A second chance may be just what James Steele needs… I might be one of the older players on the Arizona Vengeance, but I like to think that also makes me one of the wisest. Or at least I used to.Turns out, I’ve been a bit selfish. I’ve been married to hockey and my team for years, which hasn’t left much time for my actual wife, Ella. Now I’m juggling a separation I never wanted, the pressure of … of being a single dad to our teenage daughter, and the career I sacrificed it all for. While my game on the ice might be on fire, the game in my personal life is clearly lacking, as evidenced by the fact I just saw my wife on a date with another man. If I have any hope of saving the family I love, I need to re-prioritize, and fast. So it’s time for me to get back to fundamentals, just like I did when I learned how to play hockey. I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and romancing my wife is a challenge I am very much looking forward to. Time to put on my game face, because I’m in it to win it.
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4.5 stars
Jim Steele is a veteran and a bit older than the average guys on the Arizona Vengeance. We have known thathe was separated from his wife, Ella, for a while, and he was feeling pretty hopeless about it. But it just takes a bit of jealousy and some self-awareness to push him to make a decision whether to let her go or win her back. And any self-respecting husband and father who is insanely jealous and realizes his mistakes is hopefully going to choose the option of fixing them.
In the past Jim got caught up in his career, thinking that being successful and providing for his family would be enough and he did not see how Ella felt invisible or taken for granted. But now after losing her, he is starting to realize how blind he was to her needs. And even when Ella made a desperate attempt by kicking him out months ago, he just took it and did not fight because it was what she said she wanted. He is a good guy, but just a bit clueless on the uptake.
But now he knows it will be the most important fight of his life to win Ella’t trust, heart, and his family back. They have a somewhat surly young teen in the middle of it all and have to tread lightly. But Jim is now a man on a mission.
I loved Jim and how he dedicated himself to learning from the past and trying to be a better man. He starts to figure out his priorities and course of action, but nothing is a sure bet. His woo-ing is thoughtful and his sex appeal is not an issue. His career needs are still going to pull him away, but can he find a way to make her feel loved and a priority in the times he cannot be there?
This is a sweet, sexy, second-chance romance of rekindling first love, saving a marriage, and trying to bring a broken family back together. It is a great reminder about seeing what is right in front of you and not taking anything for granted. It is refreshing to read about an established married couple that is trying to reconnect and fall even deeper in love. I really liked Jim and Ella, They had respect for each other and definitely hot chemistry, and I especially appreciated how they co-parented Lucy even in bad times. Lucy is sweet and sassy and plays a big role in their story.
And there are plenty of visits with the Arizona vengeance team and their significant others. And it sets up the next book or maybe three! I am definitely interested in Jett, Bader, and even the grumpy Riggs.
Steele by Sawyer Bennett is the 9th book in the Arizona Vengeance Series and can be read as a stand-alone. Steele tells the story of Jim Steele and Ella, his wife of whom he is separated. They have been together since they were 16 y/o and Steele focused more on his hockey career than his family, which forced Ella to ask him to move out. It’s been 5 months since he left and when he realizes that Ella is moving on and dating, he decides to try to win her back.
Steele realizes his mistakes and doesn’t pull any punches on what he wants. He entrusts his 13 y/o daughter, who is wise above her years to assist with his plan. This is a sweet story that shows that true love never dies and that sometimes we become lost in the daily journey, but when reminded of what’s important, true love always wins.
Steele and Ella have unbelievable passion for each other and it definitely shows. You won’t regret reading this book and you will be invested in Steele and Ella’s HEA. Ms. Bennett has a knack for pulling you in from the first page. I look forward to her next release.
It’s not often that I come across romances featuring a marriage in crisis. I find them really intriguing because it’s a glimpse beyond the typical happily ever after. I love that these two characters are fighting to get back to each other. The obstacles and hurt feelings are all too relatable and that vulnerability really hits me in all the feels. Steele is book 9 in the Arizona Vengeance series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone. Previous characters do appear, but the author does a fantastic job introducing them to readers who haven’t had a chance to read the prior books.
One of the things I love about marriage in crisis romances is that the characters are all in. Yes, there might be some minor OW/OM drama for a bit, but for the most part, the characters only have eyes for each other. This was definitely the case for Jim and Ella. I loved that they were childhood sweethearts and had weathered so much together. It was easy to understand how both became complacent and also upset with the progression of their marriage. There wasn’t a ton of drama in this one and I liked that it focused on the two of them finding their way back. The next book, featuring Jett, was set up very well and I’m looking forward to his story next.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Not your typical second chance romance. What does it take to save a marriage? Steele dug deep, figured it and did whatever it took to make it happen. This book was sweet, steamy and romantic.
Steele is the ninth book in the Arizona Vengeance series by Sawyer Bennett. Each book follows a different player from the team so can be read as standalone but I recommend reading the whole series at some point, they are all so different. I first met James Steele in Wylde briefly but got to know his story more in Kane. He has his work cut out for him…
Steele and his wife, Ella separated five months ago after being together for sixteen years. High school sweethearts even and have a thirteen year old, Lucy. Steele thought Ella was happy in their marriage until the day she asked him to move out. He was shocked and just walked out without a fight. Now, five months later, he gets a fire lit under his ass after seeing her with another guy, laughing. He thought of her every day. He never wanted to separate. He regrets not fighting for her and this is the push he needed. He was on a mission to get his wife back. To get his daughter back. To put their family together again.
Ella loves Jim with all her heart but in the end, she needed him to see her. His time was spent on the ice which is understandable since that is his job. It was the after-hours she craved. She wanted her husband to spend time with her and Lucy instead of a fun pick-up game with his buds. He didn’t see the hurt it caused until it was too late. Now, he wants to fight for them. Does she have it in her to give him a second chance? Is it only because he saw her with a date or does he really want their forever?
Oh man, this one got to me. I can totally relate. My husband doesn’t play hockey or anything professional but we were HS sweethearts and he played rugby then and up to five years ago. Practices. Games. Travel. After-games socials. Thursday night post-practice drinks. Gym time. It’s a lot. Anyway, I loved that this was unique just like the other stories in the series, a married couple with a teenager. Love. Steele and Ella are adorable, sexy, and have their obstacles. So real, right? And Lucy, her dad has to prove to her too that he can change, see her and her mother.
Overall…I loved it. It’s real, hot, funny, and emotional. The characters are lovable. The teammate’s are supportive. I can’t wait for the next book! Jett is about to fall on his ass.
Quotes:
“I want a shot at making you remember the good times.”
“You could have called.”
“Then I wouldn’t have been able to see you,” I reply casually. “And I really wanted to see you.”
My eyes have adjusted to the dark, so I can see her whip my way. “Why?” I frown.
Why would she even ask such a question? As she can probably see enough to read my expression, I explain as simply as I can. “Because you’re beautiful. Because I miss you. Because I needed to. Take your pick.”
“Holy shit,” Jett murmurs. “Kill me now… I’m in love.”
I finally turn his way—I swear his eyes are bugging out with little hearts in the center where his pupils should be.
I was very happy with this book showing another side to what makes this team of hockey players. With Steele you get a very mature and determined man. His story is not about his status on the team or his plays. This one is focused on saving his marriage. He has his priorities straight now and is well aware of his past mistakes. Making you wish every man who crosses your life would behave like him… Plus I noticed that in his case there were no favors provided. He really worked hard to make his grand gestures significant. It is admirable that his character is not relaying on anyone else for help but still is so thoughtful, romantic and dedicated. His job is to show Ella that their relationship is worth having and envying. And after all, this hockey player is no slacker.
Just because you get married doesn’t mean the romance has to end. Even years down the road romance should still be a part of your relationship. Yes, life gets in the way, but you should never forget what made you fall in love. Jim is finding this out the hard way. Yes, he loves Ella, but his hockey career sometimes comes first and after all these years Ella is not happy with it. His feelings and love for her are always there but sometimes he doesn’t always show it. I guess he takes it for granted that she knows he loves her and is committed to their marriage. Ella has had enough so she asks him for a separation. Jim doesn’t fight her he just leaves never really hearing why she has asked him to leave. It is after months of being away from Ella and their daughter and alone that he starts to realize what he was doing wrong. How he put his family second to hockey and other things in his life. Now he wants Ella back and is willing to do anything and everything to show her he has changed and that they are the most important people in his life. It won’t be easy; talk is cheap as the saying goes but he is listening now. Which is something he never did before they separated. Sometimes we don’t realize how good something is until we lose it. Jim is determined to convince Ella to take him back. To remember the love, they shared and the family they created. She agrees to give him time to prove himself that he is ready to come back but it won’t be quick or easy. Now the simple things he took for granted he now appreciates. Like simple texts during the day to Ella, romantic “dates”, staying home and eating junk food and watching movies. But can Ella trust him again. This is all nice now, but will it always be like this or will he revert to how things used to be. But sometimes you have to take the risk if the outcome is worth it.
Even though each story is a stand alone it is great to see all the other couples and what is going on in their lives. These books all represent a family of sorts. They may not be related by blood, but they are family all the same.
ARC received from author for an honest review
I picked up this book, not quite remembering who Steele was in the mix of things
As soon as I started reading, I was all “oh yeah, that guy. The one trying to win his wife back.”
I liked that this was a on a different tack to the other books. Steele and Ella have already found their HEA, now it is the fight to keep it.
I did laugh at the other guys giving advice on how to win her back, however misguided it was at times. I liked seeing the change.
I do feel though, that maybe it is time to retire the Arizona Vengeance guys? Don’t get me wrong, I love reading them, love any hockey series, but by book 9 is there really anywhere more that the series can go without the stories getting repetitive? Don’t shoot me, Ms Bennett, you could write the menu for the local takeaway restaurant and I would read it, but to me (and this probably just me) they are all starting to feel the same.
Oh wait, but not until I get Bader’s story!
If you love hockey and love second chance romances then Steele is the book you don’t want to miss.
Jim Steele thought he had everything in life , the perfect wife the amazing daughter and a job that he loved to do everyday, what he never expected was to lose the first two over the last.
When reality hits him in the face it’s time to man up and get back his family, and he will do whatever it takes to make that a reality once again.
Ella has always loved Jim and it was the hardest thing to do to make him leave but when your not happy deep down it might just be the time to let go, what she never realizes that the important things in life are worth the fight.
Watching Jim woo back his wife is hopefully heartwarming, watching him realize that Ella had every right to throw him out when he finally realizes that he took advantage of thinking everything was okay. Making their family whole again was his priority finally over hockey.
Hockey is his passion but Ella & Lucy are his life and when he finally realizes that everything will fall into place.
With each book in this series you can’t help fall for every couple and there stories and knowing that the love you have for hockey also brings you the love you have for your partner too.
I generally steer clear of books that involve rebuilding a marriage, because they tend to be super angsty, and that isn’t necessarily my cup of tea. HOWEVER, I absolutely devoured this book. It was relatively low angst and I loved how determined Jim was to fight for his family.
I LURVE, LURVE, LURVE 2nd chance romance and Sawyer Bennett just wrote the best one I have ever read. It was so awesome that I am wishing for a Steele-like husband under my Christmas tree this year Heck, a girl can dream right. I volunteered an honest opinion for this book
This series is just the best! Sawyer Bennett is always finding a new way to tell a love story.
I adored Jim and Ella’s story! After many years married they have now been separated for 6 months. Something finally lights a fire under Jim Steele’s butt and he knows that he needs to do something before it’s too late and he loses his wife Ella forever. This story is so sweet and it’s really awesome how hard Jim fights to get her back. Despite his grueling hockey schedule, he does so much to prove to her that he understands where he went wrong and that he will always make sure she knows he sees her and is putting her and their daughter first. Ella becomes open to the idea when she sees how serious he is and that she decides to go all in with letting him woo her and giving them a chance to see if they can get back to a good place. Burning up the sheets has never been their problem but they both know that is not enough. It’s truly heartwarming to see them both fighting for their marriage. It’s also really cute how their daughter Lucy is all for this and even helps her dad. This is just a really nice feel good story that’s much needed right now. I absolutely loved it!!
Steele in a bid to win his wife back, pulls out all the stops in this new Arizona Vengeance novel. A romantic little story with a sexy hero and a beautiful heroine, who are striving to save a marriage. A loved this story and all the feels it brings as Steele and Ella work to repair the damage complacency has caused in their marriage. If you like sweet and sexy then this is a book for you!
Another hot hit for Sawyer Bennett! You will love Steele, and his family!! 5 hockey stars for this one!
We have Steele here, he and his wife have separated, he gets to see his daughter Lucy when his hockey schedule permits. But he’s not happy with the split, he wants her back, especially when he’s out one night and runs into his wife with a guy on a date. He vows to her he’s not giving up without a fight, and he intends to fight for her to be his again.
Relax and enjoy this great second chance story, you will swoon & cheer for Steel, and you will fall in love with him and his family!
I love a sports romance, especially hockey and even though this is book number nine, I think it’s my new favorite in this series. I say think because it’s hard to beat some of the other couples which have stayed in my mind for some time but Jim and Ella have touch me genuinely. You don’t get books very often on a married couple having problems and actually solving them to reunite and that to me is genuine but also emotionally moving. Through some of the other books in this series, we knew that Jim had separated from his wife and not by his own choice but hers. We also found out in the last book that he threw down the gauntlet and decided to fight to get her back. This book starts around the end of book eight and it picks up with Jim knowing he made mistakes and is willing to have the battle of his life to get his family back.
Both Jim and Ella are level headed, there was no drama on their separation so there’s no major angst leading up to their reconciliation either. And it should be noted that there wasn’t any cheating as to why Ella asked Jim to leave, she just needed more from Jim in their relationship and he wasn’t listening. Sounds like most marriages quite frankly, after so many years being married, we can all get complacent. With some time apart, Jim could see exactly where he stuffed up and was adamant to prove to Ella he won’t let it happen again and goes all out to prove it. One of the things I love about this author is that she is an equal opportunist and it takes two to make a relationship work, and Ella also sees this. This book to me was about self discovery, loyalty and family commitment but it wouldn’t be a Sawyer Bennett book without some seduction and we get just the right amount.
This is a must read for anyone following this series, Jim and Ella along with Lucy and their puppy will tug at your heart. If you’re new to the series and want to know can you just pick this one up and not be lost, most definitely. In each of these books, there is a paragraph or two giving you the slightest reminder or inkling of what the previous couples story might be. Word of warning, it will make you want to go back and read them all!
Oh My!!!! Such a sweet and emotional story!! A troubled marriage, second chances, and sweet gestures!! Sawyer Bennett knows how to touch your heart! A bonus of chances, involved Lucy and her new dog! I was just smitten with the whole story!! Wonderful heartwarming book!!
This book is more than second chance romance, it is everything that anyone in a committed relationship needs to know. Basically we’re talking life after the happy ever after, dealing with the downs that can happen when you’ve been together a while and you don’t make the effort to go that extra mile anymore. You take each other for granted, no more wooing, no igniting the spark. That is what happened with James Steele and his wife Ella. They’d been together for over 17 years and Steele stopped making an effort. It took Ella splitting up with him and moving on with her life for Steele to get his head out of his backside, review his life, and make an effort to win back his one true love. Got to say, I loved this story so much, Sawyer Bennett nailed it. A wonderful romance with Steele putting the spark back into his marriage, and let me tell you, Ella didn’t make it easy for him (rightfully so). A great supporting cast with their wonderful daughter Lucy, and of course the members of the Arizona Vengeance family (it’s always a bonus catching up with my favourite hockey team). A proper feel good, romance. I loved it. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
This book spoke to my soul! I feel like I’ve been waiting for Steele’s book for so long. I needed to know why he was getting a divorce. Also, can’t say I was heartbroken over it as I was not a fan of Mrs. Steele. But I really felt for her once I finally got the scoop on everything. And I felt for him too. There really wasn’t anyone at fault for the situation they’d found themselves in. It really was a lesson in life and how you should never assume anything, good or bad. I loved it, one of my favorite stories of this series. On a final note, just like with the previous books, why no epilogue? Total disappointment over that part.
I absolutely love this series and each book seems to get better and better. We met Steele and Ella a few books back but only got a glimpse into their story. Too much hockey and not enough time spend with his family, made Ella feel like she second.
As Steele realizes that he doesn’t want to lose his wife or end his marriage, he has to figure out how to win Ella back. Loving Jim Steele has never been a problem for Ella, coming second to his hockey buddies has been the problem. She felt he didn’t have time for his wife and daughter. But when she starts dating someone else, she realizes that she doesn’t want someone else, she wants Steele.
Can Steele convince Ella that he can change? Will Ella give him another chance to save their marriage? Can he win her heart again?
Although this was not my favorite I did love Jim and Ella’s story, I can’t resist a second chance romance. And when it comes to the Arizona Vengeance and Sawyer Bennett, I can’t resist either of them. So sit back and enjoy it!
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**
Hockey has always been a priority for Steele. Bonding with his teammates and being in the right frame of mind before a big game was something he took pride in. And then, Ella his high school sweetheart, mother of his teenage daughter and longtime wife kicks him to the curb. It is not until he sees her getting on with her life that he decides that their love and marriage are worth fighting for. With every turn of the page the reader is taken on a true and honest romance. It is not the playing of the game that it is important but it is seeing that you are hurting those around you that make a difference. Everyone that is fighting for their marriage should take notes from Steele. Sawyer Bennett captivated her audience with her not so typical hockey romance – job well done!!