Locke: A Portland Wildfire Novel

Portland Wildfire #2

by Sawyer Bennett, Alistair Haynesbridge (Narrator), Samantha Summers (Narrator)

He’s the league’s most dangerous enforcer. She’s the specialist sent to determine whether he’s too broken to save. Neither of them is prepared for what happens when the truth hits back.

Donovan Locke has a reputation carved in blood and penalty minutes. The league’s most dangerous enforcer, he’s an angry, unapproachable loner who fights harder and refuses to let anyone in. The Portland Wildfire only took him because no one else would, and Locke seems determined to prove every rumor true. He doesn’t do teammates. He doesn’t do relationships. He barely does conversation.

Dr. Livia Cross is quiet, brilliant and controlled. Officially, she’s the Wildfire’s new high-performance consultant. Unofficially, she’s been embedded by the league to evaluate one player.

One risk.

Locke.

Her job is observe him, test him, and determine whether he’s safe to stay on the ice, or too volatile to keep playing. But the man she finds beneath the scowl and silence isn’t what she expected. He’s sharp. Watching. Walled off for a reason. And when sparks ignite where there should only be professionalism, Livia’s carefully built boundaries start to crack.

Locke doesn’t trust easily yet he lets Livia closer than he ever intended, long before he learns she isn’t who he thinks she is. And when the truth comes out, it won’t just shatter their fragile connection… it might end his career.

Dark, emotional, and electric with slow-burn chemistry, LOCKE delivers a gripping workplace romance between a guarded enforcer and the woman sent to evaluate him—until desire becomes danger, and the lines between loyalty and love blur beyond recognition.

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

Audible Audio

Published August 10, 2026

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After]

4.25🌟, 1.5🌶️

ARC Review 📖

This was such an easy, feel-good romance to fall into.

Locke Donovan had all the grumpy, guarded energy I love, while Livia Cross was the perfect match for him. Their chemistry built gradually, and I really enjoyed watching them move from a professional relationship into something much more personal.

The emotional side was definitely my favourite. Locke had so many layers beneath his rough exterior, and seeing him slowly open up and work through his past made his character growth really satisfying. Livia brought so much warmth and understanding to his life, and together they had a lovely balance of tension, vulnerability, and sweetness.

I did find the build a little slower than I personally prefer, but the characters kept me invested throughout. The Portland Wildfire world continues to be such a fun one to spend time in, and Locke and Livia’s story left me with that happy, content feeling I love getting from a romance.

I closed this feeling happy and excited about the next book in the series, and that’s always a win in my book.

~~~~

ALC Review (Audiobook) 🎧

This was such a fun audiobook to settle into, and Samantha Summers and Alastair Haynesbridge really brought Livia Cross and Locke Donovan to life for me. Their performances captured Livia’s confidence and warmth and Locke’s gruffness, frustration, and softer moments beautifully, making the emotional progression between them especially enjoyable to listen to. The chemistry between the narrators worked really well too, and I found myself getting completely pulled into Locke’s journey as he slowly let his guard down. It was an easy, engaging listen with plenty of heart, and the narration made an already enjoyable hockey romance even more immersive.

~~~~

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 and The Author Agency for the ARC and ALC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Tabbies.nook]

Received the ALC/ARC from The Author Agency and Sawyer Bennett for a honest review.

Narrators: Alistair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers did the audiobook justice.
Tropes: Emotionally Wounded Hero, He Falls First (and Hard), Sports Romance (Hockey), Forbidden Workplace Romance, Grumpy × Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Opposites Attract, Found Family, Damaged Hero Learns to Love

I flew through the ALC as the story never slowed down at all. As a sucker of sports romance, i was totally hooked. Locke Donovan is the dream MMC that we all dream about. a little damaged but overall good. He is dealing with a past that has made him trust no one and especially his teammates. Then comes Dr Livia, High-performance consultant tasked to unravel the stick up Locke's a**. The chemistry is undeniable and they don't fight it despite it being an workplace romance. The third act breaksup was something torelable.

I love a book with girl friendships that are to uplift each other. The banter between Juno, Molly, Birdie and Livia is so untethered but so every girls dream.

I would recommend the book to anyone who loves a good sports romance with grumpy sunshine characters.

[Janey]

I was so excited to dive into another Sawyer Bennett book because her hockey romances never disappoint, and Locke was no exception.

From the very beginning, Locke Donovan is exactly the kind of hero I love to unravel; gruff, guarded and carrying far more beneath the surface than anyone realises. Livia Cross was the perfect counterbalance. Intelligent, compassionate and quietly determined. Their slow-burn chemistry was exquisite, with every interaction building the tension until it became impossible not to root for them.

I loved that this wasn't just a romance. The emotional depth, the vulnerability hidden beneath Locke's tough exterior and the ethical conflict surrounding Livia's secret mission added real weight to the story. Watching trust slowly develop between two people who both had so much to lose made their journey all the more rewarding.

Sawyer Bennett has once again delivered an engaging, heartfelt and emotional hockey romance filled with fantastic characters, plenty of angst and just the right amount of heat. The Portland Wildfire series is quickly becoming another favourite of mine, and I already can't wait to see which player gets his story next.

[Dali]

He’s angry, closed-off, and the league’s most dangerous defenseman.

Turns out, Locke Donovan might also be one of the biggest softies. 🏒🖤

📚 Locke by Sawyer Bennett

✨ workplace romance
✨ slow burn
✨ guarded hockey player
✨ forbidden attraction
✨ forced proximity
✨ healing & personal growth
✨ she’s secretly evaluating him 👀

Locke keeps EVERYONE at a distance. He fights on the ice, barely tolerates his teammates, and has absolutely no intention of letting Livia Cross figure out what’s going on underneath all that anger.

Unfortunately for him, Livia is very good at her job. 😂

I really enjoyed how slowly their relationship developed. This isn’t insta-love or even insta-lust disguised as a slow burn. For a good portion of the book, they’re simply getting to know each other, and that made their eventual connection feel so much more satisfying.

And once we learn what Locke has been carrying all these years? 💔 His story broke my heart. Watching him finally trust someone enough to open up and become lighter as a result was probably my favorite part of the book.

Livia was exactly the person he needed: intelligent, patient, athletic herself, and able to challenge him without trying to “fix” him.

Their romance was sweet, but their individual growth made this one for me. I finished it feeling ridiculously happy for both of them. ❤️

🎧 Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers did a wonderful job bringing Locke and Livia to life. I loved both of their voices and how easily they pulled me into the story. My only wish? Duet narration would have made it even better!

Another win from Sawyer Bennett’s Portland Wildfire series, and proof that somehow she can STILL make hockey romance feel fresh after all these books. 🏒

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

QOTD: What gets you every time: the sunshine hero or the completely guarded one who finally lets ONE person in? 👀

#Locke #SawyerBennett #HockeyRomance #SportsRomance #AudiobookReview

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Locke and Livia’s story.
Locke is a complex and emotionally wounded player, who is the leagues most dangerous enforcer, and has a reputation of blood and penalty minutes. Livia is the team’s high-performance consultant, who is brought in to unofficially observe Locke, and evaluated if he is too volatile to keep, but she sees the man behind the walls, and he is not what she was expecting. What will happen when Locke finds out who Livia really is?
This is a well written slow burn, easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with tension, secrets, forced proximity, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, determination, revelations, trust, healing, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartfelt, hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Denise Hoover]

This one just generally made me feel good. Locke has a past that no one can seem to unlock. He’s abrasive, keeps teammates at a distance, will find any reason (sometimes none) to pick a fight on the ice, and just generally skates through life with no attachments.

Patrick Rowe has left no stone unturned with his new expansion team of the Portland Wildfires so he pulls the best of the best & hires Livia Cross as the high performance consultant. Locke thinks she’s just a fancy version of a therapist but she’s so much more.

As an athlete herself, she’s able to understand what often makes an athlete tick but her schooling & training take that to the next level. She knows she can get through to Locke Donovan but she never anticipated falling for him in the process.

Their fall is sweet but their growth is the icing on the cake for this story. I love walking away after reading a story that just makes you feel light and happy. And while Locke has some dark moments to work through, he came out the best version of himself on the other end. Definitely recommend Locke & Livia’s story.

[Becky]

I just...maybe this series is not for me? The elaborate descriptions of the "spared no expense"-ness of everything involved in the team has gotten me to the eye roll stage (please, PLEASE be done with this by book 3, because I really want to read Birdie's story!).

I really didn't feel much chemistry between our MCs--sure, they found each other attractive and they liked the sex, but there wasn't much beyond that between them. Was it really necessary to name the guy who's locked himself away from others his whole life Locke??? A bit on the nose, no? And Livia's not wanting anyone to call her doctor--even though, yes, she has the degree--gave off "pick me" energy. You earned the title; let other people use it!

One of my favorite things about sports romances are the found family aspect of the teammates and of their SOs, but here Locke didn't truly have that with anyone and every time the WAGs got together it felt more like a time to rehash thier backstories and talk about how hot the guys were (or how annoying, in Birdie's case) rather than any true camaraderie.

I had similar feelings about Crosby when I read it, and worried that maybe Ms Bennett's writing just wasn't doing it for me anymore, but I read Grizz in the meantime and LOVED it. Is it because that series has a co-author? Maybe. I honestly considered DNFing this one more than once while reading but kept hoping it would get better.

I listened to the audiobook, and can't fault the voice actors--they both did a really good job. It's just the material they were working with wasn't doing it for me.

Rating: 2 1/2 stars / C-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Monique]

4 🌟

Why a great addition to this series. I remember a little bit of Locke in book one, so to get his full story and why he was so closed off, filled in the gaps for me. He has major trust issues and it takes some working from Livia to prove she’s on his side and he’s worth all the effort. Their connection is undeniable and it went against Livvy’s work ethic to be together but she just couldn’t stop wanting Locke.

The audio was great too. Samantha Summer and Alastair Haynesbridge are new to me and I would definitely listen to them again. They fit the main characters completely and did a good job on the secondary ones as well.

[Linda Ketter]

Locke is book 2 in the Portland Wildfire series and follows loner Locke Donovan as he does the one thing he swore he never would: fall in love with Livia Cross.

Locke Donovan grew up the only child of parents who were cold and absent. In his family, the oldest son is expected to take over the family business, but his father has never wanted anything to do with him. He was raised by nannies and traveled the world at the whim of his parents, but never spent time with them. Holidays were a spectacle of displaying wealth when they were home for them. So when he got his chance to get away and play hockey, he left.

Livia Cross grew up in a loving family. She still spends time with her family, especially on holidays. She is a quiet person, but not because she is shy. Her last relationship ended badly and she found herself with a new job and returning home. She makes friends easily, but she is in Portland to do a job, not make friends. She is well trained in her field which is why she is in Portland; to get to the bottom of a problem.

The Wildfire picked up Locke during the expansion draft. He has great stats, except for his penalty minutes, which is why he was acquired. But his penalty minutes are costing the team. He is known as the league bad boy and if this team does not work out, he will be out of a job.

Livia was brought in to determine if Locke is worth keeping on the team. But Mr Rowe, the owner, wants the team to think she is there to improve their performance. She is trained on both fronts and has not problem working with the team, while trying to determine what is causing Locke to act out on the ice and not engage with his teammates.

Locke is forced to see Livia by the owner of the Wildfire. Talk about being unhappy. But if he wants to continue playing hockey, he must acquiesce. But he is not willing to see her indefinitely. So they negotiate. Three sessions, plus he must attend team events and interact with his team members. Livia has her work cut out for her.

But Locke follows Livia's requirements. He attends the team Thanksgiving get together. And he agrees to go to her parents home for Thanksgiving dinner. He interacts perfectly with her parents and her which intrigues her.

But when a threat from Livvy's past presents itself at the worst possible moment, she will have to deal with it in front of everyone on the team. Instead of her standing on her own, every one of the guys has her back. But Locke is the one leading the crusade.

Locke provides an outlet for Livia to release the stress from the confrontation. It is just a one and done. Locke does not do relationships. But he is unable to resist this woman.

Will their relationship put Livia's job at risk? Will Locke tell her about his past? Will he figure out that trust is a two way street? Will he learn to trust her? Will he learn to trust his teammates?

I loved so many pieces of this book. Locke and Van have the closest thing to a relationship and trust. Van shares his history with Locke and tells him not to wait too long to figure out what he really wants. I loved seeing Van being honest about what happened in his past and being willing to talk about it. He goes above and beyond to help Locke.

Seeing how protective Locke, and the entire team, is of Livia made me smile. She has always had to be the strong one, but they have her back. Even though she does not like bringing her personal life into the workplace, sometimes I can't be avoided. She is lucky to be part of the Wildfire family.

Locke has a dream for the future. And I absolutely love his dream. He has thought about it for some time and his motivations are pure. The future is bright for Locke and Livia.

Alistair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers are both new to me narrators. Such a joy listening to fresh voices for Locke and Livia. The tenor of his voice is smooth, but has emotion in it. She portrays the professional side of Livia, while bringing out the teenaged daydreamer in her at the same time. I am looking forward to more books by these two.

[Jenna Lundberg]

🏒 Behind the Anger Was a Heart Worth Knowing 🏒
⭐ 4 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Chili Pepper

There is just something about a grumpy, completely closed-off hockey player slowly letting someone into his world that gets me every time, and Locke Donovan absolutely delivered on that! Locke was emotional, sweet, and surprisingly feel-good, with a romance that took its time while allowing us to really understand the man underneath Locke's intimidating reputation.

Locke is known throughout the league for his temper, his fights, and the walls he keeps firmly in place. He's been traded from team to team, doesn't make an effort with his teammates, and the Portland Wildfire may be his last opportunity to save his career. Enter Dr. Livia Cross, the team's new high-performance consultant who has secretly been tasked with figuring out whether Locke is worth the risk. Locke isn't exactly thrilled about being forced to work with her, but I loved watching Livia quietly and patiently begin chipping away at those walls.

The emotional side of Locke's story was easily one of my favorite parts. There is so much more behind his anger and isolation than what everyone sees on the ice. Learning about the way he grew up helped me understand why trusting people and forming real connections are so difficult for him. I especially appreciated that his growth wasn't only about falling for Livia. Watching him slowly begin connecting with his teammates and realizing that he doesn't have to move through life completely alone made his journey even more satisfying.

Livia was such a great balance for him. She's intelligent, calm, compassionate, and strong without needing to overpower Locke to reach him. I loved that she understands athletes herself and approaches him differently than he expects. Their relationship develops gradually from something strictly professional into something much more personal, and those quieter moments when Locke starts choosing to let her closer were some of my favorites.

I also really enjoyed the Portland Wildfire team dynamic. Seeing the guys rally around each other gave this story that found-family feeling I always love in a hockey romance. Locke has spent so much of his life keeping everyone at a distance, so watching the Wildfire slowly become people he can actually depend on added another layer of warmth to the story.

The romance was definitely a slower build than I typically prefer, which kept this from being quite a five-star read for me, and at only one chili pepper, this one leans much more toward the emotional connection than the spice. But once Locke and Livia's relationship started shifting, I really enjoyed the sweetness, vulnerability, and chemistry between them.

Locke ended up being one of those romances that simply made me feel good. There are heavier emotions underneath Locke's story, but watching this guarded man begin opening himself up to love, friendship, and an entirely different future left me smiling. I'm really enjoying my time with the Portland Wildfire and am already looking forward to seeing whose story comes next! 🏒❤️

Thank you to Sawyer Bennett and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rachel]

Donovan Locke is notorious in the league as a vicious enforcer, but his anger has become a problem for teams, leading to trade after trade. He doesn’t connect with his teammates, and doesn’t engage with anything off the ice. His time in Portland might be his last chance to maintain his hockey career if he can’t find a way to manage his emotions on and off the ice. His coaches see promise in him, if they can keep him contained and get him to engage with his teammates. But this is his last chance before the league cuts him off.

Dr. Livia Cross was hired to monitor team performance, but also to focus on determining what it will take for Locke to be more predictable on the ice. She is an athlete herself, having experience playing hockey and studying physical performance and psychology intensively throughout her career. She knows she has her work cut out for her with Donvan, and is willing to bend some of the team rules in order to help him in a way that will see results.

When their meetings begin breaking down Locke’s walls and he starts trusting her, the lines blur between work sessions and personal business.

This was one of those stories that just felt easy to read from start to finish. I had been in a bit of a reading slump, and found myself able to continue this faster and in longer sessions than anything else I had been reading lately. It was a solid, slow-burn romance, with a little bit of emotional tension and baggage keeping things moving early on, and progressed just how I hoped it would as the story continued. And once those sparks started flying, it was hard to keep them contained!

I had an audio copy and listening to the story also helped keep the pace moving at a good clip. The narrators, Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers, did a good job bringing the characters to life. I had not listened to either before and I enjoyed both of their voices. There were a couple moments that pulled me out when the name of an Oregon town is mispronounced by one of the narrators, but those not familiar with the area probably won’t notice a difference.

Overall, this was a fun workplace, hockey romance with close quarters and a secret romance. The repeat characters made it easier to connect with a story with a character as closed off as Locke. Livia was easy to like with her calm, collected outlook, but Locke took a lot to open up and get to know. Locke may have some heavy things to deal with from his past, but this left me feeling refreshed and ready to read more. It was just what I needed to spark my reading self again.

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[Angels]

In this emotionally charged plot, we follow Livia and Locke’s journey, a slow-burn romance that delves deeply into themes of pain, forgiveness, and personal growth. Authored with sensitivity, this story places Locke, the league’s enforcer known for his fierce temper, and Livia, the team’s high-performance consultant, at the heart of a delicate dance in which trust is the hardest game to win. This romance is layered with raw emotion and complex characters.

What makes this story particularly compelling is its portrayal of Locke, a man burdened by a rough past and a reputation that precedes him. The plot carefully unpacks the reasons behind his explosive temper and seemingly impenetrable exterior, revealing a profoundly human struggle beneath the surface. His growth over the course of the story from someone consumed by anger and regret to a man capable of vulnerability and love is painstakingly authentic. It’s this gradual peeling away of emotional armor that lends the story its undeniable pull, inviting us to root for a character who might otherwise be dismissed as just the team’s “bad boy.”

Livia emerges as an equally engaging counterpart—not merely a love interest but a grounded, loyal figure who carries her own scars and complexities. Her frankness about her past and unflinching kindness offer a refreshing contrast to Locke’s guardedness. Their relationship, built on a foundation of forced proximity and mutual necessity, embodies the timeless “opposites attract” trope yet is executed with sincerity rather than cliché. Through their interactions, themes of forgiveness both self-directed and toward others are woven seamlessly into the plot.

The supporting cast enriches the story further, with characters like Crosby’s sister adding humor and levity at just the right moments. Even secondary characters like Arche give us lighter, entertaining moments in this story that made us laugh.

One of the story’s remarkable achievements is its unflinching look at how past trauma and buried secrets shape present behavior—how pain, whether from neglect or lies, can imprison a person. Yet, it doesn’t dwell in despair; instead, it charts a path forward, highlighting the healing power of connection and honesty. Locke’s journey from a man caught “between a rock and a hard place” to someone who embraces a fuller, freer life with Livia’s support is both heartbreaking and uplifting. That said, you should be prepared for the emotional weight this story carries. The romance builds slowly, demanding patience and investment.

In conclusion, this is a romance that resonates because it is imperfect and real. It captures the messy, challenging work of letting go of the past and allowing oneself to be seen and healed. Fans of slow-burning, emotionally rich romance—especially those who appreciate a sports setting with layered characters—will find much to love here. It leaves you reflecting on the ways we all carry unseen burdens and the extraordinary courage it takes to share them. Have you ever found someone who helps you piece together your broken edges? That’s the question Livia and Locke’s story lingers with long after the last page is turned.

[Melanie Gates]

I was able to enjoy this story through an immersive experience with an ALC and ARC copy.

Locke is the second story in the Portland Wildfire series, however this was my first read from Sawyer ever. Now, I'll need to go back and enjoy story number one.

Locke, our MMC, is a broody, angsty and hot-tempered hockey player that the Portland Wildfire took a chance on picking him up, building an expansion team with an owner who is determined to build an amazing team. Locke is an excellent player, strong on the defensive side, but his temper can be a liability and he's ready to blow at any moment. The owner insists on him working with his latest hire, a high-performance consultant, to get to the root of his triggers, beyond the idea of just working with a psychologist, she looks beyond.

Livia, our FMC, is just the woman for the job. She's determined, up for any challenge and ready to set unique experiences to get the players to her end goal of bettering the team as a whole. She didn't realize exactly what a challenge Locke would bring to the table. He blows her off and is ready to just about anything to avoid her and her techniques.

What we really find out is after they do spend time together, their chemistry is off the charts.

We also find out about their past, both of them. Livia is looking to put her ex behind her, while he's not willing to do so. He stalks her, hunts her down in her new city and continues to harass her in text messages. Locke has deep-rooted issues from his past that has led him to have trust issues with just about anyone who crosses his path.

The complexity of these characters and the arc of growth for both is astronomical. This leads me to the audiobook narrators, who were absolutely perfect for these characters. They really brought them to life and added a little extra flair to them that I wasn't expecting as I read it in my mind.

This brings me to my final rating of the story. I gave it a 4/5 because it was just a tad too slow in the build-up for me... if it wasn't for the complexity of the characters that had me drawn in, I would have lost interest and had to re-read some chapters. However, this is simply a personal preference for me and if you prefer the slower the burn, this is the story for you!

Thank you Sawyer and The Author Agency for this ALC and ARC opportunity. With a new-to-me author, I'm excited to add Sawyer's other stories to my TBR!

TL:DR
⭐️ 4/5
🏒 Hockey romance
😡 Grumpy MMC
💪 Strong-willed FMC
💼 Workplace romance
❤️‍🩹 Emotional healing
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
🤗 Protective hero
☠️ Touch her and die
🌶️ 1.75/5

🎧 Audiobook details
Narrators: Samantha Summers & Alastair Haynesbridge

[Sandy S]

LOCKE is the second instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PORTLAND WILDFIRE erotic, hockey romance series, set in the author’s numerous interconnected hockey series. This is defenseman Locke Donovan, and performance consultant Dr. Livia Cross’ story line. LOCKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.


NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers (off page) for more sensitive readers


Told from dual first person perspectives (Locke and Livia) LOCKE follows in the wake of the arrival of performance consultant Dr. Livia Cross. Locke Donovan has burned all of his proverbial bridges. His reputation as an angry player, and a loner has earned Locke a reputation throughout the league, a the Portland Wildfire organization is his last chance to remain in the professional leagues. Forced to work with Dr. Livia Cross finds Donovan struggling with the ghosts from his past, a ghost he meets on ice several times per year but it is Livia’s past that is about to reap havoc for our story line heroine, havoc that pulls Donovan and his teammates into the cause.


The world building follows Livia as she battles between head and heart, hoping to get Donovan to let go of the past. Having crossed a professional line, Livia struggles with what she knows, and how it will affect both the player, the team and their relationship going forward.


The relationship between Livia and Locke begins as a professional consultation. Livia works diligently to help Locke move on from the past but our hero struggles to forgive himself for a perceived betrayal, a betrayal that was meant to save many lives going forward. As Livia and Locke’s relationship quickly turns into something more, our couple must come to terms with both of their pasts, and the possibility that crossing the line may have gone too far. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


We are reintroduced to several members of the Portland Wildfire Hockey team including front office, ownership, and players including Juno and Crosby, Arch, team owner Patrick Rowe, as well as Crosby’s sister Birdie, and Livia’s obsessive ex Grant, and the return of Van Turner from the author’s Pittsburgh Titans, and Carolina Fury hockey series.


LOCKE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is captivating, dramatic and heart breaking; the romance is seductive ; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

copy supplied for review

[Bette]

Excellent Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Emotional!

Locke
Portland Wildfire, Book 2
By: Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Samantha Summers, Alastair Haynesbridge

Another fantastic hockey team and sports romance written by Sawyer Bennett, who has outdone herself once again with her second book in the Portland Wildfire series. I am loving this team she is creating, an expansion team owned by Patrick Rowe, who spares no expense for his players and team. One of his players, Donovan Locke, an enforcer who is an excellent player, except that he goes off the rails too often and is becoming a liability for the team. He does not socialize with his teammates either, which is not ideal for team building and trust. Rowe brings in Dr. Livia Cross, a high-performance consultant to work with the team, including Locke, but he blows her off. Livia is up for the challenge, seeing right away that he is a troubled man and will not give up on him. Her approach to working with clients is unique, and the more time she spends with Locke, the more agreeable he becomes, but it also comes with something else: the undeniable chemistry between them. I loved the complexity of these characters, how Bennett put these two together and masterfully crafted their relationship, its progression, and how everything unfolded for him, them, and the team too. This story had me right from the start, captivating my attention and tugging at my heartstrings throughout. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. It was great seeing the characters from the previous book and how Livia and Juno became friends, Crosby’s sister too. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧Samantha Summers and Alastair Haynesbridge did an amazing job bringing the characters to life, had a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable. Summers nails it as Livia, grasping every facet of her personality: confident, fierce, and determined. Alastair was just as fabulous as Locke, doing the same with showcasing his personality, his angst, as well as his vulnerabilities, growing as his character grew. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, too. Their expressive delivery conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one, and they were great with the back-and-forth between the two. These two make an excellent narration team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a captivating performance that is entertaining and keeps you glued to the story.

[Cheri]

As much as I want to read Arch’s book, I’m glad Locke was the second out of the gate on this series. He seems so violent and aggressive, but that’s all because he’s such a good guy. He doesn’t know how to handle the neglect and abandonment he had in the past, so he makes sure nobody can get close to him. Enter Livia.

I found Livia’s job to be interesting. She’s not a psychologist, psychiatrist, or even a counselor. But she is great at her job as Director of Human Performance. As Locke said, what the hell is that? It’s explained as her optimizing player performance, both physically and psychologically, by getting to know them and seeing what is needed. Figuring out what will unlock each player. Certain drills, meditation, a particular playlist, etc. There’s no one fix, and she’s there to figure out what will work best for each individual. That means she works very closely with the teams and the players. She’s there for games, practice, road trips, and everything else.

Of course, Locke and his unpredictable nature are her top priority. Locke hates the idea, but knows he has to go along with it to keep his place on the roster. And because Livia is good at reading people, she approaches Locke in an unconventional way. Their sessions are more like dates, and soon the feelings are too much to deny.

When it comes to the way the relationship between Locke and Livia grows, I was all in. They have great chemistry and, as is often the case with great people who have tough outer shells, he’s different with Livia. His walls start to crack, and soon he is unable to keep his secrets all in. He knows he will lose her if he keeps pushing her away, so he leaves the door open a crack. The problems arise when he lets her blow the door the rest of the way open, and neither is truly prepared for the fallout.

As for the thing that holds Locke back, I was starting to get tired of the secret. When it’s first person, and the secret is kept from the reader, it can be odd. Obviously, Locke is thinking about his past and what happened to mold him into a loner. Yet we only get him glancing away from the issue, even while in his head. I was glad when it finally was revealed. I understand the reason Livia and others couldn’t know until later in the book, but I didn’t feel it necessary for the reader to be in the dark, too.

I still loved this story, and loved the connections Livia made with the rest of the team. As much as I want to see Arch, the team owner, and even the coach, get their HEA, I’m really hoping for a story about Miller eventually.

[Kahea]

***5 Stars***

I was sooooo excited that Locke was the next one up on the chopping block (sounds a little mercenary, I know) but I looooovveee me the outwardly damaged grumpy heroes that just need the right push to show their cuddly warm side and waiting for them to get their HEA’s/book can be excruciating. So for him to up second in the series made my day and he and Livia did NOT disappoint! I freakin’ devoured this baby (which I should have known I would, which is probaby why I started it at work and not before my sleepy time) in a matter of hours and honestly wish we’d gotten more of them before the book ended.

Obviously, I adored Locke and Livia. Locke has major trust issues, but unfortunately he comes by them honestly, but the way he’s dealt with it, is not healthy. Livia is confident, empathetic and just a good person. Their collision was inevitable and a battle of wills ensues. While Locke is wary of Livia, the curveballs she throws at him keeps him on his toes and ignites an interest that he doesn’t know if he really wants but can’t run from. Livia sees him and does her best to toe the line of professionalism, but chemistry is chemistry and not crossing that line isn’t an option.

I honestly loved them together.They just worked for me because there was an honesty between them that, while it started because of their ‘jobs’ became the basis of pushed their relationship forward. Of course, things didn’t go smoothly and when that rough patch hit, it hit. I want to say I took a side, but I didn’t. They both had their reasons and neither was truly right or wrong, it was just fact. But I do like how things were…mended between them, it wasn’t a big grovel fest, but it was perfect.

As much as I loved Locke and Livia, the Wildfire crew definitely brought life to this book. From Patrick to Crosby and Juno to Birdie, Arch, Boss, Rome and Van (total heart eyes emoji) they were all awesome and I cannot wait to head back and watch the next one fall, mostly because if I’m right about who his HEA will be…well, it’s gonna get real interesting.

And total sidenote: Locke mentions Steeplejack brewery and I have not only sampled their beers, but did go to one of their locations while visiting family (I go head down to Portland once a month) and I will say, they have some good beer and the brewery is totally worth a visit!

~ Copy provided by TAA & voluntarily reviewed ~

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf)]

Locke is an enjoyable and engaging workplace romance that features a surly hockey player and an intelligent and caring female lead. It has everything that I have come to expect from this author, including an interesting storyline, relatable and well-developed characters, and the perfect mix of steam, romance, and drama.

Livia Cross is a breath of fresh air. She is the Director of Human Performance for the new Wildfire hockey team in Portland, Oregon. She is not a psychiatrist nor a physical rehabilitation specialist like her job title suggests. Instead, she has an entirely unique and relatively unknown profession in a field that she excels at. One of the things that I love about this author is that she creates strong and fascinating FMCs that you cannot help but love!

Locke Donovan is an incredible hockey player. A master of the sport, he seems to have an underlying anger or trust issues that threaten to consume him. A bit of a lone wolf, he also comes across as a closed book in that he does not let anyone in, even his teammates. To be frank, I was not a big fan of his character for the first 20% of the book. However, I trusted this author's process, and as I learned more about Locke and came to understand him better, I ended up really liking his character.

The character development of the leading characters was impeccable, especially Locke’s character. The story moved at a good pace and the writing flowed well. The relationship between Locke and Livia was more of a slow burn, which lended itself well to the story. I did not feel a huge connection, especially on Locke’s end during the early part of their relationship. However, during the last 50%, it was impossible not to feel the sparks (and understanding) between them.

As always, I really liked the secondary characters in this novel. They are supportive and insightful, but also lend a bit of levity at times to the storyline. The author has introduced these characters in such a way that I am eager to read their upcoming stories. Locke is Book Two in this author’s Portland Wildfire Hockey Series. I did not read the first book, but I had no trouble following along as each hockey player gets his own book with a complete story. If you like hockey &/or workplace romances, this is a book you won’t want to miss!

[Sassy Southern Book Blog]

You can try to run from your past for years, but eventually something or someone will make you stop and face it head on.

That's what happens to Locke who is guarded, a loner, and has anger issues on the ice. The new expansion team he's on has hired Livia Cross, a performance enhancer, a somewhat not therapist therapist to make players play at peak performance and get out of their own way.

When Locke is assigned to do sessions with Livia, they agree to three sessions. But they find each other crossing lines and feelings get involved. Livia wants Locke to open up about his past and trust her. When the third session happens, will Locke open up or will he keep trying to run from what makes him angry and lose the best thing that's ever happened to him.

We also find Livia with an abusive ex who keeps getting in the picture and Locke is always there for her, even when she doesn't want him to be.- Jessica





There were parts of this book that I really liked and other parts that I found over the top.

The character of Locke Donovan was almost too much of a loner that I found it hard to believe that a man at his age would not let a single person get close to him, especially when he is playing a team sport. He was closed off yet protective but I struggled with his character being believable and it was only with the help of Dr. Livia Cross that he learned to open up.

Livia Cross on the other hand grew up in a great family but she recently went through a nasty split and regrets not seeing the signs earlier. She was in awe of her new job and it was almost too much hearing how good this hockey team was and how the owner spoiled the team. This team had everything you could possibly imagine and it felt too over the top. That being said I don't have any first hand experience with training facilities so maybe it is realistic.

There was immediate attraction between Locke and Livia but they were walking a fine line with balancing their personal attraction and her trying to help him professionally. Locke was there for Livia in key moments which was good so there was some tension.

This was the first book in the series that I read and I felt like this book caught me up on what the first book covered and I didn't feel behind. The characters are introduced well and you see good friendships forming.

I look forward to more in this series. 3.75 Stars- Rebecca

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads]

**Audiobook Review**

I’m back in Portland with the Wildfire and I’m so glad Locke got his story next. “Locke” is a swoony, action packed and emotional workplace, slow burn hockey romance that was a great addition to the series.

Locke Donovan is one of the most feared enforcers in the league and he’s on the newest expansion team, the Portland Wildfire. He’s a force on the ice and closed off with his team. When the owner insists on him meeting with Dr. Livia Cross, the team’s newest consultant, Locke thinks it’s a waste of time. Livia is no stranger to someone being off put by her methods so Locke is no problem for her. Her job is to make sure that he’s still safe to be on the ice and as she gets to know him, it’s clear that there’s more to him that he doesn’t share with everyone. And Locke sees a different side of Livia that he likes too.

I loved the first book in this series and Locke was no different. Sawyer Bennett isn’t afraid to write something hard and emotional for the characters to go through and I love how real that is. Locke is protective and has a vulnerable side he doesn’t let many see but when he opened up to Livia, we got to see his true self. Livia is genuine, smart and she had a great approach to get people to open up without making them feel like they couldn’t be honest with her. Locke was standoffish with her at first but once he revealed his secret, it all made sense for sure. But she was kind and made sure he knew that he was still an upstanding guy. Their chemistry was simmering underneath and when it finally boiled over, it was sizzling hot. But they connected on a deeper emotional level and that’s what they both needed. And seeing Locke’s protective side on the ice for his teammates and for Livia when she had an ex-boyfriend who wouldn’t let her go. The ending was so romantic and showed how much Locke and Livia were perfect for each other.

Samantha Summers and Alistair Haynesbridge narrated this audio and I loved them as Livia and Locke. Samantha brought the smart and caring Livia perfectly. Alistair was great as the protective yet vulnerable Locke. I loved listening to these two and will look for more from them in the future.

[Kim]

Locke Donovan is a professional hockey player, and he is literally locked down. He is an enigma. His past has made him untrusting, angry, volatile, temperamental, quiet, guarded, and a loner. And fortunately for him playing professional ice hockey as a defenseman is one way to get out your aggression but unfortunately it’s come to a point now that he’s getting so many penalties that it’s getting him in trouble with management, so now he’s walking a thin line and the owner has mandated that he meet with the new director of Human Performance and try to deal with some of his anger issues.

Livia Cross has moved home to Portland after having her own successful private practice, and now she’s working for the Wildfire. She is smart, patient, optimistic, observant, and empathetic. Some of the team are embracing her ideas to help performance, both mental and physical, but the one man who probably needs it the most and is mandated to do it is very skeptical. She’s going to have to find a way to reach him if there’s any chance of her helping him keep his place on the team. His reputation in the league already is negative despite his excellent skills, and Locke is not going to make it easy for her.

But she is not intimidated by the growly guy and works to find ways to make small gains. It is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story about trust, vulnerability, and teamwork. And about not letting fear stop you from getting close to people and living a fuller life.

It brings back characters from the first book and sets up some other stories for this series.

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[Fiona]

Locke, the second installment in Sawyer Bennett’s Portland Wildfire series, is a compelling, fast paced read that fully deserves a solid 4.5 stars. Having experienced this via immersive dual media - simultaneously reading and listening - I was completely hooked from the start. Locke is an intensely intriguing, complex hero; playing defense for the new expansion team, he keeps to himself, fiercely dedicated to hockey and sporting amazing stats, yet harbors an explosive volatility on the ice that he struggles to contain. The sparks fly immediately when he’s forced to work with Livia Cross, the team’s sharp new director of human performance. They butt heads from their very first interaction…she pushes his boundaries while he digs in his heels, utterly refusing to participate in her process. However, their friction quickly evolves into undeniable chemistry and a explosive physical attraction. What begins as a strictly casual arrangement inevitably deepens into something far more meaningful, revealing that behind Locke’s surly exterior lies a man who deep down just wants to belong, while Livia proves to be the ultimate feisty counterpart who can effortlessly go toe-to-toe with Locke and the rest of the roster.
The audiobook narration elevates the entire experience to another level. Samantha Summers and Alastair Haynesbridge deliver a superb performance, perfectly capturing the push-and-pull dynamics, the underlying emotional tension, and the raw heat between the lead characters. Beyond the core romance, Bennett does a fantastic job expanding the Portland Wildfire world, offering deeper insight into the inner workings of the expansion team and its captivating roster and staff. A highlight for longtime fans is the welcome presence of Van Turner, a beloved face from the Cold Fury and Pittsburgh Titans series, whose inclusion adds a wonderful layer of continuity. Heart-pounding, emotional, and satisfyingly swoon-worthy, Locke is a standout hockey romance that shines in both print and audio.

[Christine Frieseke-Miller]

🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧 

I absolutely adore Ms. Bennett's hockey series. It amazes me how with so many hockey books she can still give us such great, original stories!

I listened to this story which was narrated by Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers. I don't know that I've listened to them before, but I loved their voices and the telling of the story. The only thing that would have made it better would have been duet narration since I love to have a man's voice and a woman's voice voicing the correct genders. They did a great job though and really pulled me into the story.

Livia and Locke's story was so interesting to me. This was not an instalove story or even a story where they were together a while before something happened. There was probably half of the book where they really weren't anything to each other. They may have had sparks of feelings, but one incident about half way through really spurred their relationship on.

Locke is locked up tight, so his name is perfect for him. He doesn't let anyone in. He was betrayed in an awful way while growing up and doesn't want to ever go through that again. He's buried it for years, but that anger and frustration is costing him his career. I feel bad for Locke because when you find out what the issue is, it's actually heart breaking and horrible that what happened to him. When he finally starts to open up, you can feel that he is a little lighter. Livia makes him a little lighter.

Livia has such an interesting job with the Wildfire. She is tasked with getting the best performance out of an athlete. With Locke, it's counseling him and trying to unlock the pent up rage that he lets fly and often causes a problem. I can tell early on that she is definitely interested in Locke, but fights that pull because of her job.

These two made for a really good story and it was very interesting to learn about Livia's job (if it's a real thing.) I enjoyed this second story and look forward to the next one in the series.

[Pamela Lilley]

Ooh. I just love Locke Donovan and Livia Cross, the closed off enforcer for the Portland Wildfire, and the newly appointed Director of Human Performance for the team. Sparks fly from the moment they meet, but Liv isn’t there for romance, she’s come to fix the team. Starting with Locke. Something’s eating at Locke, he’s a closed book, he doesn’t socialise, he doesn’t open up to anyone, at all, ever, and it’s Liv’s job to find out what his problem is. Yep, good luck with that Liv. Locke has a lot of anger inside and lashing out on the ice seems to be his outlet, but management is not happy about his penalty minutes and if he doesn’t improve, his days on the Portland Wildfire could be numbered. Liv uses the threat of his position on the team (and a little bit of blackmail) to break down his walls. That and their explosive chemistry all add to the start of a passionate and forbidden fling - I purposefully didn’t call it romance, because neither of them want a romantic relationship. Who are they kidding? Of course it’s more, they’re just not willing to admit it. Liv also has a personal issue of her own causing problems, a cheating and abusive ex who refuses to let go. With the help of the Wildfire family (and what a family they are), things can only get better. A little bit emotional at times, I really did feel sorry for Locke, he didn’t have the best of upbringings. Liv handled him extremely well and the fact that they could read each other so well was a testament to both their personalities. Some wonderful characters in and amongst, and the fact that I also listened to the audiobook alongside reading the e-book ensured I was kept entertained throughout the day no matter what I was doing (out and about walking or simply relaxing in the garden). Both Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers are new to me narraters, and I have to say I was impressed with their performances, they really nailed it. I received an advanced copy of both the audio book and the e-book, this is my honest review.

[Ria Alexander]

Locke meets his match

Sawyer Bennett's LOCKE, Portland Wildfire #1, was another entertaining and heartfelt hockey romance. From the beginning I was completely hooked on this grumpy/sunshine, emotional healing, slow burn romance which was deeply emotional.

Because of his past Locke Donovan has had trouble trusting others. He has closed himself off from others, including his teammates. His volatile temperament has brought unwarranted aggression and numerous penalties on the ice, and owner Patrick Rowe has had enough. He has ordered Locke to attend mandatory sessions with the team's Human Performance Director. Enter Livia Cross. Livia has given up her successful practice to become consultant for the Wildfire. Rowe believes Livia is just the person to discover the origins of Locke's behaviour. Livia is empathetic, observant, and more than willing to stand up to Locke.

The chemistry and attraction between them are explosive and intense. With each session their feelings deepen and Locke slowly begins to open up leading to his temperament to soften and loosen up. While neither wanted a relationship, they were happy to have a fling, their hearts began to to them them otherwise. As Livia is helping Locke she is also dealing with a personal problem which just won't go away.

🎧Audio Review🎧

Samantha Summers and Alistair Haynesbridge are relatively new narrators to me and their portrayals of Locke and Livia were exceptional. They beautifully conveyed the emotions and passion of both characters. Their voices brought all the tension, humour, passion, confidence, and complexities of Sawyer's story.

LOCKE was a terrific story which I found very hard to put down, happily devouring it in a few hours. Locke and Livia were easy to relate to and the cast of secondary characters were just incredible. I can't wait to read some of their stories. For lovers of slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romances it can't be missed.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨5 STARS

[Julie Harrison]

I was intrigued by the story of Locke Donovan, considered the most dangerous defenseman in hockey. Teams don’t want him due to his angry and seemingly uncontrollable bad behavior on the ice, yet he’s incredibly talented. Patrick Rowe, owner of The Portland Wildfire expansion team, takes a chance on Locke and gives him a contract to play with his new team. Patrick also hires Dr. Livia Cross as Director of Human Performance, a cutting-edge new role with the team. She leverages her experience as an athlete and education to help players become their best.

As the story unfolds, Locke has a few too many angry and aggressive incidents on the ice. Patrick Rowe gives him a last change ultimatum to keep his job. He must work with Dr. Livia Cross on his anger issues.

Livia moved to Portland from LA for a fresh start. This is her dream job and she’s trying to prove herself. She left behind her ex-boyfriend, Grant, who cheated on her and then became violent when she confronted him. Livia grew up in Portland, and her family and best friend are still here.

Livia tries to connect with Locke, but he is extremely closed off. When he is ordered to have sessions with her, they arrive at an agreement that there will only be three. Livia can tell that Locke is hiding deep-seated pain, and she hopes to reach him and help.

As they interact, one thing is clear – there is incredible physical attraction between them that is about to combust! The author does an excellent job with character development – I started out not liking Locke very much, but my empathy and affection for him grew and grew. I appreciated the dilemma Livia faced as a professional woman trying to establish herself in a new role. Locke and Livia are incredible together and the narrators really brought these characters to life.

The side characters are interesting also and I can’t wait to read Arch and Birdie’s story in the next book in The Portland Wildfire Series!

[PFL]

Locke is another enjoyable entry in Sawyer Bennett's Portland Wildfire series and can easily be read as a standalone. This story pairs NHL player Locke with Livia, the team's new high-performance consultant, and their relationship delivers a good mix of chemistry, emotional growth, and workplace tension.

At first glance, Locke comes across as distant, gruff, and notoriously difficult to approach. He has built a reputation for keeping people at arm's length, projecting a hard exterior that makes him seem perpetually irritated and uninterested in forming connections. Many of his teammates have learned to accept his guarded nature, but Livia sees beyond the defensive walls he has carefully constructed. As their interactions increase, it becomes clear that beneath his prickly demeanor is a man carrying far more emotional weight than anyone realizes.

Livia is a wonderful counterpart to Locke. As a psychologist and high-performance consultant, she's insightful, compassionate, and confident enough not to be intimidated by his tough exterior. Rather than trying to change him, she takes the time to understand him, which allows their connection to develop in a believable and meaningful way.

I especially enjoyed watching Locke gradually let down his guard. His character growth felt authentic, and the romance was strengthened by the trust and vulnerability they built together. Bennett does a great job balancing the hockey aspects with the emotional journey, and the team dynamics continue to add fun and depth to the story.

While some of the plot developments were fairly predictable, the strong character work and emotional payoff kept me invested throughout. Overall, Locke is a heartfelt hockey romance featuring a seemingly unapproachable hero, a strong and intelligent heroine, and a satisfying love story that proves first impressions aren't always accurate.

[Rachel Nahabedian]

Loved it

🏒 Hockey Romance
😡 Grumpy MMC
💪 Strong-Willed FMC
💼 Workplace Romance
❤️‍🩹 Emotional Healing
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🤗 Protective Hero
☠️ Touch Her & Get Pounded

Okay, I have a thing for a broody grump. Who doesn't? And Locke is DEFINITELY a broody grumpy grump. Luckily, Livia is exactly the woman he needs to soften those edges.

Locke is carrying SO MUCH hurt, shame, and vulnerability, and I understood why he thought keeping everyone at arm's length was the only way to survive. Watching him slowly learn to trust Livia (and eventually his team) was everything.

And Livia? I LOVED her strength. She never flinched when Locke pushed. She just stood her ground and slowly showed him that she wasn't going anywhere.

But then whenever Grant comes around and we see a completely different Livia? That angry, scared, frozen, trying to placate him and avoid making things worse side? That duality really got me. Watching her finally step into her power and become the Livia she was always capable of being...The one that she's always been with Locke...was one of my favorite parts.

That said, Locke's secret and the Grant subplot were actually what I was MOST invested in, and I wish we'd gotten more of them. They were teased for so much of the book that the resolutions felt a little rushed at the end.

I also LOVE the setups happening for future books and getting to see more of Crosby and Juno?! YES PLEASE. 👀 I am very invested in where this series is going.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this one! And the audiobook narration was 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Samantha Summers perfectly captured Livia's quiet strength, while Alastair Haynesbridge had Locke's coiled anger down to PERFECTION. They complemented each other so well.

Thank you, Sawyer and The Author Agency, for the ARC & ALC!

[Sue Galuska]

Locke Donovan is the league's most dangerous enforcer and is now on the Portland Wildfire, the NHL's newest expansion team. Locke doesn’t do teammates...doesn’t do relationships....and he barely will have a conversation. Locke may be the best but he also has anger issues that owner Patrick Rowe would like to get to the bottom of and fix.

Dr. Livia Cross has recently been hired as the Portland Wildfire's new Director of Human Performance, which is a someone who can optimize performance in elite athletes. Livia was thrilled for the job since it brings her back to her hometown and away from a past mistake.

Of course Locke wants nothing to do with Livia, even if he is attracted to her, but once another incident happens on the ice, Patrick forces the issue. The more time Livia and Locke spend together, the more they both realize what they assumed of the other was way different than reality. Pretty soon these two are spending more time together and Locke starts opening up.

When Livia's past shows up threatening her, Locke comes to her rescue and their relationship turns from professional to personal. They both realize that what is happening between them is something real. Just when it looks like these two are getting their happy ever after, both of their pasts come barrelling back into their lives causing everything to blow up. In the end some deep internal searching of their personal issues happens and then these two finally get their happy ending.

I just adored this hockey romance. Locke had so many demons in his past you couldn't help but want to root for him. Livia was just the perfect person to help Locke with his past. I loved how she didn't give up on him. Another fun addition to this series.

[Jackie Wright]

Audio/eBook Review:
Locke is Dr Livia Cross and NHL player Locke Donovan’s entertaining, emotional and at times dark journey. It’s book two in the Portland Wildfire Series and it didn’t take me long to become invested in this couple and their story. From the first chapter to the last line I was captivated and as I closed the final page I still wanted more.
Livia is hired as the new high-performance consultant for the Wildfire NHL team and her first job is to observe and evaluate why Locke is shut off from his team and why he is so volatile on and off the ice. Problem is Locke has no intention to open up his past to anyone………
Locke keeps his private life private and he feels he doesn’t need to be buddies with his teammates to do his job. But when Livia starts getting close he finds himself unraveling his past and opening up to woman he was determined was not going to pity him. So what happens when this couple realise they have a connection, it may be fragile but it’s the first connection he has had in a long time………
This story touched me on so many levels, I fell hard and fast for Locke and my heart broke as he showed his vulnerability and I want the strong and sassy Livia in my corner but what took this book to the next level was watching this couple dance around the feelings that had even when they weren’t sure if it was love or loyalty. I loved this book so big.

Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers are new narrators to me and they did a great job bringing the characters and their story to life. They were spot on with the emotion and the passion that flows through this book.