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.
more
After receiving a call nobody hopes to EVER receive, Rafe asks permission to leave The Arizona Vengeance to return home. He’s been notified that his dad is dying of cancer and wants to spend his remaining days with him. In a last minute trade, Dominik is able to trade Rafe to The Cold Fury. He ends up back home, face to face with the biggest regret of his life…Calliope.
Calliope and Rafe had plans to always be together. Calliope always dreamed of becoming a nurse, Rafe an NHL hockey player. When he was drafted, he feared that Calliope wouldn’t achieve her dreams if she was busy supporting Rafe. So he made a unilateral decision and walked away. Now, Rafe is out of sorts and needs Calliope’s expertise and knowledge to help him navigate his dad’s illness. But Calliope isn’t so forgiving…
Awesome storytelling! As a nurse, I loved the medical and emotional aspects of the disease process and dying. While it was heart wrenching, it was also one of the best second chance love stories EVER! Calliope is a healer, care giver and I loved that she didn’t just give in and say “you’re forgiven”. I like that Rafe had to prove himself worthy. I also secretly loved that the Vengeance won The Stanley Cup and how supportive his former teammates were. I was also glad to see the Fury welcomed him with open arms! All around awesomeness and warm fuzzies—after the tears . There will be tears! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Absolutely loved Rafe & Calliope! This second chance romance delivered on all the feels! Sawyer Bennett did a wonderful job merging the Arizona Vengeance with the Cold Fury through Rafe’s story. You’re pulling for Rafe & Calliope from the very beginning and it never wavers. I’m eager to see where their story continues in future Vengeance or Cold Fury stories
I was not looking forward to this book at all. Loss of a parent is a hard subject for me. I’m extremely glad this book was a novella. Bennett did a wonderful job with such a hard topic. This is beautifully written.
I was afraid being a novella this story would not luve up to all the other great hockey novels Sawyer has written. I was happily surprised. A second chance story with Rafe and Calli reconnecting at a difficult time. It a tear jerker dealing with cancer and a parent dying but it is done with class
So much goodness packed into the pages of this one. My only complaint is how short the story is. I definitely wanted more Rafe! This is a powerful, emotion filled second chance story that will tug at all your heartstrings and leave you happy and sad all at the same time. Great crossover between the Arizona Vengeance and Cold Fury series with little glimpses at a bunch of our favorite characters. Definitely a quick read I would recommend to everyone.
Another fantastic story by Sawyer Bennett. This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of loss, forgiveness, and unconditional love. I absolutely loved this book.
From beginning to end this one was perfect! Rafe was playing his best hockey ever with the Arizona Vengeance and they are well on their way to making history as the first expansion team to win the cup when he gets the call that his father is dying and not going to live very long. All he wants is to go home to Raleigh and Domick Carlson pulls strings to get him traded to the Cold Fury so he can go home and still play hockey. Now he is home, in the playoffs, and who walks in the door but is first love…his only love…Calliope “Poppy” Ramirez. It doesn’t take long before they are crossing the lines and to friends and then friends with benefits until Rafe can take it no longer and lets her know he wants it all. It took coming home to lose his dad but get his love back. Definitely all the feels in this one!
This is a meeting of the 2 hockey series that I absolutely love! In the last book for the Arizona Vengeance series we saw that Rafe was going to be traded to the Carolina Cold Fury team, at his request. And while we knew his main reason for asking for what he did, we didn’t know what he had left behind in his quest to be a part of the NHL. This man, let me tell you. What he is dealing with broke my heart. But he also handled it with a lot more love and grace than a lot of people truly do. I loved Rafe. He made mistakes in his past but he also learned from them, and learned what is truly important in life. Calliope, there is so much I could say about her! I loved her from the start! She is spunky, but she also has this heart of gold. Even after being so completely broken, she still does what she believes is the right thing. Even if it means she could get hurt again. And I loved that about her! These two are perfect for each other and even though this one was a little shorter than I wanted (I really didn’t want it to end) it was a great read! Plus I got to see some of my favorite characters from the other series! I can’t wait for Wylde’s story!
Rafe’s book is about second chances but not just a second chance with his ex-girlfriend Calliope. Callie is the best thing that happened to him other than hockey. She was there for every thing in his life. When Rafe let her go that was his biggest mistake. Or so he thought. Then he got the call that his dad has cancer. Rafe makes a daring move and gets traded to the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team so he can spend more time with his dad. The trade could have gone the other way but he gets a second chance playing with a great team and to live his dream. Hopefully he will be able to reconnect with Callie.
Callie is nurse and she helps Rafe with coming to terms with his dad’s cancer. Rafe never had a great relationship with him. Well, he hardly had a relationship at all with his old man. Now he has no idea what to say or do to help his mother in the final days of his dad’s life. With the help of Callie and his old teammates in the Arizona Vengeance Rafe learns how to get a second chance at a relationship with his dad. Yes, he knows his dad’s days are numbered but he gets to hear the reasons why his dad was never there. Rafe gets to have his say too. In end neither of them leaves anything unsaid.
Is there anything better than a sweet short second chance romance by Sawyer Bennett? Not in my book! Rafe, a pro hockey player, finds out his dad is very ill, moves back to North Carolina to be with him, and finds his HEA there with his old girlfriend? Such a beautiful moving story! Thanks once again for making your characters come to life!
Rafe is the perfect short story and a wonderful glimpse into the adored world of the Cold Fury.
Poppy and Rafe’s story is loving, emotional and a delightful read.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
It was so nice to get the rest of Rafe’s story, even though it’s a tough one. And it was nice to get a look at the Carolina Cold Fury as well.i miss those characters.
Rafe’s father is dying, in North Carolina. Even though their relationship was rocky at best, Rafe knows he needs to be home for the time his father has left and for his mother. But he’s in Arizona. Once his owner knows the situation he makes a plan work to get Rafe home.
Once he’s home, little does Rafe know that the work he needs to do on his dads relationship isn’t the only one. Let’s throw in the ex girlfriend, Calliope, he suddenly left behind when he got signed to the NHL. And to add some more awkwardness to the situation, her parents still live next door and she’s a nurse helping them navigate his fathers last days. So there is no avoiding Callie.
This has only one place this relationship can go, and that’s up right? Maybe but it’s not going to be East for them to find their HEA.
While this story has its sad moments there are upbeat moments as well.
I did not expect this book to be as emotional or powerful as it is. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that just guts me like this one did. It hit really close to home for me and although it’s been almost two years, it still brought me to tears. I’ve been in Rafe’s position. I know how he feels about his dad. So for me, this book is beyond good.
I love that Rafe had Poppy to help him navigate the medical-ness. And to be his friend, all be it with benefits. And Wylde. He surprised me. It was good to hear some of his back story. I was surprised he was the one who could relate to what Rafe is going through, but then Wylde is always a surprise.
As far as the love story goes, it was sweet. Best friends, high school sweethearts. Then someone decides they know what’s best for the other (ahem, Rafe) and he upends them. Can they get beyond that and find forever?
Ugh good thing Rafe is a hot hockey player. You definitely feel his regret from his youthful decisions from the beginning of this read. When he returns home to his dying father, he has a opportunity to reconnect with his first love Calliope.
What do I love about our female lead? Even though this isn’t a long book, our girl is no push over. She has an amazing heart and still cares for Rafe but he has to work for it a bit. Don’t worry, they have moments when they spice up the page. Wink. It wouldn’t be a Sawyer Bennett story otherwise. Haha.
What makes my heart the happiest, this book takes me back into the Cold Fury world. Sigh! Some of my favorite peeps. Definitely worth my time. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
Oh man. This may be a novella, but it packs a big punch. It’s full of love, laughter, and emotion. I loved Rafe and Calliope.
Rafe was a quick and emotional second chance at love story. Rafe has traded teams to be closer to his dying father. When he gets home he’s immediately reunited with his first love and long time girlfriend, Calliope. The two had been best of friends then an amazing couple up until Rafe left for the major leagues. He broke her heart, but with good intentions. Their reconnecting was really sweet. You could tell that their friendship was just as important as their romance. Rafe was able to make the most of his last days with his dad. That part was very emotional for me. I felt like Rafe showed a lot of growth and maturity and I really enjoyed “watching” it happen.
I will preface this review with the following, bring tissues to this read. You will definitely! need them!!
MY GOSH, I loved this book!! The emotions I went thru while reading this book. This is a phenomenal second chance at love book, heartbreaking, but phenomenal!
I have a stupid question. Why do men think they know best?!?!
Calliope and Rafe started their loves story young. They grew up together, best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, each other’s first. Their families new that they would eventually get married. Then the Rafe gets drafted into the NHL and gives her up?!?! Without telling her WHY!!??!!?? WHAT AN a….. er, moron!!!
It’s been 8 years since Calliope last saw Rafe, and she has NEVER forgiven him for dumping her. However, she will be there for him, and help him and his mom get thru the pain of watching their father/husband die of cancer.
Rafe has never forgotten Calliope/Poppy and their love. He felt he was doing the right thing giving her up. (Sorry ladies, I refuse to give his reasons away, you will have to read to learn why.) Maaaybe, a good reason…no just no. He should have told her why.
I really enjoyed this story, it was at times VERY painful, emotional to read, at times, but I loved it regardless, tissues and all. Watching Rafe and Poppy redevelop their relationship, sigh.
I think my favorite, well at least most emotional part was when Rafe turns around and Poppy is just there…stop. I can’t give anymore away. I will say have your tissues ready, lots of them.
Thank you, Ms. Bennett for sharing your phenomenal talents with me and your readers. I cannot tell you the hours and hours of reading enjoyment you and your books have given me over the years. Again, Thank YOU!!!
I was given a copy of this wonderfully emotional book for my reading enjoyment and my opinions and thoughts regarding this spectacular book.
Thank you for reading my review. If you love romance, especially if you are missing hockey (thank you C-19…not), I know you will love this book as much as I have.
Rafe by Sawyer Bennett captured the sexy, passionate, swoony and thrilling feelings of a second chance sports romance perfectly!
Rafe has traded his team Arizona Vengeance to Cold Fury in mid season to spend the last days of his dying father together. His home town also holds some cherished memories. Including his childhood sweetheart Calliope. The girl who was broken by him years ago. The girl who has grown up to be a head tuner. Who also takes care of his parents like own family using her nursing knowledge to the best.
I loved Rafe and Calliope’s chemistry! Calliope is so sassy, fierce, adorably compassionate and owner of a golden heart! I absolutely admire her way of going all in once she is determined. I totally understand why she was angry with Rafe for ruining their epic love story from a self proclaimed sense of duty. Rafe is the kind of guy who is equally rough and soft. He is aggressive on ice and in bed. But when it comes to people he loves, he is an intensely sentimental guy. They pushed through their misunderstandings and consolidated their bond through a tough time.
Rafe is the perfect short yet spicy and heartwarming read for any romance lover. Sawyer Bennett has a way with words that brings out maximum emotions every single time!
Received ARC for honest review
4 Stars!
Rafe Simmons is living his dream in Phoenix playing professional hockey for the Arizona Vengeance. Then he gets a phone call that rocks his world. His dad is ill, and only has months to live. The only thing that mattered was getting home to be with his family in North Carolina. His current team shows him kindness and allows him to be transferred to Raleigh to play for the Cold Fury. Now his life is thrown into chaos, and the one place he finds comfort is from the last person he expected. Calliope Ramirez stole his heart years ago, and he never quite got it back, but she hasn’t forgiven him for leaving her. He wants her back, and will do whatever it takes to earn her trust again.
Callie is a 26 yr. old nurse in Raleigh. She’s an independent woman trying to live her best life. Then her ex boyfriend Rafe blows into town, and disrupts her sense of peace. It had been eight years since he dumped her with no explanation. He’d left her behind for hockey. They grew up together as neighbors, and were the best of friends as kids. Later it turned into so much more. They’d planned their future together, and then he’d destroyed everything with his choices. She was left heartbroken and devastated. Now he’s everywhere she turns and even more gorgeous than she remembered. She tries to pretend she’s immune to his charms, but when she tries to stand by his side and offer support with his family, old feelings begin to resurface. Suddenly she finds herself in dangerous territory when her heart begins to long for the one man it shouldn’t. Will she give Rafe the chance to finally make things right between them, or is it too late?
Rafe: An Arizona Vengeance Novella by Sawyer Bennett is a standalone 1001 Dark Nights story full of emotion, love, and unbreakable connections. It’s a fantastic second chance romance with all the feels!
We had a little taste of things to come from Rafe’s story in the last book and so I was really looking forward to this. I must say though, you can easily dive into this without having read any of the previous books in the Arizona Vengeance series. This was a novella so it’s quite a quick read And for that reason I felt the reconnection of Rafe and Calliope moved very quickly and lacked a little drama. That said this was a second chance romance and they had a lot of history so it was easy to buy into this couple and they definitely had great chemistry. This was a really sweet romance but had a great emotional edge to it that really got to me. Overall an enjoyable read.