From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett comes a new story in her Arizona Vengeance series… live. In that moment, nothing mattered more than getting home to North Carolina to be by his side. That meant asking for the unthinkable—a trade to the Carolina Cold Fury.
Now I’m home and when I’m not on the ice with my new team, I’m helping care for my dad. And in the midst of my grief, I find comfort from the one person I never expected.
Calliope Ramirez stole my heart at a very young age. The beautiful, smart, headstrong girl next door, she was my first… everything. She has never forgiven me for leaving her, believing that I chose hockey over a future together. What she doesn’t understand is that every decision I made was for her, and I’ve never given up hope that one day we’d be together again.
Watching my dad slip away is a harsh reminder of how short life can be, and having Callie by my side makes me realize I was a damn fool before. That changes starting right now. Calliope Ramirez is mine and I’m not going to waste the second chance that I’ve been given.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.
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4.25 Stars
RAFE!
We already heard about him a little in the last book.
His father has cancer and only a few weeks/months to live and that’s why Rafe wants to be traded to the Cold Fury to spend some last moments with his dad.
Also back home in Raleigh is Calliope. Callie. Poppy.
She was Rafe’s first everything. They were best friends since the day they were born.
And when Rafe left for his hockey career eight years ago – he broke both their hearts.
And Callie still hasn’t forgiven him …
This was such a sweet and heartbreaking second-chance love story!
We already knew that we would probably shed a few tears because of Rafe’s dad dying.
But I really cried a lot!
It’s all so heartbreaking and sad and ugh!
And poor Rafe and poor Calliope!
They could’ve been so happy for so many years now, but Rafe left without her!
WHY???
We’ll find out. But poor Rafe will have a really hard time to get that second-chance-happily-ever-after he so desperately wants … Callie is MAD at the guy! LOL!
At least the book is pretty short – so we don’t have to fight too hard for that happy end!
I really loved reading this. Very cute novella! I wouldn’t have minded a longer book – it was a bit too short and a tiny bit too mushy… but I liked it!
Can we please get a Sawyer Bennett Hockey Netflix series??
RAFE was a really sweet & heartbreaking second-chance-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-forever-ever-after love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Rafe – this one is MINE!!!
I love this series and author soooooo much! If you read Dominik, then you’ve probably been waiting to get your hands on Rafe’s story. I never wanted a story more because I was totally sad for him and what he was about to face
In Rafe, we have a second chance love story, which one of my top favorite tropes to read about. I will say this time and time again, it’s tough to pull off a full story in a novella length book. But (of course), Sawyer did it!
Rafe and Calliope were childhood sweethearts and then Rafe made the decision to leave and essentially cut ties with her almost immediately. Now that he’s back, Calliope is in a tough spot of trying to be civil with Rafe, but to also be there for him during his limited days with his father.
Sawyer did a solid job of telling the story between Rafe and Calliope AND Rafe’s story with his father’s last days. Such an emotional, yet satisfying read especially from a novella.
I know these novellas are said to be standalones, while I can agree with that about this specific one, I still recommend reading the entire series in order. It’s totally worth it! Rafe is a second chance AND sports romance that soooo many will enjoy.
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED BY THE PR IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Sawyer Bennett
Bennett gets under the skin and into the heart. Tragic circumstances lay the groundwork for some long overdue healing. Bennett shines a microscope on the fragility of life. The tragedy of love and the value of second chances. Rafe thought he had it all, until life showed him he didn’t. Now forced to face his dad’s mortality, his mother’s grief and his own sense of loss, he comes face to face with a past he never quite forgot. Calliope is the regret he never got over. Can he convince her to open her heart to the possibility of a forever kind of love? An endearing rollercoaster of heartache and healing that speaks to the humanity in us all.
A heartbreaking, deliciously steamy novella where grief shows these two the way back to a love not forgotten. Get ready to cry buckets. Loved it!!
Woot! Another Sawyer Bennett hockey hottie to add to my collection!
We got a great lead up to Rafe’s story during Dominik, and I wasn’t sure if a novella was going to be enough.
Oh, what a punch this short packed.
I knew it was going to be emotional from what we had learned, however it was more than i was expecting.
Rafe and Calliope’s relationship is never going to be an easy one, but watching them come back together after the troubles of their past, all the while dealing with Rafe’s family issues – I kinda swooned a little.
I laughed, I cried (big fat tears) and I loved, right along with our lovelies.
Did I want a full length story for Rafe – sure I did. But I am completely and utterly satisfied with the novella
Now, time to bring on more of Ms Bennett’ hockey hotties!
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a short story from this author in this series. I adore the Arizona Vengeance books and the depth of feeling the author is able to portray in those books. But she did it here, too. I needn’t have worried.
Since Rafe and Calliope were lifelong friends and spent many years as a couple before he took off to pursue his hockey dreams, it was easier to buy into the quickness of their story. Rafe has never stopped loving Poppy (as he calls her) and Poppy has tried to get over her anger at Rafe. Now they are in a sort of forced proximity and can’t ignore they still lingering feelings.
Between Rafe’s reason for moving home (his father is dying of cancer), the animosity between Rafe and Poppy, and Rafe dealing with his past experience with his father you would expect this to be a heavy story. While it definitely has its moments, there is still humor and joy interspersed.
I’m always looking forward to this author’s next hockey story and she did not disappoint here, even on the smaller scale.
This captivating romance had me under its spell right from the start and didn’t let go. A stunning love story that is powerfully raw, incredibly sexy, breathtakingly romantic and beautifully inspiring. Oh my heart. This second-chance romance has all the feels! An incredibly sexy, fiercely protective, very determined hero and a beautiful, strong and resilient heroine. With each page I fell deeper for these characters and their story. The connection they share is still there even after years apart and just as strong. The heart wants what it wants. Searching for that missing piece to make them whole and they are powerless to stop the fall. Oh, watching these two fall is magical! The attraction is magnetic and chemistry is not only off-the-charts; it is palpable. Their passion is sizzling and explosive. The storyline is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I could feel everything the characters experienced; the emotions radiated from the pages. I laughed, cried so many tears (happy and sad), felt the butterflies, the heart palpitations, every ounce of pain and all the joy. The heartfelt moments stole my breath and the heartbreaking ones shattered my heart. Oh, and those swoon-worthy moments left me breathless! A powerful and poignant story of love, faith and forgiveness that I didn’t want to end. A must read!
A second chance romance
Rafe is traded down from the Arizona Vengeance and snapped up by the Cold Fury in an effort to bring him to Raleigh, so he can spend what time his Dad has left in this world with him
When he arrives, his biggest regret picks him up from the airport…..the one he foolishly let slip through his fingers I really enjoyed this story and have to admit, you’ll need some tissues handy as it is a tearjerker but comes with an HEA
Once again Sawyer Bennett packs a lot of feels in a short novella- style book!
My heart broke for Rafe during the little bit of time we got to know him in Donovan’s book, and the more quick glimpses we got of him, the more I needed his story. Rafe is amazing. He’s selfless and a genuinely good man willing to sacrifice everything he’s worked toward for family. I couldn’t fall for him fast enough.
Calliope is the missing piece to Rafe’s puzzle. She knows him better than anyone. Though their history keeps her guard up around him, her heart is too big to close off to him. She’s patient and compassionate and the perfect distraction Rafe didn’t realize he needed.
This story will break your heart at times. But it’s not all heavy. Humor and plenty of signature Sawyer Bennett heat round out this fantastic second-chance romance. I highly recommend this book and this author.
This novella is part of the Arizona Vengeance Series, a Sport Romance. Rafe and Calliope’s story is emotional, sexy, and beautiful. I loved this second chance to love. The Series with intertwined characters are the best! Looking forward for more books in this amazing Series.
I was so glad that we got Rafes story. His story first started in Dominiks book. This book gave me all the feels. This was a great novella. It wasnt rushed and I didnt feel like chunks of the story were missing due to the length. I would definitely recommend this book!!
Received an arc for an honest review
Okay – this one had me bawling. I ugly cried like no other. So just a bit of a warning to have kleenex ready.
Rafe is in Arizona one day, on a path to the playoffs for the first time, when all of sudden he gets the one call, that changes everything and finds himself in Raleigh to say goodbye to his dad, all while trying to play for a new team.
It’s been years since Rafe has been home and one of the main reasons was because of the girl who got away, or really the one he left behind. Calliope Ramirez. His next-door neighbor, best friend, one-time girlfriend and the one he thought he was doing the right thing, by leaving her behind when he went off to play professional hockey. But Calliope sees nothing but red when Rafe walks back into her life. She has to keep reminding herself. He left. And that she’s only here now because of his father, who is dying from cancer.
As the days get harder to handle, the two former flames start to reconnect. Can love forgive and more on from what Rafe did to her? Only time and her heart can answer that question, but do they really have time on their side?
I loved this heartwrenching second chance novella. It had me not only crying but laughing too as these two reconnected. A great jumping in start to Sawyers hockey’s series – you get a glimpse into what to expect.
Such a great book and highly recommend!
Sawyer is one of those authors that I know is going to deliver a story that gets me all in my feels, and Rafe was no different.
I hated his reasoning for having to go back home. Dealing with his dad dying just broke my heart! Plus reconnecting with Callie, who is so angry, was emotional too! These two had a lot to work out, but I loved how determined Rafe was to win her back.
Watching these two find their way back to each other was AMAZING! I loved this novella and I definitely want more hockey books from Sawyer ASAP!!
We have to say that we really loved this story although it was emotional and sad it had a bit of romance where two teenagers who once loved one another got a chance at making things right 8 years later.
We loved the characters they were all easy to love and we have to say after reading this story we have a little bit of a crush on Rafe he was just that love-able.
We loved Rafe for the fact that his relationship with his dad wasn’t the best and yet, he made some dramatic changes in his life to be near his dad when he needed him most.
Calliope was just a sweet heart loving and generous and kind individual so much so she warmed your heart.
Overall this was a cute story that made you laugh out loud and giggle more than a few times and we even shed some tears but, through all the pain two people who where destined to love one another got another shot at their happily ever after ‘
“We love i
Thank you Inkslinger for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rafe
By: Sawyer Bennett
REVIEW
Rafe is a new addition to the 1001 Dark Nights Collection of novellas. This story is about Rafe, a hockey player, who receives the devastating news that his father is dying of cancer. Rafe transfers home to North Carolina to spend time with his father. There is also a woman here, Callie, who Rafe once loved. He left, and she moved on, became a nurse and is caring for Rafe’s father. Now, regardless of past feelings, Callie and Rafe are in each other’s space, and during such an emotional time, which might bring old feelings to the surface. But, is it love or hate? Rafe and Callie might have a second chance, but the circumstances are so despairing that it’s difficult to say. This story is a highly emotional account of loving, letting go and how those final moments are so profoundly important. Life realizations come with tragedy, and despite the heartbreak of loss, there may be hope on the other side. Rafe and Callie might see things differently, and embrace what they shared in the past as truth. This story made me sad but in an inspirational way, and I warn you now of the happy and the tears. Give it a try today!
I love Sawyer Bennett’s Arizona Vengeance series and Carolina Fury series. I was excited to see that we were going to see a trade from the Vengeance to the Fury and couldn’t wait to read it. Rafe and Callie give us a wonderful second chance romance. I enjoyed turning every page of SB’s latest and was sorry to reach the end.
Rafe is a second chance romance, Cold Fury Hockey/Arizona Vengeance crossover novella. You don’t have to have read any of the books in those series–with such a short format here, the focus really is on Rafe and his relationships with Calliope and his dad–there isn’t actually a whole lot of hockey on the page, either, but that’s OK, because you’ll honestly be craving the relationships here so much you’ll barely notice. Of course if you have read any of the other books, there will be little snippets of Oh! It’s Gray! and oooh! The baby! as you read, as a bonus 😉
Though the reason for their original breakup is one of my least favorites ever (the hero deciding he knows best for the heroine and makes that decision for them *and* then just crushing their relationship under his heel as he leaves, without even giving her the decency of a justification) Ms Bennett somehow made it work. It definitely helped that, eight years later, they’re actual adults now and able to act like it–him owning up to his faults, and her being able to see his side and work on forgiving him.
The storyline with Rafe and his dad is both heartwarming and heartwrenching–he comes home knowing his dad is dying, after all. Because of the short format, we don’t see all of the scenes between the two in real time, but even in flashbacks, they’re still moving. (And a little sad–but ultimately uplifting.)
It was fun reading a story that straddled the worlds of the two different hockey teams–spoiler alert, they’ll face each other in the finals! I’m not going to tell you who will win, though–you’ll have to read it yourself to find out 🙂
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
~~ 4 HEARTFELT STARS ~~
You better stock up on some tissues because RAFE by Sawyer Bennett, a 1001 Dark Nights AV novella, is gonna bring on the waterworks. But in the best possible way!
PREMISE:
Along with his teammates, Rafe Simmons was pumped with adrenaline at the notion of the Arizona Vengeance securing the coveted Stanley Cup championship. But one phone call proved to be the ultimate game changer for this second line center. His dad was dying of pancreatic cancer and the clock was ticking. Without a moment’s hesitation, Rage knew where he needed to be. By his father’s side to help care for him, and even though he was at the pinnacle of his career, he sacrificed everything to be the kind of son that his parents would be proud of. It took some maneuvering but he was traded to the Carolina Cold Fury in Raleigh but the true battle was just beginning for Rafe and his family as they faced an unspeakable loss. But the hurting hockey player found sweet solace where he least expected it: With Calliope Ramirez—his one true love…and the woman he left behind.
The beautiful, caring and fiercely independent nurse didn’t know what to think when her ex returned to town, turning her world all asunder. They’d grown up together—their families were next door neighbors– and she’d loved Rafe with every beat of her heart. But had never forgiven him for dumping her without an explanation eight years prior, shattering her hopes and dreams for their future together. However, there were things about their parting she wasn’t privy too, and as hurt and angry as she still was at him, she couldn’t turn away from him in his darkest hour. So as hard as she tried to fight her irresistible attraction to the sexy AF hockey player, who made no secret of his intent to win her back, old pent up feelings and potent passions rose to the surface as she helped Rafe and his parents through this most difficult time.
Can these two former flames have a second chance at love in the midst of a devastating family crisis?
MY MUSINGS:
Oh my heart! RAFE is a touching second chance tale brimming with love, loss, heartache, unbridled passion and poignant emotion. And at its core, this is a story about the unbreakable bonds that tie friends and families, and childhood soulmates, together through thick and thin! This Arizona Vengeance novella might be short in length but if you are craving a story that’s chock full of feels then you are NOT going to be disappointed. It’s sad and heartbreaking, yes, but also inspiring and uplifting, and for anyone who has sat vigil by a beloved parent’s side until they drew their final breath, it’s bound to strike an indelible chord.
The love story between Rafe and Callie aka “Poppy” was so captivating and smolderingly sexy—these two were just pure magic together. Best friends since they were tykes, they were destined to fall in love but then of course life threw them a curveball and their future veered down drastically different paths. Until now…when fate brings them together again at a most tumultuous time for the Simmones. Their chemistry was SIZZLING, but beyond the hot burning lust and torrid interludes, these two were true kindred spirits. And as hard as Callie fought against it, she finds herself irresistibly drawn back into Rafe’s world. So while their happily ever after might have been put in a super long timeout, it was still meant to be!
I am a self-professed book crier—and I make no apologies—and this story sure had tears leaking from my eyes on more than one occasion. And IMO, you have to be carved out of ice to NOT be affected by the scenes between Rafe and his dad as they said what needed to be said in Jim’s final days. The two had a strained relationship in the past but I love how these two mend fences before it’s too late. Furthermore, Jim’s terminal illness was handled with grace and dignity and the upmost sensitivity. Ms. Bennett truly did this heart slaying storyline justice, showcasing in real time what a family goes through in the final stages of a terminal illness—the good days the bad days…and everything in between. But rest assured, there are sweet and swoony and deliciously sexy moments amid all the heartache—and there’s also the underlying mystery about why Rafe deserted Callie all those years ago. And let’s just say that when you find out his side of the story you are gonna root for this big, hunky, utterly honorable hockey player even more!
Granted, I would have liked a little bit more meat to this reunion romance but considering the fact that it’s a novella, the author really did pack a lot of substance into a book that’s only 121 pages long. Plus as with all of her sports romances, the hockey backdrop was a pure adrenaline rush! I really relished the interaction with Rafe and his teammates, past and present! These badass players are truly BROTHERS in every sense of the word, and always have one another’s backs no matter what! I also appreciate how this author always plants delicious seeds for the next book in the Arizona Vengeance series. So now I am clamoring to read WYLDE!
BOTTOM LINE:
RAFE is a gut-wrenching, gloriously penned AV novella that reminds us to never take a single moment for granted.
Highly Recommend!
You know sometimes there are some characters you really like but they are side characters so they don’t always get their stories, I am super happy Rafe is not one of those. While I was reading Dominik, I wasn’t aware this novella will be published so I was a bit heartbroken but guess what even though it is short, it was a great story.
If you read Dominik, you already know why Rafe moved to Carolina. For the ones who didn’t get a chance to read Dominik, here is a short recap. Rafe Simmons was playing hockey for Arizona Vengeance. When he learned his father was battling with cancer and only has couple of months to live, he asks for a trade. Since the trade deadline is already passed, this was a hard task to accomplish. But Dominik being Dominik, he found a way to make this trade happen.
So now Rafe is a Carolina Cold Fury player. Getting traded was a huge handicap but it was just the beginning of the hard times for Rafe. He is with a new team in the middle of playoff season, he is either with his dad or playing hockey and there is also his first and only love Calliope, who hates him. Rafe and Calliope known each other since childhood. First, they were best friends and then shared too many firsts together as lovers. When Rafe got drafted, he decided to leave Calliope behind. Even though, his intentions were coming from a good place, it was a stupid thing to do without sharing his thoughts with her. For years she thought she wasn’t enough for him, but the reality was he left because he wanted her to follow her dreams, not his. Even without knowing Rafe’s reasoning for leaving, she was always there for him and his family. I cannot even imagine how hard it is to watch someone you love slowly slips away while you watch helplessly. Rafe and his father brought me to tears more than once, it was heartbreaking. Even though the reason behind Rafe and Calliope’s reunion was heartbreaking, I am happy that they got their shot for a second chance.
This is a heartbreaking second chance romance that will bring you tears one minute and crack you up the next. Next book of Arizona Vengeance, Wylde, will be here soon and I cannot wait to read that…
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Already done 🙂
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
Review
I loved reading this novella that crosses from one hockey team to another! It was bittersweet all throughout because there is a man dying but there is also hope and steam.
It all started in Domink’s book. Dominik is the owner of the Arizona Vengeance team, and when Rafe requests a transfer to the Cold Fury team, to be close to his dying father, Dominik accepts. This was an unprecedented action, right before the season starts, where Dominik arranged a change with Gray Bannon, the Cold Fury manager. Both behaved in such a humane manner, arranging the untraditional exchange, in order to help a professional player. When Rafe arrives to practice with the Cold Fury, he’s terribly homesick for his team and his partners, but gets such a warm welcome and solidarity from his new team members.
Rafe didn’t have a close relation with his father, and now that he learns his father has cancer and little time to live, he regrets never trying to breach the distance between them. His father was a workaholic and his work was more important than assisting to his son’s games. Rafe’s mother was the supportive one, who pushed him to achieve his goals. Now that Rafe’s back in town, his father also feels the regret of not being there for his son. This part of the story is bittersweet because there is no stopping time or the downward pull of death.
The positive side of this story rides in that Rafe’s ex-girlfriend is still in his parents’ life. Her family is next-door neighbors to Rafe’s parents and although she and Rafe broke up, she kept close to his parents, partly to help them and partly because they were like second parents. Since she’s a nurse, she has been their right hand in dealing with the medical terms and information. Now that Rafe arrived, she has been helping him navigate the medical territory.
This is a second chance romance and it was great because Rafe dumped Calliope right before he went pro. She has hated him for all this time, thinking he didn’t feel she was enough for him, once he went on to better things. Rafe is determined to win her over, after he did such a dumb thing like breaking up with her. In the story, we learn why and we get to enjoy as he grovels and Calliope makes him work for his second chance.
The story is short, bittersweet and lovely. As all this author’s stories, the story is brilliantly written, the characters are people you want to meet and be friends with, and the total feeling is of camaraderie and warmhearted family. I love all her stories!