Drake: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel

I’ve made no secret of my love for Sawyer Bennett’s hockey gods. Three books from this series made it to my Top Books of 2022 post. On one hand, I expect a lot from this author. On the other hand, since I’ve read all of her hockey romance books and know all the backstory (which is not necessary to read each book, but it gives a different depth) I may sometimes overlook certain things I wouldn’t in an author that was new to me. I’m not saying I didn’t love this book, because I did. But I have to be honest in my review and say it sometimes fell flat.Readers of this series have all been waiting for this match. Things between Drake and Brienne did not start on the right foot when they first met in the series starter, Baden. We haven’t seen Drake since that time although he’s been mentioned. Brienne and Drake sizzle, there was no denying it back then and there still is no denying that chemistry. Their relationship starts as a non-relationship. They are both meeting a need they have, specifically for each other. It’s made clear that Brienne already has an understanding with another guy and that Drake can get a one-night stand whenever he wants. These two want each other and it doesn’t take long before any arrangement they had with anyone else is out the window and they are going at each other whenever possible.Y’all, Drake has got a dirty mouth and it is exquisite. The things that man says! So sexy. He’s gruff and raw and bossy, just what Brienne needs. Brienne is up for anything and needs the escape from always being on and in charge that Drake gives her with his dominating nature. Seriously, these two are fire between the sheets. My problem came in when they weren’t banging.While I believe wholeheartedly that Brienne and Drake would work well together as a couple, I didn’t feel there was enough of them together on the page (other than when they are copulating). We’re told they had discussions, but most of those discussions we are not privy to. And, truth be told, when we are privy to their talks they are delightful. I wanted more of that so I didn’t feel so much like I was being told instead of shown.Something I did find wonderful about this story is the “scratch an itch/just sex” trope was shown a bit differently here. Usually one or both of the characters know they have true feelings but don’t want a relationship or think they’ll be happy taking what they can get. I honestly believe neither Drake nor Brienne realized they needed or wanted a real relationship. I also think they both deep down thought it was going to remain just sex. So instead of watching one character fall hard, they both had falling to do.This book is not bad at all. I loved getting to know Drake and his family, whom I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of in the future. This author just has set a very high bar for herself with me.

POV: Dual 1st PersonPoP: 25%Tropes: Hockey; Boss/Employee; Single Dad; Billionaire; Friends with Benefits; Jaded HeroSeries: Pittsburgh Titans book 5Type of Series: Series of StandalonesAudiobook Narrated by Aiden Snow and Maxine MitchellWhen you read this book, you will either love or hate Drake McGinn. He is a lot to handle and an a**hole most of the time. However, that is one of the things that draws me to him. He is unapologetic about his attitude and demeanor. He lives for his kids, and protects them above all else. His ex wife is a piece of work that has left him jaded on the idea of relationships and woman in general. He is also angry at the league because of what happened when his wife turned on him.Brienne Norcross inherited the Titans when her brother was killed in the airplane crash with everyone on board. She is a strong woman who is grieving but doesn’t allow that to keep her from being in charge of her life. She is a woman who owns her sexuality, knows her worth, and also doesn’t allow men like Drake to walk all over her.The connection between these two is electric from the moment that they met in Baden’s book and we don’t see Drake again until this book when Brienne tries to bring Drake back into the hockey fold. He makes the decision to return, and during this he and Brienne start up a relationship even knowing that it might not be the best idea. However, neither one was expecting it to take the direction that it does. There are a lot more feelings and emotions that get involved that neither was expecting. That is until Drake’s ugly past rears its head and Drake falters. I wills ay that the way in which Brienne deals is perfect. Again, she knows her worth, she knows that she shouldn’t settle and she refused to cower to anyone. But have no fear, Drake shows his hand and his moment to show her just how dumb he was is done in a BIG way.This series just keeps getting better and better. I listened to the audio book, and Aiden Snow and Maxine Mitchell are the perfect blend of narrators for this story. They bring Drake and Brienne to life in a perfect mix that id didn’t want to end.

Loving this series. Oh Wow what a fantastic storyline. Loved Drake and Brienne connection. Amazingly superhot together. Loved that both he and she worked out well together. They so deserved happiness.Jake, Colby and Tanner were adorable. Love that they had all become a loving Family together ❤

I loved Drake’s story. Drake is surly and stubborn and cares very little for his attitude towards the people and industry who turned against him under misguided information. His focus is taking care of his family as best he can.Encounters with the newly appointed owner of the Pittsburgh Titans lead to a decidedly interesting mating dance - power play, sexual tension, high emotions and something more perhaps. A fabulous read.

I know they're all standalone but I am loving this Pittsburgh Titans series and this new book did not let me down. Loved it!