Riggs

An Arizona Vengeance Novel

By: Sawyer Bennett

Narrated by: Connor Crais, Savannah Peachwood

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

Known as the team loner, Riggs Nadeau gives his all on the ice, but nothing extra off it. A beautiful stranger is about to cause chaos in his very structured world.

As a professional hockey player, people think I live a charmed life. On the surface, I do. But they don’t know the horrors of my childhood, or the real reason that I have custody of my 17-year-old sister, Janelle. And that’s exactly the way I like it. They may think I’m a prick because I don’t like to share, but that’s fine. They don’t know me, and they don’t need to.

In an effort to help Janelle get settled in Phoenix and stay out of trouble at school, I set her up with a job at Clarke’s Corner, the local bookstore owned by the girlfriend of a teammate. It’s there that she makes friends with Veronica Woodley, the extremely annoying, arrogant, money-hungry divorcee, who I don’t want anywhere near my sister. Janelle insists I’m completely wrong about Veronica, but I refuse to accept that. I have to keep reminding myself that that the gorgeous blond with legs for days is off limits.

Through a series of events, I start to see Veronica for what she really is - an amazing woman who has survived her own hell to come out even stronger. I have to admit, we’re more alike than not and the attraction between us burns hot.

Maybe I was all wrong about my ability to love and commit, but when the past comes back to haunt me, can I be the man that Veronica, and Janelle, deserve?

©2021 Sawyer Bennett (P)2021 Sawyer Bennett

Fighting for the Happily Ever After

I've been very curious about the mysterious Riggs and was so happy to finally get his story. This enemies to friends with benefits to more, forced proximity-ish, sports romance is a great addition to the series. Riggs and Veronica both have baggage from their pasts that they have to work to overcome, but they really were so perfect together. It took me a bit to warm up to the standoffish Riggs, but his character arc was very fulfilling and I appreciated how much he grew throughout the story. I especially loved how his relationship with his sister Janelle and friendship with Baden evolved and flourished. Riggs works for his HEA and fans of the series will be cheering him on the entire way. The book ends with a surprise I didn't see coming and I'm looking forward to Baden's book next!

Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood were amazing! I loved their narration and especially enjoyed Connor Crais's performance. His voice had just the right amount of gravel as Riggs, but he was also able to narrate other characters equally well and effectively. I look forward to hearing more of his narrations. The prologue of the next book was a fun treat at the end and Aiden Snow will make a wonderful Baden.

Riggs is book 11 in the Arizona Vengeance series, and although it can be read as a standalone, it would be most enjoyed if read in order since previous couples and characters appear throughout. There are also some very serious topics addressed in the novel which might be upsetting to some, so I encourage readers to check the content warnings below.

CW: assault and stabbing (past), on page assault/fighting, attempted kidnapping & extortion, mentions of attempted sexual assault (past), abusive ex (past), abusive and toxic parental relationship, MC1 has a ONS (prior to starting a relationship with MC2), tragic death of loved one

Heartfelt and Steamy Romance!

This was another heartfelt, and steamy addition to Bennett's Arizona Vengeance series. Riggs is a new addition to the Arizona team and has kept mostly to himself. At the same time of his trade, he also became guardian of his teenaged sister, Janelle. They had a heartbreaking home life and Riggs was desperate to rescue his sister and give her a safe, loving home. But Janelle is having a hard time adjusting so Riggs arranges for her to work in the bookstore run by a teammates wife. Janelle loves her new job and becomes close with Veronica. Veronica had an awful marriage and is happy to reclaim her life and independence. When Riggs and Veronica first meet, they both got the wrong impression of the other. Even though they didn't like each other, Janelle was their first priority. As they reluctantly spent more time together, the sparks began to fly and the angry coupling was explosive! Neither believed in relationships because of their pasts, but they couldn't stay away from each other and began a secret affair. When someone from their past makes an appearance and threatens Janelle, it could either form an unbreakable family or be too much and tear them apart for good. Riggs is lost on how to raise a teenage girl but it is so sweet how determined he is to make a loving home for her. I loved how strong, thoughtful and resilient Veronica is and how she really connected with Janelle. She is the perfect partner for the protective and deliciously dominant Riggs. It is always fun catching up with the swoony hockey players and their partners who are more like family. Baden played a big part in helping Riggs open up and I am excited for more about him.
Connor Crais, Savannah Peachwood were so perfectly cast to narrate this fun and emotional romance. They skillfully brought out the full range of emotions these characters experienced, making me feel them deeply as well. I was completely mesmerized by their storytelling making this poignant story of healing, hope, and love even more captivating.

That strong and silent type...

4.5☆
I have wondered from previous books what Riggs's background was and why he kept to himself. Riggs and Janelle have a very interesting albeit hard past. You can see both he and his sister have really been shaped by it in their own way. Riggs was really interesting and I enjoyed seeing him work on struggles from his past and how Veronica and Bayer help him out. Veronica is strong in her own right and I love that she pushes Riggs too. I enjoyed their prickly start all the way to their happiness. I loved getting to see more of Bayer, he is a great friend to Riggs and I an anxious for his book. The prologue to Bayer is at the end of Riggs too!! I really enjoyed Riggs and listening to it in one sitting!

Love love love

Riggs story is now my favorite of this series! His rise from a bad situation to be an amazing hero!

Everyone of these players has a story and to see that they all have similar rise to the challenge it really makes all of these books amazing!

Love stories are also amazing and to see how each character is developing from book 1 is so worth reading them all!

Excellent like all the others, but OMG the ending.

The tragedy that came out at the end left me sick to my stomach. I'm still reeling over it.

A match made in heaven!

Every book in this series has been phenomenal. There's a reason that Sawyer Bennett is my favorite Author. She never disappoints. To be able to imagine a story and be connected to the characters is one thing I love about reading. Riggs was close-minded, stubborn, and when he took custody of his sister he knew that had to change. Veronica was perfect in the way she handled him and his rudeness. She held her own and never backed down. She also knew how to coax him into living a little. The passion between these two was deep and simply hot! Just like Cold Fury, I don't want this series to end. Each book tells a different story and each one made feel a myriad of emotions. As always, kudos Sawyer.

Veronica was perfect for Riggs

Riggs was the hockey player that I most wanted to get to know. Little did I expect that his match would be Veronica. Veronica, the lady we’ve seen only glimpses of as well with Clark. I felt like this was a flower opening up for both Riggs and Veronica as their story came to life. Even Janelle got to bloom into herself and become more. There was lots of action going on to keep this story moving swiftly. I have to say that I was not a fan of the ending even if it is more life and it gives way to the next book.

Connor Crais did a fabulous job as Riggs and bringing out his smoothly gruff voice. He slid in and out of the other character voices easily. Savannah Peachwood was wonderful as Veronica. She easily portrayed the woman that fits in, can stand her ground and can command in the drop of phone call. This is part of the Arizona Vengeance series, but can be listened to as a stand alone.

Outstanding!

Love how Sawyer Bennett writes. The characters Riggs is my favorite. The romance is where 2 wounded people come together and find love. The performers brought the characters to life which added to the book experience. I recommend!!

Another Amazing Book

As usual the author is amazing and I loved Riggs. This whole series is great! I’m looking forward to reading/listening whatever the author gives us next.

Conflicting Emotions

This review is hard to write because I have so many conflicting emotions about this book. I loved this series and had been looking forward to Riggs' story since he was traded to the Arizona Vengeance, but to be honest there wasn't much romance in this Sports Romance Book....does that make sense? I liked it, I just didn't love it. With each of the previous books there was the angst as well as the romance but in this book we have a lot of angst and not much romance. Don't get me wrong, they were getting it on - hot and steamy - but they were hooking up, they didn't even like one another most of the time so it was more like angry seggs (which can be pretty hot) that turned into the causal hookup, there wasn't any talk of monogamy or dating until the end of the book...so yeah, conflicted.

Riggs has always been a bit of a mystery because he never hangs with the guys after the games you don't get to know much about him other than he has custody of his younger sister, but why does he have custody of her? Well, we find out the answer to that question and many more in Riggs' story.

We've met Veronica before she's Clarke's bestie and works in her bookstore which is where Janelle begins to work after school and they become friends, I am glad Janelle had someone to talk to because that girl has been through a lot. Veronica and Janelle's relationship was the priority in this story because that is what we were given the most of.

I did receive an advanced readers copy but I knew I wouldn't be able to read it before the release so I purchased the audiobook and listened to it instead. Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood did a great job with the narration, if you have the option to listen to this book I would go this route because they really brought Riggs and Veronica, and Janelle to life.

Although I didn't love this book I would still recommend it because you never know, you may enjoy it more than I did...and I hope you do.

Happy Listening!!!

Worthy ending to a great series!

So, here it is, the last book in Sawyer Bennett’s Arizona Vengeance series. This is Riggs’ story, who has always been the loner, the odd one out in the team, always keeping to himself.

I loved getting into the head of this jaded man. It hurt delving into the past and getting behind the reason why Riggs is as standoffish as he is, but I loved seeing him come back to life thanks to Veronica and his little sister.

Veronica, Clarke’s rich best friend who’s also working at the bookshop. Oh, the antipathy between them when they first met. I absolutely loved the push and pull. The taunting. The teasing. And the sparks between them that neither of them could deny for too long. I had a permanent grin etched on my face whenever these to were in the vicinity of each other. It takes quite a good portion of the book for these two to actually meet, but I didn’t mind it that much.

I think it’s a worthy ending to a great series, and let me just say, I’m so insanely excited for Baden’s story! I’ve been salivating for it for so long, and now it’s finally the next book – and the first instalment of Ms. Bennett’s brand-new hockey series. Oh, I’m so ready!

The narration by Connor Crais, who was new to me, and Savannah Peachwood enhanced the story even more, perfectly portraying every emotion each character felt.

I enjoyed RIGGS alot!

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Riggs and Veronica. First hate then like and obviously eventually love. Riggs was a closed case initially not wanting to interact with others but that all changed and he became an open book sharing his story with Veronica and then his team mates. His sad story and that of his sisters made me cry but at the same time hope for them to get their happily ever after. And they did with Veronica - a fiery little defender. As always the narration was perfect.

Sports romance with a strong family tie

I'm in 2 minds about this:

I love the book, the siblings relationship and Riggs is great. Veronica is fun and sweet, but I feel like I didn't get enough time with her, to explore her past and issues, and partially because of that the romance was a tad rushed and lackluster in its payoff.

Oh Riggs, the one I have been curious about for a bunch of books in this series now. So so good to see his more in depth now. To see his youth, and his relationship with Janelle. He made me feel, and seeing him open up really pulled me in.
I like Veronica on her own, overcoming her past, and her ideas on life and love. But again, I wished there had been more time spent on this part of the story, and how the relationship between them actually developped.

HOLY ENDING, though! Whew. Bring on Baden.

Great read and addition to the series

Riggs and Veronica’s story is so good I could not put it down/stop listening. The Arizona Vengeance series is my favorite series by Sawyer Bennett and this book is one of the better ones. You get to see old friends and learn what makes Riggs, Veronica and Janelle. Seeing these three learn to trust each other and get to know each other is great. Also getting to know Baden a little more is just getting you ready for the next book. Sawyer Bennett never disappoints and there’s nothing better then reading her words and listening to them on narration.

4 stars

I liked this one. A bit different for me as Riggs is now guardian to his 17 year old sister, Janelle. I'm glad she was likeable! Janelle starts working at a bookshop where Veronica, a rich ex-divorcee, currently works and ends up helping out with her. A bit of love-hate relationship ensues with Riggs and Veronica, but it was nice to see the trio evolve together as a family.

Narrators Connor Crais, Savannah Peachwood did a great job.

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

What a passionate duo

Book 11 in the Arizona Vengeance, and straight up, it’s my favourite by far. I loved both Riggs and Veronica, their hate relationship was so fun, both had their little temper tantrums, act first and think later. Add in Riggs’ adorably sweet 17 year old sister Janelle, who was under the care of Riggs following a few traumatic events, and I was in heaven. When Veronica took Janelle under her wing I completely fell in love with her, their relationship was so precious, it made me so happy, all the feels. Then we have the main man himself, so protective of Janelle and completely distrustful of anyone else. Veronica though brings out the alpha male in him and even though neither of them are remotely interested in a relationship, they manage to find middle ground. Lots of drama in this sweet sexy hockey romance. Note if like me you treat yourself to the audio version of this story you will have the pleasure of listening to Connor Crais (whose rough sexy timbre was perfect for Riggs), and Savannah Peachwood (who is a firm favourite of mine). I highly recommend you add this grouchy reserved hockey player to your library. A full five stars from me.

Outstanding Story & Listen🎧 Gripping & Heartfelt!

I have been loving this series and have been looking forward to finding out what the deal is with Riggs Nadeau since he joined the Arizona Vengeance, he has been one of the most aloof members of the team and never socializes with the other players. Sawyer Bennett sure does Riggs justice in the telling of his story, he is finally finding his place on the team and maybe even in life. He is the guardian of his teenage sister, Janelle Adamik, and is not doing such a great job with that either, she hasn’t made friends and is not all that happy either. Speaking to Ella at the Teams Christmas party, she suggested keeping Janelle busy and referred her to Clarke because she was looking for someone to work at her bookstore. Janelle trains with the person who she is replacing, Veronica Woodley, who will leave so she can focus on school and getting her college degree. Veronica is a divorcee with a take no crap attitude and she and Riggs butt heads right from the start. Janelle loved her new job and working with Veronica, who took her under her wing and was awesome for and to her, like she jumped into big sister protective mode. Riggs jumped to conclusions too quickly and got himself in trouble, but there was no denying his attraction to Veronica or the chemistry between them. There is never a dull moment in this fabulous sports romance novel, the story is beautifully plotted with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. And that lead up and preview to Baden’s story, wow, just wow!

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Sawyer Bennett could not have cast a better narration team to bring her characters and story to life. Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood are talented narrators and voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that fit their character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable in every role they played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Connor Crais played Riggs’ role with perfection and Savannah Peachwood did the same for Veronica, as well as Janelle. Both aced the roles of the secondary characters as well. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. Thank you for another entertaining listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your work.

Oh my, all the feelings!

Riggs. Quiet, good looking, keeps to himself. It's hard to gel with the team when he's not integrating himself into the fold. Since he came on, and his little sister, Janelle, has come to live with him, he has been keeping his distance. He even finds his relationship with his sister a little on edge, and it makes it hard for her to come out of her shell in her new home. When he finds her a job at the local bookstore though, both their lives are about to change. Veronica works for her friend, Clark at the bookstore. With a little encouragement, she is taking a new path in her life and will be training Janelle. And the two become fast friends. Too bad it isn't the same with her and Riggs. The chemistry is there, but these two just do not jive. Will Riggs get his act together and fix his life? Become a team player and possibly find the one who is for him? Enemies to lovers is a fun listen, and Sawyer Bennett plays this one perfectly. I was completely charmed by this couple and could not get enough. Their banter is entertaining, and the sizzle between them so enticing! Janelle is a fantastic character too! Her circumstances disturbing, it's wonderful to watch her grow. And Baden. What a friend! Riggs couldn't have a better one. I was not prepared for the twist in this story and now, it has left me wanting more! I can't wait to hear what Bennett has in store for us next.

Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood are amazing storytellers, and truly enhance this story. Crais plays Riggs with an air of vulnerability that doesn't want to show. It's perfect! Peachwood falls into Veronica, making her authentic and much like a friend we want to have. These two compliment each other and made for an incredible listen.