Wylde

Arizona Vengeance, Book 7

By: Sawyer Bennett

Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, CJ Bloom

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

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 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.

©2020 Sawyer Bennett (P)2020 Sawyer Bennett

So frustrated!!!

I love this series one of my favorites, but the narration makes or breaks the story & for book 5 & 7 that’s what happened. NOT TEDDY HAMILTON he is PERFECTION! When you have someone like Teddy you don’t need 2 narrators he can do a perfect female voice so why mess with perfection...

That being said I truly love this series!!!

Loved Clarke and Aaron!

Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars

I will admit that I was a little worried going into Wylde because of how much he supposedly lived up to his last name, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this book. Clarke was the perfect contrast to the life Aaron had been living and their meet cute (though fueled by lust on Aaron's part) was surprisingly sweet. I loved seeing Aaron get taken down a peg and how patient and understanding he was to Clarke's concerns and fears. There was a slowish burn to the evolution of their relationship that worked so well and had me rooting for these two to find their HEA. The reformed manwhore is probably my least favorite hero, but I ended up really loving Aaron. Yes, both characters overreact at times along the way and some of the drama felt over the top, but I could understand why they were reacting that way given their histories.

The book gave lots of wonderful updates on previous couples in the series (oh, Tacker and Nora *swoon*) and though this is technically a sports romance, the story itself takes place in the off season. Teddy Hamilton stole the show with his narration as Aaron and CJ Bloom was equally wonderful. Her comedic timing was perfect for Clarke's inner monologue, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I can't wait for Kane's story next!

4 STARS

Fun, sweet and sexy! I have only listened to one other book in the series and I had no problem keeping up. I do love all the characters though so at some point I'll go back and listen to the ones I'm missing. Loved that Aaron had to really work for it. Clark didn't make it easy for him that's for sure. He didn't give up and surprised Clark and me! Great banter between all the characters, they are like a big family and I loved it!

Narration was amazing. Both narrators pull you in to the story.

Great narrator pairing!

I really do love how Sawyer Bennett changes up her narrator pairings for her audios and Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom were perfect for Wylde and Clarke.

Wylde and Clarke's story was quite different than how I envisaged their story would be and I was really pleasantly surprised, but I should have expected that from the author. She is always finding new and engaging ways to bring us a sweet and sexy story to life. Wylde, despite his name, is a man with a heart of gold and Clarke is a strong character who wasn't bowled over by his "Wylde" charm

This book is part of the Arizona Vengeance series, but can be listened to as a standalone. I did love getting glimpses of couples from previous stories.

So another great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what the author has in-store for us next

Started out well but…

I liked the basis of this book and it’s characters but the ending is anticlimactic. Didn’t think it was a waste b/c I love Teddy Hamilton’s voice, but will think twice before continuing with this series…

positively adorable ❤️ 💗 💓

not a typical Arizona Vengeance story. I love how Sawyer Bennett is spreading her wings and changing up the hook-ups. Just wish there was a little less use of the "f" bomb. And maybe a little more of the "make love" words when one or the other character has realized they are in love, but have not necessarily told the other half they have fallen hard. Just an opinion. I love the stories, just not that word.

Ultimate wild boy tamed

I love this series and I love a story of the wild one who gets unexpectedly tamed by a special someone! I love how the heroine had no idea who this gorgeous hero was and was not his usual type. She is a challenge for him. Not a wham bam thank you next kind of girl. This is a woman he wants to savour. She’s been hurt by fame in the past and is super skittish. He is willing to put the work in to make her feel comfortable and maybe go the distance for the first time ever!!!

Wylde is just a name in this book.

Okay, let me start by saying this is my first time reading books by this author and my first read in this series. Now, I get it; this is book 7. I am only reviewing the book as a stand-alone as I don’t have adequate knowledge of the series to comment on it as a whole.

Alright, I got that out of the way. I will start with the performance of the book. Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom did a great job reading for Aaron and Clarke. I usually have almost no issues with their performances in other works, and I will extend that to this book as well.

I find myself struggling to give this story more than 2 stars, and here is why. For one, if you are going to name a book and character Aaron Wylde and then play up the character as a ladies man, who is a sense of a romance novel, becomes “reformed.” He wasn’t particularly “wild”; he was more lukewarm with a fire last name.

The book muted a lot of the passion it had the potential to have. I was expecting some great romantic scenes. Talk dirty to me; show me why he lives up to his last name. Something! I love a HEA like the rest of them. But don’t tell me a story about a playboy with a reputation and give me 1 hot scene at BEST and then proceeded to gloss over the banging to move the plot along.

Secondly, books that are written in circa the 2010s and above who have heroines who swear against social media are slightly unrealistic for me, and not because of her reasoning behind it (trying my best not to give too much of the book away here). But if you own your own small business, I find it INCREDIBLY hard to believe you do nothing about promoting your so-called struggling business, which by the way, we glossed over that too. In the times of social media, even the least tech-savvy person would at least have a Facebook page. So, that bothered me throughout the duration of the book.

Another small point but worth mentioning was that we glossed over a few things that happened in this book. There was a very traumatic event that occurred that I, as a reader, never got a conclusion for. It’s like it happened to show emotion and then went back to being light and airy, never to be mentioned again. While it was a sub-plot, close the gap, even if you dedicated a sentence to it. Just close it or don’t add it.

Lastly, can we have realistic real-world fights for our characters to have? Again, trying not to give away what happens here, but honestly, I listened to this book for over 7 hours to get a fight that made 0 sense. These characters are over 25, and yet the “fight” was so immature and unrealistic for the age group, it makes me wonder who this book is written for.

I refuse to judge a book too harshly without saying what I did enjoy about the book. Which is, the writing, the pace, and the relatable female lead were all great. The word choice and descriptions were terrific. I wish it were put to better use. I enjoyed being in their lives for 7 hours outside of the issues I had. I didn’t hate the world that was created for me as the reader. I felt the characters were well-read by the word choices they used to describe situations they were in and the things they were feeling. I believed the meet-cute; it was realistic and cute. The premise of the book was great. The idea was executed, and I got a happy story about to characters who fell in love at a real pace. The highlight for me was the barrage of colorful commentary sub-characters. Who each added to the fun of this quick romance read.

If you are looking for a sports romance, however, this book takes place in the off-season, so you don’t get any sports type of action, which was also fine.

Wylde

I think my favorites so far are Dax and Wylde!! I loved this book <3
I loved how they met, at first I was like ahh this is going to be the same as any other but I should never underestimate Sawyer because she put a cool spin on it.

I really enjoyed Clarke’s character she is guarded yes but she also puts herself out there even when she doesn’t want to. I like that she doesn’t follow hockey could careless who Aaron Wylde is. But they couldn’t deny the spark they both felt.

Great addition to this series I want more now in audio!!!!!! Lol

I loved the narration Teddy is phenomenal and CJ Bloom is perfection!

Enjoyed Wylde

I really enjoyed listening to Wylde, being there for Aaron & Clarke’s story, and catching up on other Vengeance couples. I thought both narrators, Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom did a wonderful job bringing the story to life and making me hear all the characters.

There are minor spoilers ahead...


I adored how Aaron met Clarke. He just couldn’t help himself. Aaron and Clarke’s entire relationship was a fun build up. The other team members and their significant others were so accepting of Clarke. It wasn’t until the end, when I really didn’t like Aaron’s treatment of Clarke. Or everyone’s acceptance that it was Clarke’s fault. They got into a fight, things were misinterpreted and I really wanted to BONK Aaron on the nose for his behavior.

Wild over Wylde!!

Goodness gracious! This Wylde boy is one of my favorites. He's seriously sweet and charming. I love how captivated he was with Clarke. I love that she put up a bit of a resistance and they really developed a friendship with some mad attraction lacing the aor between them. I have to say, my respect goes up a few notches when the female doesn't just fall in bed. I have to give Clarke some props! She's one class act!! Some of my favorite scenes of Wylde was getting to revisit with several previous Arizona Vengeance players and their better halves.

Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom were magical!! I love the soft and silky sounds of Bloom's voice. Paring her with Teddy Hamilton could not have been any better. They are both so flawless in the execution. Love, love, loved this perfect narration!! More!!

the hockey star and the book nerd

Aaron Wylde is known by his last name...because of what it implies...he is wild and a bit of a manw*ore. Until he runs by a small bookstore and is enticed by its quiet owner. A bet about book quotes creates a date for Wylde to one of his teammate’s wedding...this ultimately leads to a relationship. However, relationships are difficult under any circumstance, throw in an embarrassing reality TV moment and puck bunnies, and Wylde and Clarke’s is very challenging. Can it last?
Another great story in the lives of the Arizona Vengeance hockey players. The camaraderie between the players and the wives is envious. Definitely recommend and placing in my re-listen collection!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sawyer Bennett scores again with this story

I love hockey. I am drawn to any hockey romance and Sawyer Bennett is my favorite author for just those stories. This series has had me hooked since the first story. Wylde has to be my favorite of the series. I love when a hero has to work to get his girl. Clark does not make it easy for Wylde. But Wylde is determined to get his girl. These two are complete opposites, or so we think. Clark loves books so much that she runs a bookstore. Wylde is a player, with women and in hockey. As Wylde breaks through Clark's walls, we discover they have much more in common. I love the push and pull between them. Wylde captured my heart as he really worked hard to capture Clark's. Sawyer Bennett hooked me from the first chapter and I could not stop listening until the end.

Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom really bring this story to life. I felt as if I was right there in the story with them. Wylde and Clark became more like friends to me and I just could not get enough of them. Teddy was a great Wylde. He brought out the ruggedness that I expect from hockey players, yet Teddy was also able to bring out Wylde's softness as he woos Clark. CJ narrated Clark as I imagined her, strong willed and determined. I really enjoyed this narrating team and I hope to hear more from them.

Adorable and sweet and funny

Oh my god. Sweet, sexy, funny and just so adorably cute.

WYLDE was exactly what I needed right now. An easy, lighthearted love story where the biggest hurdle for the young, famous, rich hockey star, who is used to get every woman he wants to lay at his feet, is to get one particular woman to like and agree on a date with him …

When Aaron Wylde spots Clarke in her bookstore it’s insta-attraction. And irritably, the playboy – the wild Wylde, he is called by his last name for a reason, after all – wants to actually get to know her. Huh. Strange. Because he very surely is not doing these dating stuff – and Clarke for sure is not going to date some famous guy …

Yes, this was insta-fascination - at least for Wylde, but he has to work to charm Clarke. There’s no insta-bed-hopping, which I found so refreshing. There is this utterly sweet build-up of fondness and chemistry, which I found so refreshing for a change. Sigh.

Oh, and there’s weddings galore in this one too, which helped hitting me with all the feels some more. Yes, there’s barely any drama in this one, but I still gobbled this one up in no time and couldn’t stop listening.

… it doesn’t hurt that it’s narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom either. A duo of insanely talented voice artists that just added another layer to the swoony experience that is this story.

Fantastic!

Wylde and Clarke's story, like all the others in the Arizona Vengeance series so far, is amazing!

The story ends quite abruptly, but it does so neatly. Speaking of endings, in this book we get to see what's going on with the other couples in the series! It's like a long epilogue that ties in all the previous books in the series together. Clarke knew what she was talking about when she made a comment about every couple's story being like a romance novel! Ha!

Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom were fantastic as Wylde and Clarke.

Wylde is a slow-burn, opposites attract contemporary sports romance written in dial first-person POV and recorded in dual narration. It's a standalone that ends with an HEA. No cliffhanger, no cheating.

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

Wylde ride

I could not put this book/ audio down. Clarke and Aaron’s story was so good. How he got her to go out with him was wonderful and new. Getting to be invited to all of the wedding for all the other characters was so much fun. Sawyer Bennett has not disappointed and now I can’t wait for the next book and to see what Is going on with other players. Teddy Hamilton and cute bloom keep you interested with their narration

Super enjoyable relaxing audio

Wylde by name, wild by nature. What a wonderful, angst free, enjoyable read. A truly addictive hockey romance that sees bookshop owner Clarke Webber attracting the attention of NHL hockey star Aaron Wylde after he sees her through her shop window. Intrigued by the quiet redhead who knows nothing of his fame (in fact she knows nothing about hockey at all), he manages to snag a couple of dates out of her. Herein starts the demise of Aaron’s reputation as the biggest playboy on the Arizona Vengeance. Clarke May have agreed to a couple of dates, but she isn’t a pushover, and she’s been taken advantage of in the past, she’s not going to let Aaron charm his way into her life. A holiday audio that I found thoroughly enjoyable. Of course Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom narrate to perfection, I can’t imagine a better Aaron and Clarke.

Wylde, going domestic

Wylde... is going domestic. Well not instantly. But just wait til he stumbles across the book store nerd - heck yeah, a heroine to connect with.

I loved the aspect of celebrity vs person and how that was brought out in the book. Wylde honestly didn't seem all that wild anymore by the start of the book, so there wasn't a huge change for him, while the heroine took on a bigger chance. It almost went too smoothly, lacking some tension, and then the big dark moment and resolution seemed at the same time over the top, out of nowhere and resolved too easily. Fun, but could have been a bit more. The bulk of the story was really great though, to reconnect with all the Vengeance players.

a light fun read

I enjoyed reading Wylde and Clarke's story. It was light and fun most of the time with a little heart ache thrown in for something a little different. The ending disappointed me a little as it felt so abrupt but I guess that's what the next book in the series will be for. As always the narration by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom was great to listen to really bringing the characters to life.

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Amazing Sports Romance

I loved this book, I was swept into the story right from the start and it held me captive straight to the end. Sawyer Bennett is a gifted author, she has a wonderful writing style, she has a great ability to bring her readers and/or listeners right along side the characters, giving them inside views of what they are thinking, seeing and going thru. Her storylines and characters are realistic and easy to relate to. This book is Aaron Wylde story, a fairly new team member of the “Arizona Vengeance”, a self proclaimed player on and off the ice, he loves the attention and the women aka puck bunnies that come his way. Other team members look up to him for his way with the women. The season is over and he has some down time, jogging along the street past a book store when someone inside captures his attention, a gorgeous woman with red hair and glasses. He continued to jog but was drawn back and had to go check her out. Woman usually recognize him and fall at his feet but not Clarke Webber, the owner of Clarke’s Corner and the woman who captured Wylde’s interest. She is immune to his charm and good looks, but he is determined to win her over and I love the way he gets that first and second date. Wylde schools the book nerd, LOL! There is chemistry between them but Clarke has history with fame and it is not a good one which makes her resistance to get involved even more. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted with plenty of drama, a touch of angst, humor, some heartfelt moments and some hot romance. I love the camaraderie amongst the team members, as well as their women. It was great to see and catch up with characters from earlier books too. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another awesome story and this awesome series.

Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom are fabulous narrators and voice artists. Perfectly casted to portray the characters and bring them and their story to life. They sounded just as I pictured the characters to sound, capturing all their emotions and projecting them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen🎧