fired. Daisy then calls her best friend Elias Reed. She is telling him about what happened and how she lost her job. Elias then suggests he calls his uncle, Julian Langley to see if he has any open jobs that would fit Daisy's experience.
Julian realizes that Daisy just might be the answer to his PR problem with Grizz and hires her as Grizz's personal media handler. Her job is to keep him in line!
Their first meet is pretty fun and Julian quickly realizes that Daisy is not someone he can walk all over and these two start a hate/love type relationship. Of course the more time they spend together, the more they both realize that the other isn't so bad and before you know it they are crossing that line. Let's just say their chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS! But because of things from both of their pasts Daisy and Grizz have a hard time trusting. Just when it looks like Daisy and Grizz finally find their happy ever after, everything comes crashing down but in the end these two will find their way back to each other.
I loved this hate/love steamy romance. Grizz was so fun. He acted a certain way because of his past but Daisy was able to get past his armor and find a way into his heart. This story has great characters and a fun story line.
Daisy Turner is a contributor for Contour, the nation's top fashion magazine and good at her job. She loves to ask people the tough questions, especially the men. When one question is over the line, Daisy ends up getting fired. Daisy then calls her best friend Elias Reed. She is telling him about what happened and how she lost her job. Elias then suggests he calls his uncle, Julian Langley to see if he has any open jobs that would fit Daisy's experience.
Julian realizes that Daisy just might be the answer to his PR problem with Grizz and hires her as Grizz's personal media handler. Her job is to keep him in line!
Their first meet is pretty fun and Julian quickly realizes that Daisy is not someone he can walk all over and these two start a hate/love type relationship. Of course the more time they spend together, the more they both realize that the other isn't so bad and before you know it they are crossing that line. Let's just say their chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS! But because of things from both of their pasts Daisy and Grizz have a hard time trusting. Just when it looks like Daisy and Grizz finally find their happy ever after, everything comes crashing down but in the end these two will find their way back to each other.
I loved this hate/love steamy romance. Grizz was so fun. He acted a certain way because of his past but Daisy was able to get past his armor and find a way into his heart. This story has great characters and a fun story line.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grizz, the first installment in Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan’s New York Vipers series, is an absolute must-read…and must-listen…that I completely devoured by simultaneously reading and listening to the audiobook. The story follows Grizz, a hockey player who is unapologetically arrogant and hyper-aware of his worth on the ice. While he isn't instantly likable, the authors do a brilliant job of peeling back his layers as the book progresses, making it easy to understand the deep-seated demons that drive his relentless work ethic. Enter Daisy, a fierce journalist who just got canned for asking a few too many pointed questions. When she is assigned as Grizz’s new media handler, a job she needs to help get her career back on track, he certainly doesn't make things easy for her. While Grizz's volatility is often his own undoing, he unexpectedly finds a match in Daisy; she refuses to back down or shy away when he is at his worst, and he eventually finds comfort in sharing his demons with her. Daisy’s calming influence beautifully softens Grizz's rough edges without stripping away who he is at his core - a deeply hardworking, caring guy, which is especially evident in his incredibly supportive relationship with his sister and his solid friendship with Tanner. Bringing this entire dynamic to life are narrators Lucy Rivers and Lance Greenfield, who deliver an exceptional performance. You can vividly feel the intense chemistry through their words, the tension both on and off the ice, and the sheer angst surrounding Grizz as Daisy goes toe-to-toe with him. It is a wonderfully emotional, high stakes start to a promising new series, and I am safely giving it four solid stars! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grizz is the first book in the New York Vipers series by Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan and it's a great start to the series!
Daisy Turner had the job she wanted as a fashion journalist. One of the things she prided herself on was not being afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked. That turned out to not go so well. Now she's looking for a second chance and since her best friend's uncle is the owner of the New York Vipers, she has an in there. The team needs someone with PR experience to help with one of their star players who tends to get into trouble both on and off the ice.
Grizz McAvoy is one of the best players professional hockey has, but he is also known for his temper and his arrogance. Grizz is not someone who you get warm fuzzies around, but there is absolutely more to the man than what you get on the surface.
When Daisy and Grizz meet, it is clear they have met their match in each other. Grizz tries to push Daisy's buttons and Daisy for her part isn't afraid to put Grizz in his place and challenge him. As the two spend time together, Daisy has a way of making inroads with Grizz and he starts to soften toward her. She learns more about the man underneath the facade and knows all of the work she's doing is worth it.
Not only did I enjoy the relationship between Daisy and Grizz, I also appreciated the friendship that Grizz had with Tanner, his teammate, and the relationship Grizz had with his sister. Both of them were there to support Grizz regardless.
Overall, this was a solid start to this partnership and this new series!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Daisy Turner had the job she wanted as a fashion journalist. One of the things she prided herself on was not being afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked. That turned out to not go so well. Now she's looking for a second chance and since her best friend's uncle is the owner of the New York Vipers, she has an in there. The team needs someone with PR experience to help with one of their star players who tends to get into trouble both on and off the ice.
Grizz McAvoy is one of the best players professional hockey has, but he is also known for his temper and his arrogance. Grizz is not someone who you get warm fuzzies around, but there is absolutely more to the man than what you get on the surface.
When Daisy and Grizz meet, it is clear they have met their match in each other. Grizz tries to push Daisy's buttons and Daisy for her part isn't afraid to put Grizz in his place and challenge him. As the two spend time together, Daisy has a way of making inroads with Grizz and he starts to soften toward her. She learns more about the man underneath the facade and knows all of the work she's doing is worth it.
Not only did I enjoy the relationship between Daisy and Grizz, I also appreciated the friendship that Grizz had with Tanner, his teammate, and the relationship Grizz had with his sister. Both of them were there to support Grizz regardless.
Overall, this was a solid start to this partnership and this new series!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
July 12, 2026
Review of advance reader copy received from the author
Grizz by Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan
Book 1 in the New York Vipers series
Narrators
Lance Greenfield
Lucy Rivers
Tropes
Hockey Romance
Workplace forbidden romance
She’s the only one who sees him
He falls first and harder
Grumpy X Sunshine
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Past Trauma
Found Family
Enemies to lovers
Before I start talking about the book I just want to say the narrators did such an amazing job voicing Grizz and Daisy. Lance was able to showcase Grizz’s standoffish attitude but also the vulnerability with his emotions. Lucy is a rock star no matter role she narrates.
Grizz McAvoy is the star player of the New York Vipers. He has always been told by his father wining is the only things acceptable and it solves everything. He is a disaster when it comes to PR and the upper management brings in Daisy Turner to try and fix the problems. Daisy has been asking difficult questions and ruffling feathers in the fashion industry. When she had made enough of the men mad with the questions she gets dismissed.
The New York Vipers brings Daisy in to try and fix the image that Grizz has ruined. When they meet they butt heads from the start. Daisy calls it like she sees it and doesn’t let him get away with his attitude. They both start to see the real person behind the masks that they both wear. The chemistry and tension between them is strong in the beginning but the more they are together and learn more it bumps those feelings up. Daisy is wonderful in helping Grizz heal from his past while loving him in the here and now. This is going to be a killer series and I can’t wait for the rest.
Grizz by Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan
Book 1 in the New York Vipers series
Narrators
Lance Greenfield
Lucy Rivers
Tropes
Hockey Romance
Workplace forbidden romance
She’s the only one who sees him
He falls first and harder
Grumpy X Sunshine
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Past Trauma
Found Family
Enemies to lovers
Before I start talking about the book I just want to say the narrators did such an amazing job voicing Grizz and Daisy. Lance was able to showcase Grizz’s standoffish attitude but also the vulnerability with his emotions. Lucy is a rock star no matter role she narrates.
Grizz McAvoy is the star player of the New York Vipers. He has always been told by his father wining is the only things acceptable and it solves everything. He is a disaster when it comes to PR and the upper management brings in Daisy Turner to try and fix the problems. Daisy has been asking difficult questions and ruffling feathers in the fashion industry. When she had made enough of the men mad with the questions she gets dismissed.
The New York Vipers brings Daisy in to try and fix the image that Grizz has ruined. When they meet they butt heads from the start. Daisy calls it like she sees it and doesn’t let him get away with his attitude. They both start to see the real person behind the masks that they both wear. The chemistry and tension between them is strong in the beginning but the more they are together and learn more it bumps those feelings up. Daisy is wonderful in helping Grizz heal from his past while loving him in the here and now. This is going to be a killer series and I can’t wait for the rest.
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