Drake: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel

Pittsburgh Titans #5

by Sawyer Bennett

Drake McGinn turned his back on hockey after the league betrayed him. Will the Titans be his chance to clear his name and take back the career he once loved?

After I made the decision to divorce, my ex-wife set out on a smear campaign against me, telling anyone who would listen that I was betting on hockey and throwing games. It wasn’t surprising that my ex told the lies, but the fact that the media, league, and fans chose to believe her baseless claims was unforgivable. I walked away from it all and never looked back.

Having settled into life as a single dad to three boys, I’m content. I have more money than I could ever need, and plenty of time to do whatever I want, whenever I want, and whoever I want. So when Brienne Norcross, the team owner for the Pittsburgh Titans, shows up at my house with a job offer, I have no problem turning her down. But the no-nonsense billionaire, with sinfully seductive red lips and killer heels that would look hot as hell thrown over my shoulders, won’t take “no” for an answer.

Now I need to find balance between hockey, my boys, and the explosive chemistry Brienne and I can no longer deny. A cast-off hockey player and the league’s only female team owner? I can think of a million reasons why it could never work but can’t bring myself to care about a single one of them. Game on.

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

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2023

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

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

5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)



Drake McGinn was a professional hockey player for about nine years until scandal and lies drove him away from the sport he loved. Now he's a single dad to three boys living in a small town in Minnesota. A year ago he swore he'd never return tot he NHL after they betrayed him, but then he receives an offer he can't refuse. It's a chance to resurrect his career and clear his name. The only complication he can see is his new teams owner. They clash at every turn and he enjoys pushing her buttons. She's as beautiful as she is fascinating, and he can't help wanting her even if she's the boss. Boundaries are established, and he knows she's off limits, but he's never been one to follow the rules.

Brienne Norcross is a businesswoman that radiates power, elegance and confidence. She comes from extreme wealth and was raised to run the family empire. As the CEO of Norcross Holdings and the owner of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team there aren't enough hours in a day. Trying to carry on her brother's legacy she's been thrust into a male-dominated environment full of exceptional athletes. She's committed to the Titans, and has been putting all her time and energy into rebuilding the team. This includes negotiating and getting the best players. When she convinces Drake McGinn to come out of retirement she gets way more than she bargained for. He tests her limits, and she can't deny their crazy attraction. He's a player, and she's the owner. It would be inappropriate, but he's sinfully sexy and impossible to resist. She knows it's a line she shouldn't cross, but is it a risk she's willing to take?



Drake by Sawyer Bennett is the fifth book in the Pittsburgh Titans series. It's a fantastic, forbidden, single dad, billionaire, sports romance full of fabulous banter and explosive chemistry. I really loved this one! It's my favorite of the series so far! <333



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TLCPSS1/...

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know me, you know that stories where the main chemistry between the hero and heroine is physical attraction usually don’t work for me.

And yet.

And yet.

Gahhhh! I was a little bit obsessed with this book. I was absolutely consumed by Drake and Brienne’s story. Their chemistry was fire and couldn’t get enough of it. Make no mistake, this is a sexy book. But somehow my heart found its way on board early and wholly. There was something about the hidden layer of vulnerability that lay just beneath the surface for both of these decidedly icy, hard-shelled characters that made my heart sit up and take notice almost immediately, and then the way they slowly opened themselves up to each other was just…guh, *chef’s kiss*. I loved the slow, timid – yet tender – way that both Drake and Brienne broke all of their self-imposed rules. I loved the way hope sparked and changed the whole game for both of them. It was so good!

I also loved the friendships – both the brotherhood and the sisterhood in this one – were represented. It just added this much-appreciated layer of emotion to the story that took it to next level for me. This is often one of the best parts of sports romance, and I found no exception here.

I adored every single steamy moment of this story. It was the kind of book that I gravitated back to (no easy feat these days!) and felt sad once I finished it. I’m a huge fan of this series (one of my favorites in Sawyer Bennett’s repertoire) and something about this one ticked all the boxes for me making it a favorite within a favorite thus far. Drake and Brienne are something special and this was an easy five stars for me! Even better? It left me hungry for so much more! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

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

Brienne + Drake

Drake has been on Brienne's buy-list for the team for months, but the single dad of three little boys wasn't interested at all. But now she's trying one final time to get the retired goalie to join her Titans. And it works. And the attraction and sparks are flying like crazy. But Drake can't date his boss, right? And vice versa. Plus he'll never date again after what his ex wife did.
Let the fun times begin...

══════════════════




Adorable.
Finally Brienne's book! The cool billionaire ice queen finally gets her own happily ever after. But she's not really an ice queen. She just had to pretend in the crazy male dominated business world.
And Drake - he's the perfect anti-freeze guy for our Brienne!
I just adored those two.
How they tried to deny that they're really dating or that they want more. So cute. And the boys are adorbs! I wanted more scenes with all of them together!
But I really enjoyed reading this.
Great addition to the Titans series!
Next up is Coach hottie Cannon!

Can we please get that Sawyer Bennett Hockey Netflix series now??

DRAKE was an adorable + sexy + sweet billionaire-boss-lady-falls-for-a-single-dad-hockey-star love story in the Pittsburgh hockey world! ☺ Run to your nearest amazon for your own Drake - this one is MINE!


💜 💜

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Worth the Read Stars
* * * * *
Loved This!
November 3, 2021
How Do You Handle Betrayal...
From The Organization You Devoted Yourself To...

When Drake McGinn Experienced This Action...
He Took His Focus and Became The Single Dad...
His Three Children Needed Him To Be...

Now The League Is Knocking At His Door...
Giving Him The Chance To Clear His Reputation...

How Do You Make This Type Of Choice...
Do You Trust Again...

Drake (Pittsburgh Titans #5)-March 28, 2023

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Bennet's Arizona Vengence Birthed The Pittsburgh Titans

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Erik (Arizona Vengeance,#2)
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Dominik (Arizona Vengeance #6)
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Rafe (Arizona Vengeance, #6.5)
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Wylde (Arizona Vengeance #7)
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Kane (Arizona Vengeance, #8)
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For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freaking hot! Her stories always hit the right spot 💥

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE HOTTEST book of the series. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted to witness more of Drake and Brienne realizing theirs was more than just a sexual relationship. I didn't want to just skip ahead and be told this. I wanted more pages and darn I wanted an epilogue too. Maybe in the next book...?
Still a smokin' hot 4 1/2 stars

[Gabrieli · Rating 1 out of 5]

damn how can this book have such a high rating when the couple is having sex every page and they don’t have a single conversation that we can see their connection?

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT SINGLE DAD ALERT!

Drake left hockey because his ex-wife tarnished his reputation with the league now Brienne Norcross wants him to come back and play for the Titans. You know Drake has a major chip on his shoulder after the way he was treated but can Brienne convince him to come back to the game he loves so much after he's settled into single fatherhood?

Brienne is burning the candle at both ends since she inherited the Titans after her brother's death. She is still running Norcross Holdings as well so it doesn't leave much time for a personal life, good thing she doesn't require much sleep.

Drake is raising his three boys with the help of his sister and mother since he divorced his ex. Everything he does is for them and they will always be the priority in his life.

I have been saying all along that this series is a little deeper and more emotional than Ms. Bennett's previous Hockey Romances and this book continues that theme, but that doesn't mean it lacks spice because let me tell you Drake and Brienne really heat things up and not only in the bedroom so I'd be careful on where I was reading this because you wouldn't want anyone reading over your shoulder.

I would recommend this book to those that enjoy STEAMY Sports Romances, Boss / Employee Romances, Single Dad Romances, or Spicy Billionaire Romances.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewT5



**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

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Trinette Dungee

There have been quite a few books in this series I’ve been waiting for, and Drake was one of them. From the minute we first met him and Breanne in Stone’s book I prayed they would have a storyline together and it would be hot. This did not disappoint. It was indeed hot, as well as passionate and gave a few giggles. Neither bites their tongue, neither is afraid/embarrassed to share their feelings. They are unapologetically who they are and, they are equally matched in their physical attraction to each other, and what they don’t want. Breanne Norcross and Drake McGuinn don’t just sizzle, the freaking burn and explode. This meeting has been a long time coming….

“Are you flirting with me, Drake? Because it would be considered improper.” I shake my head and lean toward her. Dropping my tone, I give her the honest truth. “I don’t flirt. I fu*k, and that’s it.” Brienne gasps, not in horror or shock, but more like a tiny exhale of lust as her cobalt eyes darken. I take advantage of the shock. “Boy toys flirt. That’s not me.” “And why do I need to know the difference?” she asks. I’m pleased her voice is huskier than usual. My lips curve in a wicked grin. “In case you want proof of what I’m saying.” I watch in fascination as her eyes go from sizzling in contemplation to icing back over to the multibillionaire owner of an empire. “Not interested.” Her tone is bland… disinterested as she glances over her guests. “Oh, you’re interested,” I say knowingly, and her eyes fly back to me.

Drake McGuinn is done with the hockey world. His wife’s drug addiction tore his family and marriage apart, and when she falsely accuses him of places illegal bets against his team the league seemed perfectly content to believe her lies. Drakes main concern is raising his three boys and ensuring their lives are as normal as possible. When Breanne Norcross first approached him about returning to help rebuild the Pittsburgh Titans, her entertained her until she pissed him off, but Breanne won’t be dismissed so easily.

Drake is rude, crude, dirty talking, sex on a stick:

“Trust me… no pus*y is ever going to make things right with me for what the league did. I fuc*ed you because I wanted you, plain and simple. Just like you let me fu*k you because you wanted me too.”

Something that has become more and more prevalent in Sawyer Bennett’s books is vulnerability with her male characters. There has always been a level of vulnerability with them, but lately it seems to be at the forefront of their personalities/characteristics. Drake isn’t afraid to show his emotions, especially when it comes to his family. Whether it be his sister or his kids.

All three boys are crying—good, happy, emotional tears—and yeah, I am, too. I flop us down on my small front lawn that’s starting to crisp in this first month of fall. I spend quality time letting them crawl over my chest and hug the ever-loving shit out of me. Yeah… think I’ll just stay this way for eternity.

Although his divorce was hard on him more because of the league’s response and his boys, it also has jaded him when it comes to relationships.

That seals it. We agree we’ll fu*k on occasion and are free to be with others. It’s the perfect deal for me and holds with my current philosophy that I’m never committing to another woman again.

His ex has left him bitter and with little trust in women or relationships, but when he realizes that Breanne means more to him than just a “fu*k”, he doesn’t hesitate to admit it to himself. When he realizes he’s done something to hurt her, he owns it.

Where Drake is rude and crude, Breanne is right there with him. She matches word for word and action for action.

“You didn’t break up with him because of me, did you?” Brienne frowns. “No. I ended things before you.” “Good,” I say adamantly. “Because I’m not asking you to.” “Good,” she mimics. “Because I fu*k who I want and when I want. Clay was convenient, just like you’re convenient. Just like there are a lot of convenient men.” Well, damn. She turned that around on me.

Breanne Norcross has always been on top of her game and a force to be reckoned with in the business world, but after losing her brother, the owner of the Pittsburgh Titans, in the crash that killed the majority of the team she’s thrust into a whole new world that’s she’s not all that familiar with. As she struggled to rebuild the Titan’s she had a few missteps, one being her first interaction with Drake McGuinn. From the moment he stormed out of her office she’s been determined to get him back

What I liked about Breanne was her assertiveness. When the time came, she let Drake know she was attracted to him, but she didn’t let him call the shots completely. Breanne gave him a run for his money in the emotions department. She wasn’t clingy and needy. She called the shots quite often and she scheduled the “booty calls” and “hook ups”. Something else that really resonated with me about Breanne is her sexuality. While it’s not unlike authors to write their female leads as women who embrace their sexuality, they don’t usually have them openly dating another man. Those men are mentioned but nothing major. With Breanne, she actually has a “boy toy” that she interacts with. While she may not actually have sex with him, he’s there and you know the purpose he serves to her.

Best way to scrub Drake McGinn from my mind is to have Clay distract me in bed. Of course, it’s a crapshoot since fifty percent of the time I’m free, he’s not, and vice versa. I’m surprised when I get a quick text back. Absolutely. Eight p.m.? That works, I type back and exhale in relief. There… back on track. I’ll have my chef whip up something light for us, we’ll share a drink, and then I’ll let Clay fu*k my brains out. It’s a good plan.

While Drake may be grieving losses in his life, and has the support of his family, Breanne is coping with the death of her brother and taking his place with the Titans. She’s hardly had a chance to truly grieve the loss of her best friend pretty much on her own. She puts on a brave face and other than a support group she started, she basically grieves alone. During their stolen moments and nights together, Drake and Breanne learn a lot about each other. They learn so much that there sex only rules and arrangements quickly morph into so much more.

What I also enjoyed was the friendships in this book. Although she has developed something of a friendship over time with Jenna, she’s never had actual girlfriends. So, when Jenna introduces her to other wives on the team, she begins to get a real feel for friendship. Drake is initially and understandably hesitant about getting close to the guys on the team, but he soon realizes he has a good group and they’ve had back even when he didn’t know it.

The players never turned on me, and those who were my friends stayed true. Those who were merely acquaintances listened to those who knew me, and their support came my way. It was probably the only thing that kept me sane during this last year—messages of support from players I barely knew on other teams.

In a nutshell, this was hot and steamy, but not just hot and steamy; there was passion, feelings and growth with the characters.

Cannon’s book is next, and I have a feeling vulnerability will be a major player in his story.

Cannon’s story of how he lost a loved one through a slow death versus how I lost someone so quickly is a pointed reminder there’s no recipe on how to deal with any of it. “I want to ask a favor, and feel free to say no… but I formed a support group for the family members of the victims. We’re really connected via phone and social media because we’re scattered all over, but we have a monthly Zoom call to check in on one another. I’d love to have you talk at one of our meetings… about your experiences with grief. You’ve survived it, but I know some who are really struggling.” “I’d be glad to,” he says easily and then stands from his chair.

[Mia Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeay to the new addition to our beloved Pittsburg Titans :) I have been waiting for this one since reading the first book.

If you follow the series, you already know the heroine, Brienne Norcross, who is the owner of Pittsburg Titans and CEO of Norcross Holdings. After the tragic plane crash, she took the reins of Pittsburg Titans to carry on her brother Adam’s legacy. Since childhood, she was raised to take over Norcross Holdings and when Adam was heading the Titans everything was more manageable for her. But with Adam and all the players gone, she is putting all her energy and time to rebuild the team in addition to her CEO responsibilities but there aren’t enough hours in a day for her to handle everything. She is lucky to have an amazing management team that supports her but there is one thing she wants to handle herself since she is the one who messed it up in the first place, which leads us to our hero, Drake McGinn. A year ago, Drake, left the NFL and the game he loved because of the scandal his ex-wife’s lies created. He is angry at everyone who chose to believe the lies and betrayed him without even listening. He swore he will never go back to the league or be associated with anyone in it other than the selected few who never believed the lies and were there for him. Nowadays he is a full-time dad to three little boys. Baden is being one of the few people he trusts, when Baden calls to talk to him about the goalie position in Titans, he accepts to meet up. However, Brienne manages to offend him, and he leaves the meeting without looking back. Brienne, being the smart, strong, and independent businesswoman she is, decides to chase him down once she realizes her mistake and offers him a deal he cannot refuse. From the beginning to the end, the sparks between Drake and Brienne were sizzling but she knew acting on their chemistry would be wrong and inappropriate but Drake being the bad boy he is, was ambitious to ‘stick it to the league’.

I really loved the book and couldn’t put it down until I was done with it. It felt like there was more to the story but cut short. But maybe it is just me since I really didn't want it to end :) The next book will be coach Cannon West’s story and I am curious about that one. But I am also dying to get my hands on the stories of the remaining 2, Hendrix and Camden, of the ‘Lucky Three’.

Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes

e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The review was originally posted on: https://miabookaddict.com/

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake is book 5 of the Pittsburgh Titans series by author Sawyer Bennett. It's a contemporary full length romance, dual POV with a HEA.

Tropes:
✔️ sports romance
✔️ single father
✔️ forbidden
✔️ workplace
✔️ opposites

Drake McGinn left hockey feeling betrayed and jaded when it abandoned him but Brienne Norcross, the owner of the Pittsburgh Titans, is set on acquiring him and won’t give up until he’s suited up and in her team colors.

After making him an offer he can’t refuse, Drake is faced with the challenge of finding his footing and balance his career, his three sons and the incredible pull between him and the smart and seductive team owner.

I love Sawyer Bennett books because she’s all about the love story with complex characters and interesting plots that make me smile, laugh, sometimes cry, fan myself. And they give me place to escape into full of hope, friendships and love. Drake is exactly that.

Both Drake and Brienne have a necessary for their own reasons hard outer shell that hides among other things vulnerable hearts. Their chemistry was super hot, but I loved how they slowly revealed their soft sides to each other.

I also adored the friendships that bloomed between the players and Drake who had previously felt ostracized by the NHL, as well as the bonds that developed between Brienne and the strong and smart women from previous books.

I know I say this about all of Sawyer’s books, but I truly mean it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram

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

Steamy and emotion-filled drama….

This was the perfect read to heat up the winter! Brienne was the catalyst to pick up the pieces and start the rebuilding of the Titans. She has been a strong character throughout each story and I couldn’t wait for her story – especially when I knew Drake was the one…

Drake was angry, rightly so. He felt the league had left him hanging without a thought, and he wasn’t wrong. Brienne, the Titans, the league, they were one and the same to him. Luckily, Brienne was not the type to give up. Her blend of honesty, bluntness and (it needed to be said) beauty, swayed him but she would have to prove herself. Regardless of their relationship. Or lack thereof…

Brienne was keeping it together even in her profound grief and the Titans was one way to honor her brother. She made it personal and every decision was weighed and measured with a huge dose of empathy alongside it. Drake had not been treated right and she was going to change that. Keeping it impersonal of course…

Their relationship didn’t have a label, it was what they had in the moment, and that was hawt. Blisteringly so. Their chemistry tipped the Richter scale over and over even as they argued over what they actually had.

It was a fierce and seductive back and forth that had me invested in their relationship from the start. It was a love story that encompassed not only them but their hockey family… It’s my new favourite. So far… ~Diane, 5 stars

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooo boy.. When I tell you that I rarely connect with both MCs like I did in this one... As a former pro athlete who also had something happen to her to leave the sport world behind her and a woman who has her walls up high and bolted, these two drew me crazy both in good and bad of their relationship.

Drake takes so much space when he enters a room. He's given zero ducks (his words) and with everything that has happened to him, it's well in his right. Brienne is a powerhouse by herself. But she's burning the candle at both ends and adding Drake to her to-do list (see what I did there) is not a good idea, but she's taking something for herself for the first time. And I have no words for the chemistry that burned my fingers. The only problem I have is that I wish she'd interacted more with his boys. But that's just a minor bleep in my opinion because this story was everything I expected it would be. Funny, hot and heavy and filled with hope that maybe all you need is to slow down just a bit, for things to fall into place.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried. I really did. I forced myself to keep reading through the first 4-5 chapters of mostly internal dialogue, thinking the story had to get better. It did not, in fact, get better. I finally had to DNF in chapter 6. Not because it was still boring, but because I couldn’t take one more second of the hero physically intimidating the heroine. Literally the second and third times they’re alone he physically cages her in. The fourth he grabs her. Mind you, she’s supposed to be this brilliant businesswoman – the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate – yet a player on the hockey team she owns is allowed to burst into her office not once but twice to tell her how to run her company and get physical with her. Give me a flippin’ break.

This is just another tired story about an egotistical, controlling alphahole made to appear stronger at the expense of weakening a smart, strong heroine.

DNF

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drake was dirty but I was expecting him to be a lot dirtier. I loved how their relationship grew from 'sticking it to the league' to something more. I didn't like how the drama with the ex-wife was left unresolved.

Now I see there's a book with the new coach and Hendrix (one of the lucky three), but what about the third of the lucky three.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is a gorgeous read!

This is the fifth book in the Pittsburgh Titans series, about a NHL team rebuilding after their whole team, and a portion of their staff and executive, were killed in a plane crash. The Titans are about to embark on their second season post-crash, and the team owner is about to have her world rocked by the snarky new goalie.

Brienne Norcross is the new Titans owner. She took over after the death of her beloved brother in the plane crash, but she’s also balancing her other responsibilities running her family’s billion-dollar dynasty. She’s young and driven, and a complete workaholic, and she’s determined to put together the best team she can.

Drake McGinn is a single dad to three little boys, and he’s justifiably angry and bitter at his treatment by the league after being unjustly sacked by another team. But Brienne has convinced him to join the Titans, promising things will be different and giving him the second chance he didn't even realise he wanted.

Neither of them have time for, or even want, a relationship, but they cannot deny the mad lust between them, and they quickly find themselves in a no-strings fling that is hot as hell! Brienne’s life is all about control and order, but Drake completely takes over in the bedroom. His cold and demanding control suits them both perfectly, and they are both completely swept up in their passion for each other.

But little by little, their arrangement start to shift, and when they begin to open up to each other and develop feelings, they’ll have to figure out whether they can actually fit into each other’s lives, and if they even want to make the effort.

This is a really enjoyable read. Drake and Brienne are real and relatable – I loved Brienne’s strength and stubborn determination, as well as her willingness to accept the changes that she goes through when she starts to open up her life to others. And Drake is so deliciously grumpy, watching him fall was a real treat. I felt what they were feeling, I loved their passion for each other and watching everything change for them, and I was happily swept up in their slow burning romance.

I loved it – 4 stars!

[Shirley Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

A single dad, long-haired, tattooed, dirty-speaking hockey player paired up with a smart, successful business woman who gives as good as gets? Of course I'm in! I've been reading this series since its beginning and the sparks these two had on their first meeting had me hoping for them to get together. Was it everything I'd hope for? Oh yes, baby! 😏

I loved the dirty talk, the bickering and everything in between when it came to these two. I loved that the author didn't hold back with Drake because he was exactly what I was expecting him to be--loyal, smart and sexy AF. And the fact that she made him protective, caring and a great hockey player was the cherry on top of an already tasty treat.

I enjoyed learning Drake's story. He had every right to be suspicious of the league and of getting involved romantically with any woman after being burned by both. I loved watching him falling in lust with Brienne and seeing as he found his match. I loved Brienne from the previous books. She had already earned my respect in the way she handled herself and the players so it was a nice change to see how she handled herself in her personal life. She was self-assured with an unexpected vulnerable side. She knew what she wanted and went for it all the way, but she never lost her sense of self or her caring nature.

Of course, Drake and Brienne had great chemistry. That first kiss alone was well worth the wait. It was these moment of utter abandon and their other interactions that cemented my initial thought that these two were going to be great together. I'm curious to see how she handles herself with Drake's kids. It's the one thing I think I would add to the story.

In the end, I enjoyed visiting with the other couples and seeing Drake and Brienne allowing themselves the chance of something more. I can't wait to read what's next for this team and the already established couples.

All in all, my favorite book in the series (so far!).

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are up to book number five in the series and I’m still enjoying each of these couples stories and HEA’s. There hasn’t been much said about Drake McGinn in the previous books just that he was burnt by the organization as well as his ex wife and he is a little or more so he’s a lot bitter about it all because he left the league to raise his three sons. The new owner of the Titans, Brienne Norcross knows that the best chance she has of winning a Cup in her brother’s honor is to build the most amazing team possible and that includes goalie Drake. So she needs to eat humble pie over a question she asked him that did not sit well with Drake. These two are fiery and sparks fly left, right and center!

Their interactions start out as just a hook up, nothing but dirty talking, fast and steamy times and that’s all they both want. No relationship, only bedroom buddies when the time permits with their busy schedules. As always, the more time they spend together, feelings get involved and now it’s getting intense between them. It takes some time to navigate running an empire, playing professional hockey and raising three boys but they do eventually realize they are better together than apart. Whether you read it as part of the series, or as a standalone novel, it’s one not to be missed.

As is with most audio books, the story is so much better because it feels like it’s come to life. Aiden Snow was the perfect choice for Drake, he got the gruff and domination emotions right just. Same goes for Maxine Mitchell - she had a great business voice but also could switch it up with secondary characters or more emotional scenes. I couldn’t stop listening.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Drake’s story since this series started and was worth the wait!

Drake was forced out of the league thanks to a vengeful ex, he turned all his focus to raising his three young boys. That is until the Titans set their sits on him for their new team after the crash. Brienne wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Brienne is wonder woman. She is the owner of the Titans, along with all of Norcross Holdings. I don’t know how she has time to sleep most of the time, but she is a BA.

The chemistry between Drake and Brienne is off the charts from the moment they meet. Each of them try to ignore their connection, however, you can only ignore the tension for so long before someone is going to give in. When they do sparks really start to fly.

It was great to get more of the previous couples. I love seeing them all again and seeing the friendship and bond they have formed with Drake and Brienne.

If you’re looking for a single dad, forbidden, workplace, sports romance this is one to check out.

[Katie Koziczkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drake was an enjoyable read! I figured him and Brienne would end up together after that first intense meeting. Clearly, there's an attraction between the two of them. Drake is a man who knows what he wants and goes for it, regardless of the consequences. He's assertive and likes to be in control. He can be a little closed off and intense, but he's much more open with his sons. I loved seeing him with his kids and how much he loves and cherishes them. They bring out his softer side, plus they're adorable! Brienne is a workaholic. All she does is work, leaving her very little time for anything else. She also likes to be in control, but with Drake, she gives up the reigns a bit and just goes with the flow. Their relationship grows into more than either thought it could be. It also helps each other open up and see that love is worth fighting for. I enjoyed getting to see and learn a little more about Cannon, I'm excited for his book! *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued with this book due to the first meeting of Drake and Brienne. It was very easy to see why Drake was bitter about all things NHL, it didn't help how the first job offer came across. I have to give it to Brienne for even going to see Drake a second time to offer him the job.

Their chemistry was off the charts, I was glad that they gave into it. It was fun to watch them sneak around, yet if was also sad that neither really had friends that they could share this with. As each one started to develop friends, it seemed like their relationship went from just fuck buddies to more, even as both of them fought it hard.

I hated how things blew up towards the end, right when both Drake and Brienne were seeming to cross over to a new level. But man...did Drake more than make up for being an asshole and did it in a way that let Brienne knew the words he was saying were true. Nice to see a happy ending for these 2.

[Meegz Reads]

*DNF*

ARC kindly received for an honest review.

I just can't get into this one. Not sure why, as I've been enjoying this series, but I'm struggling with this one so choosing to put it down. Writing style by the author is still the same. I think it's just me right now. Others will love this, I know it.

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[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of Drake. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*

I really enjoyed Drake - but I always enjoy Ms. Bennett's hockey romances. In this installment, we got to know Brienne - the new owner of the Titans - better. And that happened mostly through how she got to know Drake, the new goal keeper she managed to get for the team.

Forbidden relationships, where one of the parties feel like they can never fall in love again - all the while falling in love - are delicious. Brienne and Drake shouldn't have clicked as much as they did, but they were really made for each other

[Darlene Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake by Sawyer Bennett is phenomenal!!

Sawyer takes you through all the emotions with Drakes battle with his own past and Brienne’s determination to see him through.

These two are absolutely explosive together!!

A must read !!

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing better than reading a book by Sawyer Bennett! Drake fell right into that category! A slow burn , which was frustrating due to the fact that neither would give in to their attraction! A lot of ups and downs, with steamy times! Another awesome read by Sawyer!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Which is great because I paid for it. Drake was very frustrating at times. She didn’t deserve what he ditched out.

Erotic, cute kids and wife characters were great!

[Booksfoodanddrinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

hot single dad, and the best gollie..what else?a lot of stamina...

[Escape4awhile · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: 1.7
Disliked - Forced myself to finish. This story was problematic for me in terms of connecting with both main characters and the storyline (Had a trope I did not like - The Instalust hook-ups to a love declaration without any substantial growth leading to it.)

Most of the story Drake might as well been a single man and not a single parent as he identified he has kids, and we see very little interaction with them.

I found Brienne irritating. She started off by telling me how she is so busy running the business that her only free time is to get time is to get another regular hook-up surgeon to fuck her brains out.

The best thing about this story was the model on the cover.

[Valeria Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This installment in the hockey team series really did not do it for me. He was kind of jerk (more jerk than alpha) and she was a photo-type for billionaire businesswoman - no time for anything but work, work, work. This felt like sex stories cobbled together with the thinnest plot, which just got boring. Bennett can and has done much better.

[RochelleReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've given this book 4 days of my life 4 days of trying to get through it but I just can't, every time she says no he says fuck you. And it's just grating on me. This is not a love story this is the lust story the only good thing Drake has going for him is his 3 sons and that's it. DNF 40%