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 … 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.
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This is the 7th book in the Arizona Vengeance series and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone but I recommend every single book in this series!! In this one we get Aaron Wylde’s story! Aaron is hotshot hockey player who works hard, but also plays hard. He isn’t looking for a relationship, just a good time. Clarke Webber is an eclectic shop owner who catches his eye, but also doesn’t know (or care) who he is. Not only does that intrigue Aaron but it makes him work harder to get her attention. But the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that she may be the one for him. And he has to show her that there is more to him than the playboy.
I loved this one! Aaron made me laugh but also know more about him and his backstory. He is just a fun loving guy who while he may have a wild side, he isn’t afraid to put the work in for the things that he cares about. Clarke-I didn’t really like her at first. I thought she was a bit condescending and she made snap judgements. But as the story went on, I am glad to say I was wrong about her and she was perfect for Aaron! I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down! I especially loved seeing other beloved characters from the series, that always makes a series book for me! I can’t wait to read the next one!
Another great read in this Arizona Vengeance series by Sawyer Bennett!
Aaron Wylde (aka Wylde) is known as being a “player” not just on the ice for the Arizona Vengeance hockey team. They just won the Stanley Cup and are celebrating while their offseason begins. Wylde is out for a run when he ends up taking a detour and runs past a bookstore. He catches a glimpse of a redhead in the window and circles back to check her out.
Omg! I love how he bets her to win a date with her (actually 2 wedding dates).
It turns out Wylde is so much more than a “player” or a hockey player and is working hard to win over Clarke, the beautiful red head that owns the bookstore. It turns out that Clarke has a fear of being in the spotlight and fame due to a horrible experience that played out in front the whole world to see. So Wylde has a huge battle to climb to win her over. But he is up to the challenge and it’s fun to watch not only Wylde fall but Clarke as well.
A wonderful addition to this already fabulous series!
Another winner from Sawyer Bennett albeit, to me, this time, the story felt more mellow than some she has written. From the beginning Wylde wanted Clarke but she was very skittish. We find out why, and it is understandable, yet for me there were not as many highs or lows…not so much angst as I had read in many of her other books. For me, this was a quiet comfortable read, and in these times of quarantine, a lovely, soothing read.
This is #7 in the Arizona Vengeance series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, and to fully appreciate this incredibly hot series, I recommend reading in order.
Aaron runs around his neighborhood until he sees the most striking woman he has ever seen. What is a hot hockey player to do when he sees a good looking woman? He stops to talk to her. Then as he gets to know her, he realizes he wants more.
Clarke cannot believe she has met a man who excites her in more ways than one. She is shocked to find that behind the excellent banter is a well read man. Its the fame that surrounds him that makes it a hard decision.
The banter just sucked me in right from the get go. This book has it all and I loved it. I was excited to read about this great series! Some of our favorites form previous stories make an appearance in this one. The characters were a joy to read and I was eagerly turning the pages. This read has a fast pace, lots of action, and some surprises for the reader.
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
4 If It Is Arizona Vengence, Can’t Read Just One Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-It’s Live!!!
You know how there are certain series you just love. The books have become a touchstone of your reading history and as the series continues, you learn of past characters and feel that connection. Sawyer Bennett has been doing these series about her NHL teams for quite some time. Cold Fury was the first series I read that then segued wayed into this team series, the Arizona Vengence.
This allowed Bennett to go forward while still referencing the other team periodically. I happen to love all of that. It is addictive and like the old ad campaign for Lays Potato Chips, you can’t read just one….and I haven’t, I have read Every Single One, Happily.
(Yup, I know that remembering this personally ages me, hahahahaha)
This entry has Wylde who has become a part of the team and finds himself doing something he has never done before. He is pursuing a woman who really isn’t interested in him…well, not like how women usually are.
You see Aaron has had quite the rep as the team player, enjoying the whole puck bunny deal. The season is over, they won the Stanley Cup and so they all are riding high on the win. He is trying to figure out what to do with the off-time when he comes across a bookstore during his morning jog. As he peered into the picture window, he saw this woman there, someone who looked like a vision to him.
This caused him to go into the store and see her up close and personal. Up close was even better…she was nothing like all the plastic, blond barbies that have chased him. There was something earthy and sweet yet with so much spark behind the eyes. It made him feel like a preteen boy.
In order to stay in her store longer, he came up with needing gifts for the weddings happening for his teammates. As they are interacting, Aaron is thinking this redhead is someone he wants to know better.
Clarke is a bit dazzled by this hunk of a guy in her bookstore. He has that just finished run look, causing the t-shirt to stick to his chest revealing more abs then she is used to. This guy seems a little out of place yet still keeps coming up with reasons to keep being in the store.
Clarke is enjoying the banter and flirting. It is something she hasn’t been involved in forever. It causes her to relax for a minute and allow Aaron to present a challenge. Confident her assumptions about this guy who probably is a weekend jock and has no interest in what is her passion, she accepts the bet.
Bammmm, Aaron has won and now Clarke, who never welches on a bet, has to spend time with this guy. Then when she finds out Aaron isn’t some weekend jock at all and a famous hockey player, all her walls go up.
This is not good, not at all. Clarke is sure after her living up to her obligations she will cut him loose and won’t see him again. Clarke’s experience with fame and the famous was not something she ever wants to repeat again.
Aaron is having none of this, he is actually really enjoying himself with Clarke and wants more time with her. After she explains why they could never work, Aaron is determined to figure out how to show Clarke he is a good guy and things will work out.
This was delicious, I could have gobbled Aaron up. Such a sweet guy and he was very forthcoming all the time which I loved. He was patient with Clarke and understood what she needed. Clarke was perfect for Aaron and she needed to accept his true actions and feeling for her. When they finally were able to make it all fall into place, I rejoiced.
As I said, I love this series, and when the next entry comes…I will be front and center.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Wylde & Clarke are so effing cute I can’t even stand it…I mean their meet cute was the BEST!!!!!
Never underestimate a jock…
I loved that Clarke was vulnerable and opened herself up even when she was nervous. I love that Wylde was persistent AF and finally broke down her walls. I am a sucker for a nerdy love story…this had brains and brawn…which let’s be honesty…is HAWTTTT!!!! OMG the dirty things he does to Clarke will have you flippin’ that page so fast.
#ProfessorJockyJock #Scrabble
Readers looking for a romance featuring a realistic couple with witty banter and endearing encounters will get all that and more as the Arizona Vengeance is back in this slow-burn tale that put a smile on my face. From the first page to the last readers will feel as if they’re at a reunion as couples from previous books make appearances here to help the two main leads find their own HEA. With each turn of the page readers will become even more immersed in the outcome, wrapped up in a warm blanket of familiarity that makes this series so delightful.
Aaron Wylde seems to have it all as a star hockey player with a revolving door of admirers. He’s fun loving, charming, and sexy and everything seems to come very easily to him. At least that was before he met Clarke Webber, a strong-willed and overly serious bookstore owner who doesn’t fall easily at his feet. From the start she makes him work for her attentions…and it’s a battle he intends to win as he knows she’s the one for him. He shows from the start the substance behind his sexy persona and I adored seeing this other side as it showed a charming and personable young man with more to him than meets the eye. As readers saw in the previous book, Rafe, Wylde has an emotionally painful past of his own that has him making the most of each and every moment now and that’s clearly on display in this story as he never gives up on Clark. Through his words and deeds I fell a little bit harder for him as the story went along and by the end there was yet another book boyfriend to add to the list.
Clark Webber’s been burned by a man in the past and it was his notoriety that made her life miserable. Since the end of that relationship Clark’s been left a bit battered and bruised. She’s got a protective barrier around her, a barrier that brings out a bit of snottiness on her part early on that had me taking a bit more time to warm up to her. Her preconceived notions about pretty boys were a bit understandable considering her past but they’re quickly dispelled when she meets Wylde and it made for a compelling first meeting. She may have thought herself superior at first, but Wylde showed that he could give as good as he got where she’s concerned. Being with him loosened her up, had her trusting him more and valuing herself more too and it made for a heartwarming romance.
Wylde and Clark were combustible. I enjoyed their back and forth banter, the witty comebacks they level at each other, and the closer they grew with each turn of the page. There’s an intimacy about setting this romance in a bookstore, a sense of quiet contemplation and time to really get to know each other that made this an entertaining journey. I enjoyed seeing past couples and each contributed in their own way to bringing Wylde and Clark together. I loved seeing this tight-knit group of people rally around each other as a family and it makes each story all the better. On a whole this was a well-done tale with likable characters, both secondary and primary, and it took me down a lovely road to HEA. Lots of warm fuzzies, lots of smiles, as well as a tear or two along the way we’re found in another satisfying addition to the Arizona Vengeance series. And with the intriguing glimpses readers get of Kane and Steele I’m left in breathless anticipation of what’s coming next!
4.25 STARS!
I was surprised by this book. I expected it to be different than it was. He’s a playboy. She’s a bookworm. Yada, yada, yada, happily ever after. But there is so much emotional turmoil in this book. They each have their own issues, but then team issues come up for Wylde and Clarke has to decide if being accepted for who she is is what she really wants.
Seeing the entire first line and their significant others all together was special. Especially for the reason why they were brought together. And it was bittersweet seeing Rafe again. I love that even though he was traded, he is still part of the team.
And watching the cup make its rounds through the team members. Seeing how each prefers to celebrate with it. I was a little bummed we didn’t see Wylde get the cup. I’m curious how he plans to spend his day with it.
Overall, a lot of emotions in this book. Will Clarke be able to let go of her past and completely trust Wylde? Will Wylde really leave the playboy lifestyle?
This is the seventh book in the Arizona Vengeance series but as each book covers a different couple this can be read on a stand alone basis. Bare in mind though, it may give some spoilers on previous couples.
Once again, we were treated to another enjoyable read from this series. It was a nice easy read with just the right amount of drama and the story held my attention throughout. I have to say, I really liked both Wylde and Clarke and their initial meeting was super cute. I had no problems connecting with this couple and I enjoyed their relationship journey and found it really cute and adorable. There was just something missing for me. Overall, this was a super sweet read and a good addition to the series.
3.5 stars
I was provided with a copy of this book from the Publisher; there was no inducement or obligation and I opted to leave a review.
Wylde is the 7th book in Arizona Vengeance and after reading Rafe I couldn’t wait to read this book!
I must be a fickle woman because I have fallen in love with each and everyone of these hockey players! Wylde is no exception.
Aaron Wylde is out jogging getting ready to return for the new season of hockey. He ran by Clarke Webber’s Bookstore and happened to see this gorgeous woman in there. Turns out she is the owner and after buying gifts for his friends, just to talk to her and to ask her out . He asks her to go to a wedding with him. He ends up guilting her into going because she was going to cancel and he wasn’t going to allow her any excuses.
Clarke holds Wylde at arm’s length. She definitely doesn’t make it easy for him to go out with. Fortunately he is tenacious. He is determined he will break her into wanting to date him.
Wylde who had been a player really turns out to be a nice, honorable and hunky man! I loved reading Wylde’s story.
Kane’s story is next but for now Wylde’s story is 4.5 hunky stars.
I really enjoyed Bennett’s newest – it’s straight-forward, sweet, and relatable. Some of the others in the series may have had more drama or action or heartbreak but I have to say that the one thing they all have in common is the author’s ability to deliver a satisfying read every time. And this time is NO different.
I like Clarke. She’s normal, spunky, and willing to move out of her comfort zone here and there. Nothing can really prepare her for Aaron Wylde, and she makes him work for dates, but he’s charming (doesn’t he know it) and manages to wrangle a few outings out of her … she’s a goner after that.
While Wylde has been living up to his name, I think that life was telling him that it was time for something more by putting Clarke into his path. No one is going to make a relationship work if they aren’t ready for it and it is obvious pretty quickly that Aaron’s wild days are over. Bennett probably could have made it harder for him, especially with his childhood, but the family that he’s making with the Vengeance has done a good job of showing him what it is all about. He’s had awesome examples of coupledom and he steps up like a pro when he needs to.
It’s pretty obvious from the start that Clarke’s issues are going to play a roll in the story but once Aaron wriggles his way into her life she does try pretty darn hard to get over her past. And I appreciate that Bennett doesn’t make it into too much of a dramafest. Instead she gives us an charming story of two people getting to know each other, falling in love, and working through a rough patch, which they handle like adults.
While returning readers will enjoy seeing past couples again, Wylde can easily stand on its own. (Although new readers might want to make space on their bookshelf for the backlist …)
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
I’ll have to admit that my reading has been all over the place for me and it took me a little bit longer to get into Wylde and Clark’s story. But I’m also noticing that my preferences are starting to change during this crazy time that we’re all in.
Wylde is book 7 in the Arizona Vengeance series and I’m starting to realize that I’m starting to judge the books a little bit more since I have so many faves from this series!
Despite Wylde having a bit of a reputation, he was a very intriguing character, plus it’s hard to knock out a guy that knows his literature. I’m sure he’d be a feature favorite on Hot Guys Reading, it’s a thing, go check it out!
Understanding Clarke’s hang-ups about dating a someone that’s famous, I love that she constantly made Wylde work for it. And boy he does it so well.
I really did enjoy their story, but it didn’t hit home like I hoped it would. It’s definitely a solid addition to this series.
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Refreshing Read
I always judge a book on how well I connect with the heroine and my connection to Clarke was immediate.
It was refreshing to have a heroine that wasn’t apart of the Vengeance world and to experience everything through her eyes.
Delightful read and an enjoyable continuation of the Vengeance series.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
Aaron Wylde was exactly the sort of hero I needed right now: strong, sexy, sensitive, sincere — and devilishly playful.
Good gravy but he swept me off my feet. He was everything I needed to lose myself in a story, heart aflutter, smile planted firmly on lips, and I fell hopelessly, helplessly in love with this love story.
I mean, Clarke was no slouch in her own right. Her back story broke my heart, but I loved how strong she was in spite of it. I loved how she continued to grow and strengthen and learned to trust herself – and Aaron – along the way. Together these two were pure happiness. Sexy, sweet, and so much fun to read. I absolutely adored them – and the indulgent escape they provided from the real world.
As always, the brotherhood – in this case, particularly between Tacker and Aaron – was just as rewarding as the romance. Tacker’s story was one of my very favorites and I so adored getting to spend more time with him and Norah, and getting updates on them – and all the couples I’ve met along the way. It feels a little bit like coming home as it adds warmth and depth to the story. This whole thing just felt good and I wasn’t ready for it to end!
In all, Wylde was a fabulous five-star escape for me. I absolutely adored these two, and every moment of their story. This series is a gift that keeps on giving and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
I adore Wylde. From playboy to committed in one look. He fell hard for a Clarke and I loved how he found her! I love hanging with all the My favorite hockey guys!
4.5 stars! Wylde is the next installment in the Arizona Vengeance series. Each book is considered a standalone so don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous books. Because each book follows the Vengeance hockey team, you will get glimpses of the previous books’ couples so for that reason, I personally like to read them in order.
When Wylde’s story picks up, the hockey season has just ended with the Vengeance winning the Cup! Aaron Wylde, Tacker’s best friend, has always been known as the playboy, content to play the field and stay single. That is until he meets Clarke in a very chance encounter. He is intrigued by her immediately, but although Clarke finds him attractive, she has some baggage from her past and doesn’t want to give him a shot, especially once she finds out he is famous.
Aaron is too charming and persistent for Clarke to ignore and she decides to give him a chance. He has it for her bad and isn’t afraid to show it. I really like that about Aaron. Even though it was way out of character for him, he showed no fear or hesitancy in his interest and pursuit of Clarke. He slowly breaks down all her walls and they grow closer and closer. Clarke is really likable too. Even though she’s scared, she puts herself out there with Aaron and falls deeply for him. She does mess up some but you’ll see that it works out in the end.
I also really enjoyed seeing again the brotherhood within the team. They are all close and come together to support each other in the the good times and the bad. That is demonstrated in spades in Wylde. Side note: I absolutely loved all the weddings in this book!
Every book in this series becomes my new favorite. Wylde is no exception. Sawyer Bennett is an automatic one-click for me and should be for you too. Her writing is flawless and pulls you in quickly to the story and the characters.
On a personal note, during this recent time of the coronavirus and the quarantine, I haven’t really been able to read. Usually I read a book every 1-2 days. In the last 6 weeks, I read a total of 3 and they were all Sawyer Bennett books. I think that says a lot about how much I enjoy reading anything she puts out.
I highly recommend Wylde and I hope you make the choice to read it! You won’t be disappointed
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
With happiness they say it comes with a price of sadness .. this book has it ALL !! Aaron is the playboy of the team and yes he is happy with his life and lifestyle maybe just maybe he is missing the one thing he doesn’t have ?? A woman !!
Can the nerdy book store owner be that woman ?? Clarke has be own commitment issues and Wylde might just might be the one to help her heal and trust again.
When Wylde is out for a run he see’s and knows he has to meet this beautiful woman in the book store he is running past, she isn’t like what he normally goes for in a woman but there is something just something about the nerdy bookstore owner that catches his eyes and his heart !!
There are many weddings in this book and seeing everyone from the team after the winning of the CUP brings happy tears BUT there are sad tears too !! The emotions in this installment will sweep you away !!
Ahhh Wylde.
Aaron Wylde is the part of the Arizona Vengeance and is also known as the “Player” of the team. Women, or “Puck Bunnies” as the Hockey Players call them, are always vying for his attention. While out for his usual morning run, Wylde catches a glimpse of a red-head in a little local bookstore, called “Clarke’s Corner.” He stops at the end of the block & decides to turn around to investigate the woman behind the counter. He comes up with a story to explain to the red-head why he’s in the store. He’ll just tell her he’s in search of a gift for an upcoming wedding (which is only a half a lie). As soon as he goes in, he’s ready to lay on the “Wylde Charm.”
Clarke (said red-head) is the owner of the Clarke’s Corner bookstore. She is a little quirky, with her boho skirt & flowy shirt, smart & beautiful & pegs Wylde the minute he walks in. She’s not one to fall for a sexy man’s charms, especially one as good-looking as him. She’s all business helping him pick out a gift and doesn’t give a hint that she’s interested in anything else. She’s got a past that needs to stay hidden and definitely does not need any attention like he might bring. Time is running out for Wylde to find a window to try & ask Clarke out before he has to pay for the gift & leave.
Wylde is a light, easy read, without any angst. I do like the other Arizona Vengeance books a little more than this one, but it’s definitely worth reading!
Oh My I cannot even tell you how much I loved this story!!! Clarke & Aaron have great chemistry but it was sooooo much more than that.
If you have read the previous books in the series you know that Aaron Wylde is called “Wylde” not only because it’s his last name but because he is a playboy, wild with the women. But that all comes to a screeching halt when he meets Clarke Webber, a cute redhead that owns a bookstore.
I have to say that there is something oh so sexy about a guy that can quote the classics and not just any of them but one of my favorites of all time PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, so sexy! Anyway….
This story is filled with good times, weddings, parties, friends, and so much love. This was a definite feel good book although it did have a couple of parts that had brought the fun level down but overall this was a fun, sexy read that I really really enjoyed.
If you enjoy Sports Romance, especially Hockey Romances, I would recommend this series to you.
Happy Reading!!!
How the mighty do fall! With the delectable latest in her Arizona Vengeance series Sawyer Bennett brings us WYLDE, and it’s delicious! While fairly light on the hockey standpoint because it’s taking place in the off-season, this emotional story does not fail to please. And don’t despair, we still see a ton of the teammates … maybe even more than when games are taking place.
Aaron Wylde is the epitome of a player. He’s self-assured, laid back and out for a good time. A woman rarely warms his bed for more than a night and he delights in moving on to the next. Until he arbitrarily runs by a bookstore and a flash of gorgeous red hair catches his eye … and he’s a goner!
Clarke Webber is a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t do players, and most importantly not famous ones. She puts up roadblock after roadblock to offset Aaron coming in full strength ahead, but she doesn’t seem to be able to stop her heart from falling … hard.
I adored them together and highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys watching tough hockey guys fall hard and redeem themselves for their lady love. Looking forward to more in the series!