Erik: An Arizona Vengeance Novel

Thoroughly enjoyed this story. "Normally I'm all about peeling off the clothes, but I want so much more than that with Blue." Erik Dalhbeck is a total player and women fall at his feet without him having to do much work. Unfortunately, Blue Gardner wants nothing to do with him...in fact, she's downright hostile towards him. However, she's more than her beautiful looks and, as he catches glimpses of her in different situations, he's finding that he wants to really get to know her...which is a first for him. "I wish he wasn't so easy on the eyes, as it would make it a whole lot easier to ignore him." Blue Gardner is focused on earning enough money to look after her brother. She pretty much lives for him and isn't interested in relationships or flings, especially with the likes of Erik. However, he slowly begins to win her trust and her affections with his genuine thoughtfulness and his attentiveness. "Blue's hand feels right in mine. In fact, I don't remember anything feeling quite this right." Erik and Blue were so sweet and super hot together! I loved Erik's persistence and his generosity, and how considerate he was of Blue's brother. Blue is really prickly to begin with and really focused on her brother's well-being. However, once she let's Erik in, they were sexy together and really quite adorable! An easy, feel-good read with a touch of angst thrown in.

What a great addition to Sawyer Bennett's Arizona Vengeance series! Erik is a slower burn romance with second chance, enemies to lovers, as well as friends to lovers elements. Though this is book 2 in the interconnected series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Erik, since he came across as quite the player in Bishop. I was very curious about how things would develop between him and Blue and what caused their antagonistic relationship. They had such amazing chemistry from the start and though they didn't have the best history, I loved seeing these two move beyond their pasts and really connect on a deeper level. I think what really hooked me though was that both Blue and Erik recognized who they were in the past and made efforts to change and grow. They took responsibility for their actions and didn't judge the other for how they used to be. So often I read about the reformed manwhore and the near virginal heroine, but this time it was refreshing to see that Blue was just as in touch with her own sexuality as Erik. Circumstances in her life force her to re-evaluate her choices and change sooner than Erik, but I liked that both accepted the other - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Another wonderful addition to the story was Blue's brother, Billy. I loved their sibling relationship and also the friendship that blossomed between Billy and Erik. Some of the very sweetest moments in the book involve Billy. Erik was a pretty low angst read and the drama that did occur late in the book resolved fairly quickly. Readers get more of a happy for now conclusion, but with more books in the series on the way, I know this won't be the last we hear of Blue and Erik. A bit of page time is actually spent setting up the next book in the series, Legend. I'm really looking forward to seeing how things unfold with his neighbor, especially since fellow teammate Dax seems to be sort of in the mix as well. I think the story I'm most interested in at this point though, is Tacker. My heart squeezes every time at the mention of him and I can't wait for more in this series! *I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

Erik is a renowned player on and off the ice, but his reputation is standing in the way of the insane attraction he has to one of the teams air-hostesses, Blue. Blue has a lot of guilt and regrets she carries on her shoulders like a proverbial boulder weighing her down, one of those secret self-condemnations Blue carries is her one night with Erik five years ago. A night it seems Erik doesn't remember in the slightest. Adding feelings of insignificance to the abundance of negativity Blue already has to create an explosive atmosphere between herself and Erik. Especially when Erik sets his sights on the beautiful Blue. Erik is a quick read taking the reformed player trope and making the main character so adorable and endearing you wonder why he would ever have been a player in the first place. Winning Blue over isn't an easy task but Erik is up to the challenge, even accepting Blue's mischievous dare in order to secure a date with her !!!!! Things fall quickly and easily into place as Erik and Blue grow closer; Erik's outlook on life and relationships is completely unexpected but real. Unfortunately, Blue's own baggage is the biggest barrier and ultimate test to their burgeoning relationship.  I loved how the resolution to the relationship problems played out while getting to know a few more of the peripheral players in greater detail. Bishop and Brooke make a cameo appearance, while the foundation is paved for Legend to take the limelight in the next book. Quirky girls for the win x