Baden

Pittsburgh Titans #1

by Sawyer Bennett, Aiden Snow (Narrator), Lessa Lamb (Narrator)

After suffering a horrific injury that threatens to end his career, Baden Oulett is about to learn that sometimes a fresh start is just what the doctor ordered.

I worked my whole life to achieve one goal—play professional hockey. As part of the defending Cup champion Arizona Vengeance, I was living my dream until one split second decision destroyed it all. Instead of lacing up my skates and hitting the ice, I’ve spent my days in rehab and physical therapy just so I could walk again. When a coaching opportunity with the Pittsburgh Titans is presented to me, I find myself with a career I had never considered but which allows me to continue being part of the sport that I love.

While my injuries are physical, the same can’t be said for the woman I rescued. Suffering from wounds that can’t be seen, Sophie Winters has withdrawn from the world in fear and guilt. I didn’t know Sophie before that fateful night and have only met her once since, but I refuse to let her face her demons alone. Determined to be a friend, I support Sophie in the only way I know how… by simply being there.

Through our shared trauma, Sophie and I begin to find peace within one another. As we grow closer, what started as friendship becomes more intimate until our broken pieces become one. But can a love born of anguish endure, or will the pain of our past prove too much to overcome?

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

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 11, 2022

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

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, Look Over Here, ONLY 99CENTS!!!
4.5 All We Had Been Waiting For Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
From the first moment, Baden was introduced in past books, I was interested. As his story was used in the other books, I became obsessed to know what the outcome would be for him, because I knew Sawyer was priming us for something huge.

This book did not disappoint. We got all the healing and discovery, we got to see Baden reach out and become a factor with the Titans coming together and overcoming their pain. He found himself and love.

This book did everything it needed to do, as the first part of a new series. We met new people, saw their pain and personalities, we had a solid love story for Baden, and he found his place with this team.

I am all in for more.

Baden: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stone: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
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Gage: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
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Coen: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Drake: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Bennet's Arizona Vengence Birthed The Pittsburgh Titans

Bishop (Arizona Vengeance,#1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Erik (Arizona Vengeance,#2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Legend (Arizona Vengeance,#3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dax (Arizona Vengeance #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tacker (Arizona Vengeance, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dominik (Arizona Vengeance #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rafe (Arizona Vengeance, #6.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wylde (Arizona Vengeance #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kane (Arizona Vengeance, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Steele (Arizona Vengeance, #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jett (Arizona Vengeance, #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Riggs (Arizona Vengeance #11)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~

Woo Hoo, Going In!
A Brand New Team and Series by Sawyer Bennett
November 3, 2021
Baden Oulett Experienced Something No One Should...
He Was A Champion, Due The Breathing Room...
Only For Those At The Top Of Their Game...

Instead, In A Moment Done From Goodness...
Robbed Him Of That Future...
Instead, He Became A Warrior Of Another Kind...

Now He Is Coaching A New Team...
A Fresh Start To Make A Difference...

Part Of This New Chapter...
Is Baden Supporting The One Who Understands...
The One Who Experienced All The Pain...

Here Is A Question...
Can Two Who Support Each Other...
Grow Into More...

Baden (Pittsburgh Titans, #1)-January 11, 2022


For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOPHIE + BADEN

We were all waiting for Baden's story!
And here it is!!
And he even brings us a whole new series! Still a hockey series, but Sawyer says that this will be a bit more emotional, deeper.... meaning we might shed some more tears!
Obviously - because the Pittsburgh Titans just lost their whole team in a plane crash.
And the new owner hires Baden as her new goalie coach.
Coincidentally Sophie is also living in Pittsburgh. She's the one Baden tried to save from three attackers - almost getting killed in the process. It definitely killed his career - so he'll be a coach now.
Sophie still hasn't mentally healed from the attack ... she's barely able to leave her house.
Could those two broken darlings help each other heal from everything that happened?

═══════════════




Well. That was adorable. But also very heartbreaking and sad.
But we're also trying to start again. Start life again. Work. A whole new team. So many new beginnings. It might take a while for everything to be better for everyone. But Sophie and Baden are off to a very good start!
I really enjoyed reading this! They're so perfect for each other! Adorable!
But they're a bit scared to destroy their new and very beautiful friendship with a potential relationship....
Great first story in this new series...
I also might probably maybe kinda not read any more of theses books - I've just had it with hockey now. I hate hockey and even though there's not too much of it in here... it was still too much and I just don't like the whole world of it. But I also want to know what happens to all the people!! Ugh!

Can we also please get a Sawyer Bennett Hockey Netflix series??

BADEN was a really adorable + heartbreaking + sweet + just great start into this brand new hockey world! ☺ Run to your nearest amazon for your own BADEN - this one is MINE!
(Although ... the name Baden is so weird for a german person to say ... it means to bathe! LOL)


💜 💜

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)



Baden Oulett is a professional hockey player for the Arizona Vengeance when his entire life changes in the blink of an eye. One horrific moment alters the whole trajectory of his future, and threatens to end his career. Then he's offered an opportunity for a fresh start and a new challenge as one of the coaches for the Pittsburgh Titans. Their organization was rocked to its core by unimaginable loss, and they are shattered, but fighting to rebuild their team so they can get back on the ice. As he enters a new phase in his life he reconnects with a woman from the past. It's been seven months since he saw the woman he rescued. He's intrigued by this gorgeous, sweet woman and the complex feelings she evokes in him.

Last year Sophie Winters spirit was decimated by a traumatic experience she can't seem to move on from. She's paralyzed and ruled by fear, and is still a bit lost. She stays in her bubble and doesn't step out of her comfort zone. She needs to move on and get her life back. Then the man that was once her savior re-enters her life. They become friends, and the bond they already share turns into a deeper connection. Will love conquer all, or are they too broken to overcome their painful past?



-I don’t know this man, and yet I implicitly trust him.

-We shared an experience that bonds us in a way no one else will ever understand.



Baden (Pittsburgh Titans #1) by Sawyer Bennett is an emotional, slow burn, friends to lovers, sports romance about healing, friendship, second chances and unexpected love. It's the first book in Sawyer Bennett's all new hockey romance series, and the one I've been waiting for. Baden is super swoony, and this is the perfect comeback book. This beautiful story touches the heart and will hit you in all the feels! <333



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3zNYhEm

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

sports romance, with a focus on the sports part.

this book is 90% sports
6% trauma
4% romance
i zoned out a few times while listening to this, because I'm not a sports girl, so all the sports talk was quite boring, and the romance only came by the end of the audiobook (the last 2h)

[Black Ink Riot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever been 4.5 hours into an 8 hour audiobook and realized that nothing has happened in the story thus far and it’s not even worth it to continue because you don’t care about the characters at all?

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a promising new series!
I absolutely loved the relationship between retired Arizona Vengeance goalie and currently Pittsburgh Titans goalie coach (Baden )and the woman he rescued from a savage attack (Sophie), and I admired how strong they (mostly Baden; Sophie struggles with PTSD) were after going through an absolutely horrifying experience. I loved how Sawyer Bennett slowly developed the relationship from friends leaning on each other for support to lovers who realized fate drew them together and they weren’t going to waste the opportunity for something more. I loved them both and how devoted they were to each other!

Being from the Pittsburgh area I loved how SB got everything right about the city —although a few of the locations—(the arena isn’t located between the two stadiums) were tweaked a bit but that’s ok. It definitely read like a love letter to the city.🙂

It’s true that you have to wait pretty far into the story for things to heat up between Baden and Sophie because SB takes some time setting up the series and all that the H and h have been through but I was ok with that. It felt right for things to develop naturally beyond the bond from their shared experience and I enjoyed getting to know them and falling in love with them and watching them fall in love.

Being the first book in the series there were lots of new characters to introduce yet I wasn’t confused. I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s story and seeing who they are paired with. There’s definitely going to be some angst for everyone on the team considering how they’ve come to be on the team (the previous team was all killed in a plane crash). It took me a bit to get past the horror of that and there are definitely some players on the current team who clearly are having trouble with it. I’m glad Jenna from the Vengeance series is making the move to Pittsburgh and I’m wondering if she’ll be paired with someone on the team…?🤔

So an excellent start for me. Any time I read a book in one day is a good sign for me and earns an automatic can’t-put-down 5 stars!

[☾ Nikki. ✿ SUGARVOGUE. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt for both of the main characters in this book, they've both been through alot. I enjoyed this book and the storyline. I wasn't in love with it BUT it was still a good book and I am going to read the next books in the series!

Three stars | ⭐⭐⭐

Nikki | Sugarvogue.
•https://linktr.ee/Sugarvogue
•nikkisugarvogue@gmail.com
•https://sugarvoguenikki.blogspot.com/

[Tianna✸loves books✸]

Sweet cute romance.
H heroically saves the h from attackers, getting injured in the process. She suffers from PTSD after the incident. The H again saves her. Good plot.

Lots of sports talk. Many characters descriptions. These things bored me out.

I just wasn’t in mood for this. And anyways friends to lovers is not really my trope.

The book is not at all bad. Just not my type.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down! I have been patiently waiting for Baden's book, okay not so patiently but anyway, for a long time and it's finally here and I couldn't be happier with the way things went for him.

Baden played with the Arizona Vengeance when he witnessed a woman, Sophie, being attacked so he jumped in to save her...she got away and he was left unable to walk. We have watched Baden go through physical therapy and regain the motion in his legs but the question always lingered, would he be able to play pro hockey again? (Please note that you do not have to read that series in order to enjoy this book, he was a side character that weaved in and out of the stories but this is the one that focuses on him and will give you his HEA) If you read Riggs, you'll recall that the Pittsburgh Titans Plane crashes and everyone on board is killed Co-Owner Brienne Norcross makes Baden an offer to become Goalie Coach of the new Titans team she is putting together...and now we are at the beginning of this new series which promises to be more emotional so get those tissues handy because you're going to need them.

Sophie lives in Pittsburgh where Baden is now living so he pays her a visit to check on her. When he finds out that she has basically been home bound since the traumatic event he vows to help her, ​I adore this about him.

We get to meet all the new players for the Pittsburgh Titans and I gotta say, it's going to be an interesting ride with this group of guys.

Baden and Sophie have great chemistry in this slow burn friends-to-lovers Hockey Romance. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Sports Romances, Contemporary Romances, or Friends-to-Lovers Romances.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewB1



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit me in every feel…

I’m not sure my heart can take this series. Seriously. I love how this author can create a world that feels so real and alive. That I can feel the character’s sadness, their trials and their happiness. With the devastation that has hit this team, and everyone connected with it, I knew it was going to hurt…

Baden and Sophie’s story started long before now and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. A wounded professional athlete, Baden was a hero who didn’t have a clear plan anymore. The life he thought he would have was in doubt. And Sophie. Well, hers had been stopped in its track. Both of them were looking for a life they could be happy with. Love? Well, that wasn’t even on the radar…

Starting a new life after trauma wasn’t easy and the circumstances surrounding them made their reconnection even more bittersweet. They did get together, though, and that hopefulness was instrumental in making this series starter such a good one. I cheered these two on through every hiccup and wanted them to succeed. They had to….

There was sadness for sure, but their journey showed how you can survive. You can be happy again…

Played out in a hockey world I felt already home in, this love story had it all. Hockey and family, supportiveness, and two people who worked hard for their new lives. And each other. Perfection! ~Diane, 5 stars

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next chapter in Baden Oulett's story but by no means is it his whole story. We have seen him go from an active NHL player to horrifically beaten and recovering from a serious spinal cord injury(in the last few books of the Arizona Vengeance series). We have seen him go from hopelessness to finding the will to recover and then fighting his way back to beat the odds, and now we get to see him figure out the next part of his life.

At this point, Baden has become much more self-adjusted. He is physically and mentally getting stronger every day but he still has goals. His ultimate goal was to get back on the ice but there’s still a question of whether it is attainable. So when a tragedy occurs and brings him a new opportunity for a coaching position he has a decision to make. So this begins the Pittsburgh Titans era. New job, new challenges, and something he didn’t expect.

Sophie was the initial victim in the incident that cost Baden almost everything. He saved her but she still suffers PTSD, fear, and anxiety from being attacked. She’s virtually homebound and really needs to find a way out of her cocoon. When Baden shows up at her door just to check in, it is a catalyst for her to begin to look ahead in her own life.

I absolutely adore these two together. When she’s comfortable in a situation she is funny, caring, and her beauty just shines. And Baden is just so patient, supportive, accepting, empathetic, charming, and just such a swoony hero. They shared the common history and bond and understanding that no one else could. But they also quickly developed this rapport and companionship that they both so really needed. It was an unexpected bonus of his move to Pittsburgh and something else that just changed his outlook on life. And now that he’s done most of the work on himself, he can be a cheerleader for her to try to beat back her demons, have small successes, and try to take her own life back and work towards her own dreams.

This is a sweet, sexy, inspirational, bond-forged-in-tragedy, friends-to-roommates-to-lovers story of survival, hope, healing, and love. These two went through hell, but they’re coming out on the other side of it and it’s so beautiful to see. I was so invested in them and finding joy in life again.

I enjoyed visiting with his old friends on the Vengeance and meeting the new guys on the Pittsburgh Titans. Her friend Frankie is also quite a character. I am really looking forward to more with this newly put together and somewhat troubled team. They are truly rebuilding a team from scratch after a tragedy and it seems there will definitely be growing pains and plenty of dynamic characters.

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[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer Bennett scores big with her first novel in the Pittsburgh Titans series, a tale that unflinchingly tackles the heartbreak and pain of tragic loss, while never losing sight of its lovely central romance.

When NHL player Baden Oulett came upon three individuals set on harming a defenseless woman, he didn’t hesitate to intervene. He saved Sophie’s life but at a great personal cost.

Now, after months of rehab just to be able to walk again, he’s faced with another life altering decision: take a coaching job with the Pittsburgh Titans who are rebuilding their entire team after a heartbreaking loss of their own.

Although Sophie Winters didn’t suffer from physical injuries, she’s still suffering from PTSD. Guilt and anxiety restrict her to her home. Now that Baden is in the same city, he’s determined to help her once more.

Even though the barely know each other, their shared experience has bonded them and with each other’s help, they’re building one another up. And what started with a horrific encounter now has the potential for so much more.

I am first and foremost a Sawyer Bennett fan, so I’ll read everything she publishes. Second, I’m an Arizona Vengeance fan and have been dying to read about Baden. His story is rife with emotions, from heartbreaking to triumphant.

Sophie was absolutely perfect for him. Although a little lost, she’s witty, kind and vibrant. Their friendship born out of tragedy was beautiful. I loved how they supported each other and how their relationship naturally evolved into more.

For Vengeance fans, you’ll love the cameos by Riggs, Bishop, Erik, Legend, and the rest of the gang. Of course there was more going on, besides the romance and leaving Arizona behind. New characters were introduced who I can’t wait to read about.

Baden book #1 of the Pittsburgh Titans series by Sawyer Bennett. It’s a contemporary romance told from both points of view with a happy ending. Tropes: hockey romance|

By the numbers quick review:
➵ Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤+
➵ Plot/Pace : 📚📚📚📚
➵ World building: 🌏🌎🌍🌍🌎
➵ Sexiness : 🔥🔥🔥🔥
➵ Romance : 💕💕💕💕
Overall rating: 4.6

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pzqX0G

★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.

★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hockey romance with a serious side!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤❤️💜🩵
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😭☺️😊🙃
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration

The Hero: Baden Oulett - he is from Canada, a professional hockey player, for the Arizona Vengeance, where his team is the defending Stanley cup champions. Seven months ago, he saved a woman that was being attacked in a parking lot. The men who were attacking her, instead turned on him and he ended up being paralyzed from the waist down. He spent the last seven months recovering and working hard to walk again. He is still not back to where he was but is now able to walk and live a normal life.

The heroine: Sophie Winters - she is the woman Baden saved in that Phoenix parking lot. She lives in Pennsylvania and suffers from anxiety and PTSD. Sophie was recently fired from her job for not being able to return to her previous duties which included constant travel. She rarely leaves her house except to visit her sister or parents, in nearby suburbs of Pittsburgh.

The story: When nearly the entire team of the Pittsburgh Titans gets killed in a tragic plane crash, the owner has to rebuild the team from the ground up. Most of the players were brought up from the minors, with a few retired players returning. Baden is hired as the new goalie coach for the Titans. His best friend had been one of the players that died in the crash. Not long after arriving in Pittsburgh, Baden goes to visit Sophie, and he is determined to help her get out in the world more than she has in the past months.

When Baden and Sophie meet for lunch, he asks her to help him find a new place to live since he hates living out of hotels. He tells her he does that enough during the season when they go to away games. She readily agrees, but also offers him her spare bedroom while he searches for a place. She says it is just sitting empty and that she is a great cook as well. Baden takes her up on her offer and moves in with her soon after.

There were some great storylines in this book, from Sophie’s PTSD to Baden’s new job as a goalie coach, trying to talk a player into coming on board with the Titans, who was kicked out of the league after his ex-wife turned to the press with a bunch of baseless allegations against him. The player now has full custody of his kids, and his ex is a drug user whose allegations have been proven untrue.

“An evil, violent act introduced us.
Fate brought us back together again.
Healing wounds bonded us.
And sex sealed it all.
She’s simply mine. And I am hers.”

This audiobook was narrated in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Aiden Snow and Lessa Lamb. These are two terrific narrators. Aiden Snow has a deep but soft voice that I just love and he always does a fantastic job. Lessa Lamb also has a great voice and is terrific at sounding anxious which was perfect for Sophia. I really liked the narration on this one!

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[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t come in at the beginning of the Arizona Vengeance series. I guess you could say that I was a mid-season trade. So it took me a minute to get familiar with the players and all of their backstories. For this reason, I was thrilled to see that a new team was being started, with all new players for me to get to know, right from the start. Sawyer Bennett could not have picked a better place to begin than with Baden Oulett, and she has her work cut out for her if she intends to have guys that are more charming or likeable than him.

We were introduced to Baden several books back as the backup goalie for the Vengeance. In the selfless act of a good Samaritan, Baden stepped in to rescue a woman who was being attacked, and was viciously beaten for his efforts. With his physical health and his career prospects taken away, Baden has battled his way back from being paralyzed to being able to walk and lead a mostly normal life once more. His body and attitude may have recovered, but being a professional hockey player again may be unattainable. That is until the horrific tragedy of a plane crash wiping out the entire Pittsburgh Titan’s team leaves them with a need to replace their goalie coach, and presents Baden with the chance to stay in the game he loves while helping a team and city heal their wounds.

Moving to Pittsburgh also presents Baden with the chance to reconnect with Sophie, the woman he saved. While Baden’s wounds were physical, Sophie’s presented themselves as crippling anxiety to leaving her home and feeling vulnerable anytime she left its safety. Refusing to allow the attack to dominate Sophie’s life the way it did his for so long, Baden sets out to help Sophie, and befriends her in a way that is so sincerely and touching that I couldn’t help but instantly fall in love with him. And apparently, neither could Sophie!

What began as friendship and support, being able to help one another get over a shared tragedy to come out stronger on the other side, quickly turned to attraction and love. Watching these two get to know one another inside and out and genuinely come away as a better person for loving the other was beautiful to read.

I fell in love with Baden and Sophie, have become enamored with the new characters and city, and am addicted to this new team. I can’t wait to see what comes next as this organization rebuilds and we get to know a whole new roster of players. I can only hope they have as much heart and positivity as Baden, because his story really was a joy to read.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Michal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf 46.8%

I was postponing reading this book for more than a year somehow knowing I wouldn't like it.

Summary:
Introduction to the new hockey team, the team staff and the new team owner after the plane crushed and everyone on it unfortunately died.
What's the new team staff role play. How the new miss-match team going to work on the ice.

All about the hero's new life and recovery after the hero and heroine's attack. All about the heroine's on-going brutal PTSD and anxiety illness after their attack (she didn't even leave the house).
Zero chemistry.

That's why I, personally and generally, don't read about recovering from trauma stories. Usually they slow to nothing on romance and more about the recovery.

Conclusion- very informative book, very low on the romance.

Honestly? Boring as fuck.

My luck, I've read this series backwards. The last two book were five stars that I'm going to read again.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sawyer Bennett announced this new series, I had mixed feelings. First because of everything that Baden had been through and second, because of the tragedy that brought him to the Titans. One thing I can say for certain is that this book, this series, promises to be everything I want and need in a truly beautiful and enjoyable romance read.

There is something very special about Baden and Sophie. I can’t even put into words what watching them get together, first as friends and then as lovers, did to me. It was a truly beautiful and touching story and I was mesmerized by how much they cared about each other. You could feel the love they had for each other, in every word you read. It was beyond anything I could have imagined.

Baden is so much more than a fantastic hockey romance - It is the promise of many more great reads to come. I am so very excited to read more about the Titans and look forward to the next book in the series. I’m giving this book the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Since the moment I first learned about this series, I have been desperate to get my hands on it. It’s a fascinating premise, promising lots of intensity and emotion, and that’s exactly what it delivered – along with a sweetly romantic love story between two damaged but relatable characters.

This book is a spin-off from the Arizona Vengeance series. I haven’t read that series, but had no trouble picking this one up and getting right into it. I imagine if you have read the Vengeance series, the character crossover would be even more exciting.

This book begins following the horrific tragedy of the entire Pittsburgh Titans NHL team being killed when their plane crashed. Not just the players, but the owner, coaches and other staff were aboard, and the team is decimated. The new owner (sister of the now deceased owner) is keen to honor their legacy and get a new team together, and she’s busily pulling people in from all over the country to get the new team up and running.

Baden Oulett was a player for the Arizona Vengeance NHL team, until a brutally violent attack saw left him with devastating injuries and unable to play again. Now, he’s been offered the opportunity to become the new goalie coach for the Titans, and he figures that not only is it a way for him to remain involved with the sport that he loves, but it’s also the fresh start that he needs.

Sophie Winters was rescued from a randomly violent attack by Baden, and she has suffered overwhelming anxiety and PTSD ever since. Not only from her own fear over what almost happened to her, but from the extreme guilt she feels over the injuries that Baden suffered while saving her. She suffers from nightmares and barely leaves the house, but when Baden moves to Pittsburgh, where she lives, and looks her up, she fights her fears to meet with the man who saved her life.

Baden is devastated when he sees Sophie and realises how much she is struggling, and though they’ve only met once before, he is immediately determined to befriend her, and help her past her fears to face the world again

It’s a great set-up, and together Baden and Sophie find comfort and solace with each other. They open up and talk about their shared experience, and its ongoing impact on their lives, and their instant easy friendship is so sweet. Underneath it all, of course, is a simmering attraction that is natural and emotional, and the more time they spend together, the deeper it becomes, and I loved watching their feelings for each other change.

Because of all of that they are dealing with, the romance is a slow burn, and it all just feels so right. And when their big moment comes, it’s beautifully sweet, swoony and emotional.

“You know this was inevitable.”
“I only dared hope,” I whisper.

It’s such a gorgeous love story that is easy, natural and functional, and it ties in so well to Baden and Sophie’s individual character development. They have a lot to work through, and they do it together, and I enjoyed watching them reclaim their lives after so much devastation and find happiness together.

An evil, violent act introduced us.
Fate brought us back together again.
Healing wounds bonded us.
And sex sealed it all.
She’s simply mine. And I am hers.

In the meantime, Baden is working with the Titans, made up of a random mix of rookies, veterans, and a small number of players who missed that fateful flight. It’s a unique group, full of hot tempers, damaged souls and complex dynamics, and it sets up the series beautifully as all of these men come together, each with their own demons, to play hockey for a devastated city. I love the backstories for the boys, and can’t wait for their books as the series continues.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a strong start for the series, with drama, emotion, and a gorgeous friends-to-lovers romance, and I’m excited for more.

4 stars.

An Advanced Review Audio Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna Valsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Baden's story, but I'm disappointed. Too much hockey and very little romance. And very, very slow.
This is at 78% which happens the first kiss:
"Leaning over me, Baden kisses me again as a hand moves to my ribs. It’s light, somewhat tentative. We moved from friends to nearly lovers very quickly. There was no dating. No flirting. No innuendo."
Zero romantic connection, only friendship.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Trinette Dungee

Baden Oulett is recovering from two tragic events in his life in less than a year. First, he is critically injured while saving a woman from a vicious attack, that has ended his professional hockey career, and now he’s mourning the loss of his best friend in fatal plane crash that took the lives of not only his friend but the entire Pittsburg Titan’s hockey team.

The last thing he ever expected was to be offered a position on the newly organized team of the Pittsburgh Titans. Taking this position means he will have to accept the fact that he will never play hockey professionally again. It also means, moving to a new city and leaving his Arizona Vengeance Family behind. With his best friend Wes gone, the only other person Baden knows in Pittsburgh is Sophie, the woman whose life he saved, and he doesn’t know her well at all. Their interactions have been few and far between and when he visits her and sees how traumatized she still is from her attack, he makes it his mission to not only become her friend, but to help her work through her fears.

The last nine months of Sophie’s life have been challenging to say the least. She was saved from certain death and while she suffered very little in the way of physical trauma, mentally, her life has been turned upside down. Not only has she become somewhat agoraphobic, but she is suffering from the guilt of what happened to Baden Oulett when he saved her. Nothing could have surprised her more than when she looked out her door to see Baden on her doorstep, well nothing except his determination to build a friendship and help her through her tough times.

From the moment we learned about Baden’s attack in the Arizona Vengeance series we’ve gotten a pretty good background on him, especially during Riggs’ story. If you read Riggs’ story, then you know there was a sneak peek of Baden’s story. Now, I’m an odd duck when it comes to these types of things because I choose to not read them. There are a few reasons for this but the main being, I don’t like getting a piece of the pie, I want the whole thing in one shot ☺. The other thing that I admit I’m in the minority with is reading they synopsis for upcoming books in series or a spin-off. If it’s an author I’m totally invested in and pretty much read all of their works, I go on complete faith that the next book will be of interest in me. So, when I say I pretty much went in blind with Baden, I went in blind. The only thing I knew was his friend died in the crash and he would be working through that and the possible loss of his career. Of course, I knew there was going to be a love interest and I honestly thought it would be between him and Jenna. After reading the first chapter I figured it would be between him and Brienne Norcross. Once I realized the possibility of him moving to Pittsburgh was there, I figured Sophie would come into the picture, but not as his love interest. Totally floored.

Baden’s main struggle is deciding if he should take the position offered to him or hold out hope for someday returning to the ice as a professional player.

Dominick shrugs. “You don’t know if it’s a stupid offer. All you really know is whether you’ve got the guts to try it. But that’s not why you’re really here.” And there it is…out on the table. Dominick is forcing me to confront the real issue that we haven’t talked about since the day I was injured seven months ago. Whether I could still play hockey at a professional level.” …...He knows as well as I do what my chances are of returning to this league. I just need him to validate what I already know. I need him to say it.”

I truly expected Baden’s story to be full of resentment and animosity and have to fight his way back from it, but he wasn’t. This was the same Baden we encountered towards the end of the Arizona Vengeance Series, the same Baden who more or less counseled Riggs. Whether he realized it or not, Baden was a born leader. He weighed the pros and cons, he measured his approach be it to his players or to Sophie, and he pretty much gave some sound advice. Sophie said it best. “He’s so self-assured and has been like a phoenix rising from the ashes, making and incredible come back after the trauma he endured” (Not sure if it was done on purpose, but there’s a lot of symbolism in that “Phoenix rising from the ashes” line).

That doesn’t mean he didn’t have his moments. For me, the biggest moment was the first time he put on skates while taking Sophie ice skating. >Immediately, my heart bottoms into the pit of my stomach. I’m skating, I feel strong. Goddamn it… did I give up my shot to get back on the team? Baden may have repeatedly doubted his ability to coach, but this was the first time he doubted himself.

Sophie was a bit of a shock to me as well. She may have been skittish, but she was definitely no shrinking violet. There were some moments when my heart ached for her, one being her attempt to visit the grocery store, although it took her some time and Baden’s help, she did push through. Just like Baden grows to understand Sophie, she understands him right back, especially when he underestimates himself. You are not a fraud …She says I’m not a fraud and I decide to take her at her word …There will come a day when this will seem like old hat. For now, cut yourself a break. Try to enjoy how monumental this evening is for you.

What I really liked about this book; it was a true friends-to-lovers story. Because we got to somewhat know Baden earlier, there wasn’t a lot to discover about him; most of the discovery was around Sophie. The immediate attraction was there but this was a slow burn as Baden and Sophie discovered if their relationship was based totally on their shared trauma, or if there was a true connection between the two. These were two people who most definitely could have been “victims”, but they each powered through. The chemistry between the two was amazing and easy.

I love the cross over factors of an author’s series so I was definitely happy with the appearance of Arizona Vengeance characters, which was kind of inevitable considering how this series was created, but the mention of Jameson Security Force and the appearance of Gray Brannon were pleasant surprises.

Just like I typically don’t read “sneak-peeks”, I don’t always read the author’s notes prior to reading the book for fear there will be spoilers, but this time I did. I’m glad I did because it kind of prepared me for the introduction of new characters. I think this series is definitely going to be a departure from Sawyer’s typical Series. I think this one will be super emotional. I don’t think I’ve ever read a series, definitely not one of Sawyer Bennett’s, where each character’s storyline is a direct result of not just a tragic event, but the same tragic event. So while Baden’s story was very straight to the point and next to no angst (which is fine by me, because I’m not a huge fan of angst…gives me too much anxiety), it was the perfect “transition” book and sets us up for what’s sure to be an emotional rollercoaster of storylines. I can’t wait to meet these guys! Coen, Stone, Gage, and Drake. I can’t quite figure out how Gage is going to affect me. I think I’m most anxious to read Drake’s story (you know single dads are my jam), I think Stone is going to be a tear-jerker because of his brother, but something tells me Coen is going to rip me to shreds.

Totally excited about this series.

SB: The Titans’ coach is a Matt Keller, don’t know why, but I feel like I should know this name…..I guess time will tell.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh. Lord have mercy. This series is going to hit all my sweet spots, I just know it!

Emotional? ✔️
Romantic? ✔️
Gripping back-story? ✔️
Sports? ✔️

ALL. THE. THINGS.

You guys. These are all the things I find utterly irresistible and this story -- and I think the series it sets up -- is just bursting with these things.

As a loyal reader of the Arizona Vengeance series, I've been dying for Baden's story for a long time. I must say, he was much more sensitive than I anticipated. A good guy - which obviously I already knew, but the extent of his emotional recovery took me a little by surprise. Not in a bad way. Not at all. Because Baden, y'all. I just freaking adored him. He was such a stand-up guy. So patient. So sweet. So insanely likable. My heart never stood a chance.

I loved Sophie for him. I loved that their love story rose out of their tragedy like this beautiful phoenix. She was absolutely perfect for this perfect man. I loved her warmth and sweetness, and her ability to stand toe-to-toe with Baden when she needed to. But mostly, I think I loved the deeply emotional character arc that these two shared, and how tenderly Sawyer Bennett wrote them.

This was such a beautiful story. I know there are going to be so many heart-wrenching moments ahead and I am here for every moment. You guys, I honestly can't remember the last time I was so excited for a new series! Baden was the perfect way to kick it off - my heart is so overflowing for this story, and absolutely bursting with anticipation for the ones to follow! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

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

Sawyer Bennett has once again weaved a story to pull on the heartstrings and keep you enthralled in the story from beginning to the happiest of happily ever afters.

This was the perfect start to the new Pittsburgh Titans series. Baden has been on my mind for a while ever since he was introduced in the Vengeance series. This man has overcome so much and is a walking miracle. He gives the new meaning to hope. Sophie has been through just as much but is having a harder time to overcome her demons. These two will lean on each other to give the other strength to face the demons of their past.

This story will give you all the feels. You'll follow along as two people who come together from their joined tragic event to find their strength and happily ever after. It's emotional and heartbreaking with a mix of triumph and hope. It's sweet and sexy and make your heart full romance.

Aiden Snow brought Baden to life with his deep timbre and smooth voice. He had the right tone at the right time. Lessa Lamb is a new female narrator to me and she was fabulous. She voiced Sophie with just the right amount of emotion she needed. She brought her to life amazingly.

A phenomenal start to thus new series and I look forward to more troubled hockey stars.

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

never in my life did i think i’d read abt mario’s, ic light, or the word “yinzer” in a book but alas

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars.

In the beginning, I absolutely loved the hero. He's pretty darn amazing. By the end, tho, I was tired of how perfect he was while the heroine struggled and was a bit of a hot mess even to the end. What's the male equivalent of a Mary Sue? Cause he's one.

Though, he has a manwhore past. Thankfully, he has been celibate since meeting the heroine because he's been too busy healing.

They have an immediate connection, but they stay as just friends until 83% when they jump into bed together. The rhythm of this book was off. It felt like the author took time to set up multiple future storylines and didn't really address the story in this book.

I can't fully explain it... but it just didn't work all the way through.

[Teresa Kilber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not up to the authors standards

This is one of my favorite authors but although this story was good the was telling boring to read. Basically a wrap up of previous series and setup of characters for the next. The two main characters in this story were just along for the ride.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the first book in a new series, but it is very closely inked to the Arizona Vengeance series, most particularly this first one. Baden was a Vengeance player when he rescued a woman from three thugs and was viciously attacked himself. This story falls months after his accident but immediately after the dramatic story end where the guys watched the news to see that the Titans' plane crashed killing all onboard. So, be ready for a pretty intense read - I highly recommend it to you, as it is fabulous, but you may want a tissue to hand.

I absolutely love what Sawyer Bennett has done in this book. The premise is so clever, and I was drawn in immediately to the magnitude of the task facing Brienne, the owner of the Titans, grieving her brother who used to run it, and all the other team members who died on that flight. Her resolve to rebuild, and to keep people in work is selfless, and it is gratifying that other owners, Dominik Carlson amongst them, are supportive.

To then show how Baden is healing and the decision that he must take about whether he can ever return to the NHL as a player, or should he follow up the coaching offer from Titans. Imagining how his head wishes one thing and his body admits another. The level of fitness required at that level is so intense.

Titans means Pittsburg, and that happens to be where Sophie, the victim that he saved, lives. He hasn't had time to keep in touch, but this is an opportunity to see how she is coping. Sadly the answer is not great, as she is too scared to go out almost at all. As these two find a friendship in their shared history, we can only hope that they see how well they match.

There is a lot going on in this book and it works really well - I got very little sleep, as I couldn't help but keep turning the pages. I am very excited to see how the ongoing story lines develop in future installments - another winning series from a very talented writer ... 2022 is already looking up!

[Romance Recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baden is a standalone hockey romance novel in the all new hockey series from Sawyer Bennett, Pittsburg Titans.

Those of use who have read the Arizona Vengeance Series know Baden and are aware of the heartbreaking incident that changed his life forever. You don’t need to read it to read any prior books in order to understand this book if you haven’t.

Baden was walking in a parking lot when he heard a woman scream. He saved her from three attackers but was left paralyzed after the men brutally battered him.

Sawyer Bennett did amazing job world building. When the Pittsburg Titans team plane crashed everyone on board died. The entire team was lost including the owner. Now the new owner Brienne Norcross, who lost her brother in the crash has to take over a hockey team although she has no experience. Brienne is a bad ass and I am so looking forward to her book! I can kind of guess where she will fit in here and I am literally begging for her story lol

Brienne calls on Baden to be the team’s new goalie coach. He debates whether to accept the new role and calls on his friends for help. I loved the cameos from my favorites Dominick, Willow and other characters from the last series. The way that everyone pulled together to help the Titans was touching.

Baden is a brave man and had to overcome so much hardship. His story was heartbreaking yet he has a positive outlook and determination that is admirable.

Sophie is the woman who Baden saved. Coincidentally she lives in Pittsburg. When Baden decides to visit the woman from all those months ago who he saved, they from a strong bond. Their connection is beautiful as they’ve overcome the same adversity and now have each other to lean on. Things change from friends to roommates to lovers and I enjoyed reading this story.

Sophie’s story is so inspiring and relatable. Her issues are something that tons of people face and struggle with. Reading this sprouts hope that in the darkest of times, there can still be hope and goodness.

This is a touching romance that also did an excellent job at introducing us to the new Titans world and all of the players. I’m so invested in these characters already and can’t wait to see what happens to all of them!

Sawyer writes her characters with such depth. No one is a perfect person and yet, you always understand the character’s journey.

Sawyer has the ability to make me fall in love with anything she writes. It could be a trope I dislike or a genre I’ve never read before, I will love what she writes.

I am so grateful to have received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional start to Ms. Bennett’s new hockey series. It was so hard to read about the Pittsburgh Titans’s hockey team crashing and killing all on board in the last book. I can’t begin to imagine what all the players are thinking and feeling as they try to rebuild the team. If you read some of the previous books, you will remember Baden helped save a young lady being attacked by three men and was paralyzed. I hated what Baden went through, but he has worked so hard through operations, and PT where he can walk now. I am so glad he took the offer to be the Titans new goalie coach. I knew it would be a hard transition, but it was made easier believe it not since Sophie, the woman he had saved, lived in Pittsburgh and they became friends. I felt so bad for Sophie having PTSD and becoming somewhat of a recluse. Baden and Sophie getting to know each other was a sweet journey that I loved to watch. Ms. Sawyer as usual did a fantastic job of touching my emotions. I loved the book, can’t wait for the next one, and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer has completely gotten it interesting.
So much of the hockey genre is plot pat. You know; surprise baby, widow father, fake girlfriend, woke up married.....

This is not that. A terrible tragedy occurs and the NHL team needs to rebuilt almost completely.

Our hero is a hero. Baden saved a young woman in Phoenix but he was beaten and stabbed within an inch of his life....He was back up goalie for Arizona Vengeance. No longer....months later he is walking and getting stronger.

Pittsburgh NHL needs a goalie coach. Baden isn't sure he can give up his skates.

Sophie lives in Pittsburgh. Once he decides to go to Pittsburgh he wants to visit Sophie.

I adored Sophie.... agoraphobia is a bitch. I had it. It's terrifying and embarrassing.

Baden has lots on his plate learning his role on new team.

I think this will be an awesome series.... probably SAWYER'S best!!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review Baden (Pittsburgh Titans #1) by Sawyer Bennett
 
Oh my word, what a phenomenal start to the latest hockey series from Sawyer Bennett. She really knocked it out of the rink with this book. I knew Baden Oulett’s story would be emotional based on a previous book but I had no idea what an emotional roller coaster I would be on as I read Baden.

Take note of Ms. Bennett's “Dear Reader” advice as she explains in a nutshell the ride you are about to embark on. This book was everything I was expecting and so much more. All it takes is one fleeting moment and a decision to change the courser of your life. Coming to the aid of Sophie Winters when she was attacked, he had no idea how his life would change. Now he is faced with months of rehab and physical therapy. He always thought he would play hockey but sometimes life throws a curve ball and plans change.

Being offered the coaching position for the Pittsburgh Titans he sees a change to still be connected to the sport he loves. He knows that Sophie is struggling with the aftermath of her attached, she has withdrawn from the word, terrified, her PTSD is destroying her. Baden is determined to be there for the woman whose life was almost destroyed and I loved how supportive he was.

As their friendship grows, the strength and determination that he gives to her was heart warming; they share a connection that cannot be broken. Can they come together and face the past and in doing so find an enduring love? The road they travel will be rocky and have it’s challenges but it will be worth it in the end.

This is a book you need to experience for yourself. Sawyer Bennett you will be happy to know that not only did you make me smile but you brought me to tears as well with Baden and Sophie’s story. I cannot wait to read more books in this emotional hockey series.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75✨