WYLDE

There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name.

I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.

When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.

If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.

This book just gave me so many warm fuzzies! Not only is the couple a great and unexpected match, but we also get to spend quality time with the other couples and share more of their joy. It's a whole lot of happy with a sweet romance and just a touch of angst. 

Aaron Wylde is known as the playboy on the Arizona Vengeance. His lifestyle has revolved around winning the cup and celebrating by partying and hookups. He has shown no desire to settle down like his friends. But one day when running by her bookstore, he sees a woman that captures his eye. 

Clarke Webber is beautiful, smart, bookish, and kind of a nerd. She is happy hiding out in her bookstore. She has been hurt in the past, has major insecurities and trust issues, and likes to stay out of social media and the spotlight. She has no idea why a charming and handsome jock type seems to be interested in her, but he manages to make a deal to spend time with her at least temporarily. But finding out who he really is might be the one thing that could send her running the other way. 

I really loved both Aaron and Clarke. They seemed like opposites but were both afraid of attachments and rejection. Their lifestyles seemed like they would totally conflict. Aaron finds himself actually invested for the first time and Clarke has to figure out if she can truly believe him. I enjoyed their vulnerability together and easygoing rapport. I could really feel their connection and their relationship was just a breath of fresh air.  I enjoyed seeing more of the heart of the real Aaron come out versus Wylde the popular hockey player. He is so patient, caring, protective, accepting, and decisive. But I could understand Clarke's fears and insecurities as well.

It is an engaging and heartfelt, opposites-attract,  insta-connection, but slow-burn romance. This also seemed like an extended epilogue for the series with so much love and emotion with the other couples that my heart was bursting. The friendships and camaraderie between the players and their significant others are the heart of this series. I am glad there is more coming with Kane, Steele,  and now I hope for more with Baden as well. 

Aaron Wylde is known as a player among players. He is rarely seen with the same woman twice, and has a reputation among his teammates as a partier. But he is also a loyal friend and great teammate, always quick to support his friends. He has watched his best friends deal with hardship in their lives and then fall in love. He is happy for his buddies, and glad he could lend a hand when possible, but he doesn’t see himself settling in to the same kind of relationship

Clarke Webber keeps her head down and her focus on her business. She was hurt by a brush with celebrity and Wylde’s status as a hockey player is a mark against him in her book. She tends to date men who are easy: quiet, safe, beta. When Aaron stops by after a run, she finds herself talked into a series of dates with him, a man completely different than anyone she’s said yes to in a long time.

These two couldn't be more opposite in some ways, and in others are the perfect pair. Clarke takes a bit to warm up to, owing to her reluctance to be burned again, but as I started to understand her reasoning her characters settled in for me and I was rooting for Aaron hard.

Having seen the way Wylde reached out to Rafe, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him and know there was a loyal, steady man behind the playboy facade. He has his work cut out for him to keep Clarke, and I loved watching as they both decided what they needed in order to take a chance on a relationship.

It hasn’t been long since I’ve lived in the Vengeance world (though technically Rafe was a Cold Fury novel) this felt like returning to a favorite set of characters. I loved seeing the progression of my favorite Vengeance couples, while keeping the main focus on the developing romance between Wylde and Clarke.

BISHOP 

(Arizona Vengeance #1)

Add to Goodreads

Buy Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo
Our 3.5/4 star reviews

SAWYER BENNETT
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB |
 INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | BOOK + MAIN BITES