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Portland Wildfire #1
Crosby & Juno
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t know where this author gets her ideas, but she is so creative and never repeats herself. I’ve read all the Cold Fury books, all the Pittsburgh Titans, and now this new Portland team, and every story feels fresh, different, and completely compelling. This one grabbed me from page one.
Juno is such an interesting heroine. She’s a talented documentarist with a reputation for integrity and honesty, and her first documentary, Sanctuary, earned Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. It was based in part on her own past, which makes her strength even more impressive. She escaped a cult at thirteen, saved other kids by speaking up, and then had to rebuild her life with foster parents who finally gave her real love. She’s grounded, smart, intuitive, and she sees people clearly — sometimes more clearly than they want.
Then we have the new expansion team in Portland, and the author’s descriptions of the stadium made me want to walk through it myself. Patrick Rowe built a place that feels like a luxury spaceship for hockey players, and every detail shows how much he cares about his team.
Crosby Hale, the goalie, is fascinating in that quiet, intense way. He avoids the spotlight, keeps to himself, and focuses only on the game. His past engagement ended because his ex wanted fame more than a real relationship, and now she’s back in his orbit in the most uncomfortable way possible, she’s now married to another team player. I was already preparing popcorn for the drama.
Juno and her friend Eddie get full access to film the team, and everyone warms up to her except Crosby — which of course makes him the most interesting one. When he finally gives her a few minutes, he’s surprised by how sharp and fun she is. Their connection builds slowly, naturally, with great banter and honest conversations. I loved watching them go from cautious to comfortable to something deeper.
A standout for me was Crosby’s sister, Birdie. Her job as a saturation diver is wild and claustrophobic, but she’s brave, funny, and loyal. She and Crosby have such a strong bond, and she adds so much heart to the story. I’m quietly shipping her with Patrick Rowe.
The romance grows in a steady, believable way — slow, then warm, then intense. And of course, Cherry (the ex) brings chaos the moment she steps into the picture. She wants attention, she wants control, and she wants to get under Crosby’s skin. The tension she creates is delicious, and the fallout is messy in all the right ways.
By the end, I was fully invested in Juno and Crosby, in the team, in the stadium, in the whole world the author is building. And now I’m counting the days until Locke Donovan’s book, because that man is pure chaos on skates and I need to see Patrick deal with Miller and his wife.
A strong start to a new series, full of heart, tension, and characters you want to follow for many books to come.
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About the author
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
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