Erik: An Arizona Vengeance Novel

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

Erik, a starting player for the Vengeance, is a player. He's charming, funny, with a smile that makes women fall at his feet--except Blue. Blue can't stand Erik and everything he stands for. Blue works hard as a stewardess for the Vengeance and often works two jobs just so she can provide for her special needs brother, Billy. Erik has never had problems with the ladies, but Blue is a mystery to him. She's cordial, but on the cool to downright rude side. But Erik vows to get to the bottom of her hatred of him. As a child, Blue always wanted a sibling. When her brother was born with special needs, she didn't mind helping her mom care for him--until she graduated and wanted to leave to pursue dreams of acting and/or singing. Swamped with guilt at not being home to help with her brother when her parents died, Blue immediately moves home to make her brother her only priority. While Blue used to be a "party girl", she isn't that person anymore. Therefore, Erik the "player", is off limits. Woohoo! Great story, awesome goodness! I loved the interaction between Erik and Billy. I felt as though he showed Billy love and attention because he truly enjoyed spending time with him--not just to earn points with Blue. I loved that Tacker was opening up a bit more as well. I love that Erik was able to alleviate some of Blue past guilt while showing her he was a changed man. I about died when Erik insisted Blue attend her high school party to rub it in the "mean girls" faces that she was gorgeous AND dating a pro hockey player! HILARIOUS!!! Sooo relatable! I highly recommend this novel! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.