New York Vipers #2
Julian & Harper
Warm and emotional, this story felt tender and full of life, carried almost entirely by Harper’s strength and hopefulness. She’s juggling two jobs, rent, groceries, and the full responsibility of raising her teenage brother Dylan — and even with all that weight, she still finds a way to dream. Her voice is warm, observant, and deeply human, and that made the whole book feel grounded in real emotion.
Harper lost her father young, then got dragged into her mother’s new husband’s “artist community” — a place built on delusion more than talent — which made her fight to protect Dylan from slipping through the cracks. Bringing him back to live with her was difficult, but she made it work, and watching him thrive under her care was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their bond is beautiful, joyful, and full of that fierce sibling devotion that makes you root for them instantly.
Her customer service job wasn’t glamorous, but she treated it like a stepping stone, studying every complaint and every solution, hoping one day to build something of her own. So when she was fired — not for performance, but because her employer wanted to save money — it stung. You feel her frustration, her fear, and her determination all at once.
Her second job, chauffeuring, is where everything shifts. Driving Julian Langley, owner of the New York Vipers, puts her right in the path of a man who sees her clearly from the start. Their first real spark comes from a conversation about a ticketing fiasco — and Harper’s solution is so sharp, so perfectly thought out, that Julian immediately recognizes her talent. He acts on it, too, implementing her idea and watching customer satisfaction rebound within hours.
From there, their connection grows in those quiet, intimate moments inside the car. Julian is captivated by her intelligence, her charm, her ability to read people. He hires her as his exclusive chauffeur, gives her a salary that finally lets her breathe, and keeps asking for her insight — because she’s brilliant, and he knows it.
I loved the contrast between them: different worlds, different bank accounts, different social circles — yet intellectually, they’re equals. Harper didn’t go to college, but her instincts and her observational skills make her a natural in marketing and customer relations. Julian doesn’t just admire her; he champions her. He does the same for Dylan, recognizing the boy’s extraordinary talent for hockey statistics and giving him a chance to shine. Those scenes were heartwarming.
Their romance is sweet, slow-building, and full of mutual respect. But when Julian’s past trauma resurfaces, he pulls away. Harper, who finally let herself trust him, refuses to accept being pushed aside. Her anger, her hurt, her decision to walk away — all of it felt honest.
Julian’s journey back to her, with a nudge from Griff and the gentle wisdom of Percy — the closest thing he ever had to a father — was emotional and satisfying. The reveal of his tragic loss adds depth to his character without overwhelming the romance. And when he finally lays his heart bare, it feels earned.
Harper and Dylan were the stars of this story for me — bright, dedicated, and full of life. Julian was generous, attentive, and deeply aware of the power of connection. Together, they made a beautiful match.
My only complaint is that I wanted a bonus scene showing them a few years down the road, thriving as a family.
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About the authors
Meet Sawyer Bennett:
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.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
Connect with Sawyer Bennett:
Meet Bill Keenan:
Bill Keenan played hockey at Harvard University from 2005 to 2008 and professionally in Europe from 2009 to 2012. After completing his MBA at Columbia Business School, he worked for two years in Deutsche Bank's investment banking division. He currently serves as COO of Graydon Carter's Air Mail.
Connect with Bill Keenan:
https://www.instagram.com/billkeenanwrites/
