The league's toughest defenseman meets his toughest match.
He’s the league’s most dangerous defenseman. She’s the specialist sent to determine whether he’s too broken to save. Neither of them is prepared for what happens when the truth hits back.
Locke Donovan has a reputation carved in blood and penalty minutes. The league’s most dangerous defenseman, he’s an angry, unapproachable loner who fights harder and refuses to let anyone in. The Portland Wildfire only took him because no one else would, and Locke seems determined to prove every rumor true. He doesn’t do teammates. He doesn’t do relationships. He barely does conversation.
Dr. Livia Cross is quiet, brilliant and controlled. Officially, she’s the Wildfire’s new high-performance consultant. Unofficially, she’s been embedded by the league to evaluate one player.
One risk. Locke.
Her job is simple: observe him, test him, and determine whether he’s safe to stay on the ice, or too volatile to keep playing. But the man she finds beneath the scowl and silence isn’t what she expected. He’s sharp. Watching. Walled off for a reason. And when sparks ignite where there should only be professionalism, Livia’s carefully built boundaries start to crack.
Locke doesn’t trust easily yet he lets Livia closer than he ever intended, long before he learns she isn’t who he thinks she is. And when the truth comes out, it won’t just shatter their fragile connection… it might end his career.
Dark, emotional, and electric with slow-burn chemistry, LOCKE delivers a gripping workplace romance between a guarded enforcer and the woman sent to evaluate him—until desire becomes danger, and the lines between loyalty and love blur beyond recognition.
I know before I even throw a punch that I’m going to get ejected from the game.
No one is going to want to hear a justification because there isn’t one. There’s no heat of the moment and there’s nothing instinctual. I simply see Morrow coming off the boards with that annoying curl to his lip, disdain for anyone in his way, and heading straight for me.
Christ, he fucking pisses me off.
Nashville’s agitator Leo Morrow is their team’s designated problem-maker, and we’ve played against each other enough to know the other’s secret tool kit. The elbow on the cycle or the slash across the back of the knee when the refs’ eyes are elsewhere. We’ve been chirping at each other the entire game, quiet enough that nobody else heard it. It’s a given that we’re going to drop the gloves. I should probably wait for him to instigate but fuck it.
I feel like fighting now because yeah… I don’t like that curl to his lip.
It’s the third period and the game is tied at two. The Portland Wildfire fans are going crazy, the arena practically shaking from the rafters downward. It’s been loud from the drop of the opening puck—new franchise, new arena, fans who are getting a team of their very own. They’re all here for the violence mixed within the sport, or at least that’s part of my justification for what I’m about to do. These fans aren’t generational loyalists who inherited the team because it’s who their father, and their father before them, rooted for. These people are on the inaugural ride of this crazy train and I’m about to deliver.
Morrow tries to circle past me, but I don’t let him. I ram my shoulder into him, knocking him off balance, and before he can even turn to give me that What the fuck look, I’m throwing my gloves to the ice.
The crowd roars with approval, the desire for blood whipping them into a frenzy. I let that fuel me—a reasonable justification even Coach would have a hard time arguing with—and I have one hand on his jersey, the other balled into a fist that connects with the side of his helmet before he can even get his gloves off.
Morrow’s good, just as big as me, and he strikes back with a vengeance. His knuckles clip my jaw, snapping my head sideways, and I taste the copper tang of blood.
Delicious.
Twenty-two thousand people who came here tonight to watch something happen are getting exactly what they wanted. Some might say I’m a fucking hero.
I manage to tuck in and drive my fist upward, catching the bottom of his chin and popping his head back. Morrow grunts but before he can retaliate, the linesmen get between us.
“That’s enough. Break it up.”
I don’t listen, trying to get my hands free to throw one more punch. The crowd screams out its approval.
“Enough, Donovan,” the official bellows. Morrow is trying to pull loose but I’m not letting him go.
“Jesus, you fucking psychopath,” Morrow snarls as I push hard against all of them.
Unfortunately, my skates slip out from under me and the momentum has me falling. Morrow somehow twists us and he lands on top of me, knocking the air from my lungs.
And then he’s gone, both linesmen pulling him off. He’s skating away from me before I can even get back upright.
“You fucking pussy,” I call out to the retreating Badger.
“Enough, Donovan,” a ref says as he skates up to me, laying a hand on my shoulder.
I shrug it off violently, pulling out my mouth guard out so he can hear me loud and clear. “I’ve played in front of better officials at a peewee tournament, you worthless piece of shit.”
His face mottles red and he points to the door that leads to the locker rooms. “That’s it… you’re out of here.”
“Peewee tournaments,” I snap back, pointing at him. “I’m sure you were fire there.”
The ref ignores me and skates to the glass where officials are eagerly awaiting the call. “At 12:34 of the third period, to Portland, number 18—five-minute major penalty for fighting. Number 18 also receives a two-minute minor penalty for instigating. And a game misconduct for abuse of officials.”
The crowd boos its disapproval, calling the refs blind and biased, although the language is a lot more colorful. I appreciate their devotion to me, but no doubt I deserve the penalties.
I slowly skate across the ice, taking my time. The crowd continues to jeer the refs. I glance up at the center-hung scoreboard—a massive four-sided video board that drops from the ceiling and makes you feel like you’re inside the play. I watch the replay of me attacking Morrow. LED ribbons running the full circumference of the lower bowl pulse in the team colors of burnt orange and forest green while rock music blares, indicating they’re cutting to a commercial.
Once I’m in the tunnel, the sound of the arena muffles and it’s an entirely different world. I lumber to the dressing room, by far the nicest in the league. The team’s owner, Patrick Rowe, was obsessive in the care and attention to detail for the comforts he put into it. The room opens into a wide horseshoe of dark wood cubicles, the configuration designed to make sure you can see every face in the room whether you want to or not. I remember hearing Coach once say that it was to help foster camaraderie. I want no part of that.
Above every stall sits a digital screen with the player’s team photo and number. I give mine a glance, noting the particularly dead look in my eyes despite the photographer trying her damnedest to get me to smile.
I throw my gloves into the stall and let my stick fall to the floor. I have no clue what’s going on in the game, even though there are TVs along the walls I could watch if I were interested. We’re defending a penalty right now and it might cost us the win.
Even though I project an attitude that I don’t give a shit about such things, I actually do care about winning. I mean, I want my team to win and there will be guilt if this stunt costs us the W. But right now, I can’t watch. I just want to go home.
The only person in the room is one of the equipment attendants, a kid in his early twenties who I’ve never spoken a single word to. He’s at the far end with a tray of sharpening equipment.
He looks up quickly, then averts his eyes again.
I sit on the bench and methodically strip off my gear, working through the same sequence I’ve been doing since I was a kid. They’re mindless motions, which is good, because the part of my brain that handles thought is preoccupied with tomorrow.
The headlines that will spotlight my reckless behavior. The same chatter that has followed my name around for years, no matter where I go, no matter how many organizations I move through, no matter how thoroughly I refuse to discuss it with anyone who asks.
I know I’m an enigma, but I don’t give a shit if people don’t understand me. They’re going to think what they want about me and the version that makes the rounds is never near the truth. I accepted that a long time ago and I don’t have the energy to say otherwise. The true version lives only in my head now and I’m okay with being the villain.
I peel off my elbow pads and set them in the compartment.
The anger is still there because it never leaves—a low simmer that’s an inherent part of me. I stopped pretending otherwise around the time I realized that pretending doesn’t make it go away.
If anything, it makes it burn hotter.
Yeah… it’s better to know where it lives. I don’t need to ruminate on the why because that’s a part of my life I’d just as soon forget. I merely need to accept it’s who I am.
The door opens but I don’t look up, assuming it’s one of the trainers coming to have a look at whatever damage Morrow’s knuckles did to my jaw, which is throbbing like a son of a bitch.
“Sam.”
That’s Patrick Rowe’s voice, quiet and commanding.
My head jerks up, as I have no clue who Sam is. I find Patrick standing there, looking over at the equipment guy, who’s staring back at him with wide eyes. “Mind giving me the room?” he asks.
“Yes, Mr. Rowe,” he says, even offering an awkward, bobbing bow.
“Just five minutes,” Rowe says, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. He offers the kid a reassuring smile and only after he’s gone does he turn his attention to me.
Rowe is a powerful man. He’s tall, broad through the shoulders, and carries an undeniably commanding presence wherever he goes. He’s a forty-eight-year-old, fiercely ambitious mogul who doesn’t impress me at all. He stands there in his immaculate suit with vivid blue eyes that are clearly sizing me up.
I note he doesn’t look angry, but that doesn’t surprise me. Over the past several weeks, I’ve never heard the man raise yell at anyone, but I also know he’s no pushover.
Which kind of sucks. Anger would be easier. Anger, I can work with. Instead, he looks like a man who has made up his mind but is here as a courtesy to fill me in on the game plan. The thought of it raises my hackles.
I keep working on my gear, ignoring my ultimate boss. The man who can make or break me.
Rowe moves into my peripheral vision and takes up a position standing a few feet from me. He doesn’t say anything right away, so I keep working on my gear.
He sighs, a sign of annoyance, and that actually makes me happy.
“You want to tell me what happened out there?” he finally says.
I bend over to unlace a skate. “Morrow ran his mouth. I responded.”
“Morrow runs his mouth at everyone. That’s his job. He does it every game and he’s been doing it for years.”
I have nothing to say to that.
“Third period,” Rowe says. “Tied game.”
And that strikes deep, a sizzle of guilt burning in my gut. “I’m aware of the score.”
“Good. Then you’re also aware, Locke, that we’re currently on the penalty kill because you’re sitting in here instead of being on the ice.”
I freeze, more off-kilter that he called me by my first name. It’s personal and I don’t like it. “Penalties are part of the game.”
“When they’re tactical,” he says bluntly.
“Like I said, just doing my job.”
“Is it really your job to put your team in jeopardy?” he asks.
It isn’t the question that gets me but rather the simple accuracy of it—the way he identified the precise thing I can’t argue with, and he did so without yelling or theatrics.
I really don’t like him.
I have no answer, which shouldn’t come as a shock since I’m a quiet guy. I keep to myself, don’t normally engage in pointless conversation, and I find this to be tedious and dull.
The exception is the pure game of hockey, and I never seem to be at a shortage of things to discuss in that respect. Give me video, give me strategy, give me a breakdown of why a defensive pair isn’t working, and I’ll give you back useful strategy. I can talk hockey all day and it’s usually the one place I’m never without an answer.
He’s asking me a simple question about the sport… about why I took the penalty. He’s giving me a platform to defend myself, and I could probably sell it if I tried.
But I have nothing because I didn’t pick a fight with Morrow for strategy, for optics, or even to give the crowd a thrill.
I did it because I felt like hitting someone.
Rowe seems to accept the silence and starts to turn away. I’m almost ready to let loose a breath of relief when he says, “I want you in my office tomorrow morning,” he says. “Eight o’clock.”
“For what?” I ask, my hackles rising again. “Because if you want to yell at me for what I did, I’m right here.”
“Eight o’clock,” he says again.
Like I haven’t spoken, he’s already moving toward the door.
I consider pointing out that I’m not the only one on this roster with penalty problems, that I’m not the only one who gets into it with opponents, that my numbers on the ice—the actual defensive numbers, the ones that determine whether this team can hold a lead—are better than anyone Rowe could have found in the expansion draft for the contract he paid.
I think about all of it, but I hold my tongue.
Because none of it touches the question he asked: Is it really your job to put your team in jeopardy?
The door closes and I sit in the quiet of the dressing room with one skate unlaced and the muffled sound of the game continuing without me in it.
I don’t think about what Rowe wants. Typically, when a player isn’t living up to expectations, that’s handled at the coaching level, and I’m sure Coach Monahan will have plenty to say after the game. If my job’s in danger, that would involve the general manager, but I haven’t spoken to Oliver Kemp since I signed my contract.
I brush those worries aside and refuse to think about Morrow or the fight or the blood I can still taste in my mouth. I don’t think about the score.
I bend over and work on my other skate, closing it all out and sealing myself off.
I’m a professional at that.
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Locke is a defenseman for the Portland Wildfire. Locke has a lot of anger and it shows on the ice. He leads in points but he also leads in penalties. When his on ice anger pushes the team and league to a breaking point, Locke is told he must see the team's of Human Performance to help him try to work through his issues.
Livia came to Portland from Los Angeles for to escape her past and find a new start. A bad break up with an ex who won't let go has her laying low.
As head of Human Performance for the team, it is her job to help the players to be their best both physically and psychologically. The owner of the Wildfire has given her the responsibility of helping Locke to turn himself around and work through what is causing his anger issues or he'll be off the team.
Even though he knows what is on the line, Locke is still reluctant to open up to Livia. He has learned to trust no one and keep to himself. But with some unusual meetings and talks, Livia starts to break down his walls. Things between the two of them are going well too. Until the day Locke reveals more than he wanted to and it seems like all the work may be lost. A tense confrontation on the ice adds to the issues.
I liked seeing these two work through their issues in an adult manner. The audio was performed by Samantha Summers and Alistair Haynesbridge. They did a fantastic job.
Curly B.5/5
Excellent Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Emotional!
📚 Another fantastic hockey team and sports romance written by Sawyer Bennett, who has outdone herself once again with her second book in the Portland Wildfire series. I am loving this team she is creating, an expansion team owned by Patrick Rowe, who spares no expense for his players and team. One of his players, Donovan Locke, an enforcer who is an excellent player, except that he goes off the rails too often and is becoming a liability for the team. He does not socialize with his teammates either, which is not ideal for team building and trust. Rowe brings in Dr. Livia Cross, a high-performance consultant to work with the team, including Locke, but he blows her off. Livia is up for the challenge, seeing right away that he is a troubled man and will not give up on him. Her approach to working with clients is unique, and the more time she spends with Locke, the more agreeable he becomes, but it also comes with something else: the undeniable chemistry between them. I loved the complexity of these characters, how Bennett put these two together and masterfully crafted their relationship, its progression, and how everything unfolded for him, them, and the team too. This story had me right from the start, captivating my attention and tugging at my heartstrings throughout. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. It was great seeing the characters from the previous book and how Livia and Juno became friends, Crosby’s sister too. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Samantha Summers and Alastair Haynesbridge did an amazing job bringing the characters to life, had a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable. Summers nails it as Livia, grasping every facet of her personality: confident, fierce, and determined. Alastair was just as fabulous as Locke, doing the same with showcasing his personality, his angst, as well as his vulnerabilities, growing as his character grew. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, too. Their expressive delivery conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one, and they were great with the back-and-forth between the two. These two make an excellent narration team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a captivating performance that is entertaining and keeps you glued to the story.
Bette T.5/5
I don't know how she does it but this author keeps on cranking out GREAT hockey romances! We are back with the Portland Wildfire and this time with the team's enforcer, Locke Donovan who seems to have taken his enforcer ways a bit too extreme and done more harm to the team than good. When the team's owner, Patrick Rowe, steps in and brings in a new member to the staff, Livia Cross, Director of Human Performance, and the ultimatum is put in place, work with Livia or his time with the team may be winding down, Locke reluctantly and I mean very reluctantly does, with conditions. That is, until Livia's personal life comes roaring into town in the form of her ex who tries to assault her and Locke and his team members step in. Already getting close, this only brings Locke and Livia closer. Oh, I really enjoyed this story so much. Two emotionally damaged souls who heal each other. What more could you want!
Pennie M.5/5
A broody romance that is an emotional rollercoaster ride. Locke will push her every button and he struggles to move on from his past. She will challenge him and help heal the tattered edges providing him with everything he needs. Amazing narrators!
Brandi M.5/5
Both narrators do great! Enjoyed their performance. A good listen! Enjoying being with a new hockey team! Enjoy the team dynamics, and the sweet romance! Locke is standoffish and acts out due to some past experiences, so he is having issues with his hockey team. If he doesn’t shape up, he may find himself off the team. Livia is a doctor that specializes in help those increase their performance (or something along those lines), she is assigned to work with Locke to improve his performance. Locke is not exactly all about it, but as they get to know each other, things begin to take a turn towards the forbidden. There’s also a stalker angle going on that I enjoy as well! Love when the protective nature comes out! Good chemistry and a bit of spice! An entertaining story overall! Looking forward to the next one!
Shan M.4/5
5 Will He Tell Her the Truth Stars!!
This book gave me all the feels! Locke is a player on the Portland Wildfire and comes with quite a bit of attitude both on and off the ice. He gets his job done, but there’s a level of anger inside of him that no one really understands and it just may cause more issues on the ice if he doesn’t get it under control. This is where Livia comes into play. She’s become part of the Wildfire staff as a Performance Coach and she’s everything this team needs, especially Locke… although he’s not too on board with this plan!
I loved how these two interacted; Locke being obstinate and Livia just being strong and steady in her approach to this man. It’s very clear that there’s something that sets Locke off, but until now no one has ever been able to figure it out. Livia, is going to be the person that does it even while combating her attraction to Locke Donovan. Their push and pull is at times intense and then balanced with moments that are emotionally charged as long held secrets are getting closer to the surface.
One of the things I loved so much about Livia and Locke working together is how protective Locke became of Livia which truly showed there’s so much more to him and I fell more in love with him. There’s a true give and take between them and as they grow closer, they become combustible! And let me tell you, I needed my fan to be on!
As this story moves closer to the end, the challenges that Livia gives to Locke start to change how his teammates look at him and interact with him all for the better. There’s the “aha” moment that brought me to tears. There are many parts of this story that had me all up in my emotions which is one of the reasons I love Sawyer’s writing so much. I know that I’m going to get an amazing story that takes me away from my everyday life. Adding to my love of this book is the amazing narration of two new to me narrators Alistair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers. I love being able to immerse myself in the world that Ms. Bennett has created and I’m so ready for the next book!
Franci5/5
Locke is book 2 in the Portland Wildfire series and follows loner Locke Donovan as he does the one thing he swore he never would: fall in love with Livia Cross.
Locke Donovan grew up the only child of parents who were cold and absent. In his family, the oldest son is expected to take over the family business, but his father has never wanted anything to do with him. He was raised by nannies and traveled the world at the whim of his parents, but never spent time with them. Holidays were a spectacle of displaying wealth when they were home for them. So when he got his chance to get away and play hockey, he left.
Livia Cross grew up in a loving family. She still spends time with her family, especially on holidays. She is a quiet person, but not because she is shy. Her last relationship ended badly and she found herself with a new job and returning home. She makes friends easily, but she is in Portland to do a job, not make friends. She is well trained in her field which is why she is in Portland; to get to the bottom of a problem.
The Wildfire picked up Locke during the expansion draft. He has great stats, except for his penalty minutes, which is why he was acquired. But his penalty minutes are costing the team. He is known as the league bad boy and if this team does not work out, he will be out of a job.
Livia was brought in to determine if Locke is worth keeping on the team. But Mr Rowe, the owner, wants the team to think she is there to improve their performance. She is trained on both fronts and has not problem working with the team, while trying to determine what is causing Locke to act out on the ice and not engage with his teammates.
Locke is forced to see Livia by the owner of the Wildfire. Talk about being unhappy. But if he wants to continue playing hockey, he must acquiesce. But he is not willing to see her indefinitely. So they negotiate. Three sessions, plus he must attend team events and interact with his team members. Livia has her work cut out for her.
But Locke follows Livia's requirements. He attends the team Thanksgiving get together. And he agrees to go to her parents home for Thanksgiving dinner. He interacts perfectly with her parents and her which intrigues her.
But when a threat from Livvy's past presents itself at the worst possible moment, she will have to deal with it in front of everyone on the team. Instead of her standing on her own, every one of the guys has her back. But Locke is the one leading the crusade.
Locke provides an outlet for Livia to release the stress from the confrontation. It is just a one and done. Locke does not do relationships. But he is unable to resist this woman.
Will their relationship put Livia's job at risk? Will Locke tell her about his past? Will he figure out that trust is a two way street? Will he learn to trust her? Will he learn to trust his teammates?
I loved so many pieces of this book. Locke and Van have the closest thing to a relationship and trust. Van shares his history with Locke and tells him not to wait too long to figure out what he really wants. I loved seeing Van being honest about what happened in his past and being willing to talk about it. He goes above and beyond to help Locke.
Seeing how protective Locke, and the entire team, is of Livia made me smile. She has always had to be the strong one, but they have her back. Even though she does not like bringing her personal life into the workplace, sometimes I can't be avoided. She is lucky to be part of the Wildfire family.
Locke has a dream for the future. And I absolutely love his dream. He has thought about it for some time and his motivations are pure. The future is bright for Locke and Livia.
Alistair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers are both new to me narrators. Such a joy listening to fresh voices for Locke and Livia. The tenor of his voice is smooth, but has emotion in it. She portrays the professional side of Livia, while bringing out the teenaged daydreamer in her at the same time. I am looking forward to more books by these two.
Linda K.4/5
4☆
I really enjoyed Livia and Locke's story! Locke is quite the prickly man to start and I enjoyed getting to see Livia chip away at that crusty exterior. Seeing how Livia is able to open Locke up and address his attitude and actions with the team was really rewarding. I really enjoyed their character arcs and seeing them bring out the best in one another.
Amanda K.4/5
I LOVED Locke and Livia! Locke is the ultimate grumpy, damaged hero with serious trust issues. Livia is confident and smart. Their chemistry was fire and on point. what I loved most was watching them grow into the best version of themselves together. Their relationship felt honest and natural, even when things got crazy.
I finished this book in hours because I could not put it down. the Wildfires crew added so much fun to the story I can’t wait for the next wine. Sawyer Bennett never disappoints and her hockey stories are great and incite fun.
Narrators are great and keep you listening
Theresa K.5/5
I listened to the audiobook while reading along and I loved how broody Locke is. I'm not typically one to love broody MMCs but there was something about Locke that just did it for me. I loved this character's development and how he went from someone who would barely talk to his teammates to a true team player. Then we have Livia and I always love me a strong FMC. She knows what she wants, what she needs to do and gets it done. But it's what she brings out of Locke that really makes this story special. Their romance is fiery hot but also sweet. It felt genuine and grew organically. The narration by Alastair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers was excellent. They did a fantastic job. I can definitely recommend this hockey romance with no reservations.
Clary V.4/5
I’ve been a longtime fan of Sawyer Bennett and have read her books for years, so I’m very familiar with her writing style. Maybe because of that, not much in Locke: Portland Wildfire #2 truly surprised me. I listened to the audio version, and the narrators did a wonderful job bringing Locke and Livia to life. You could really feel the emotions in their voices, and they shifted tone and delivery so well that it was always clear which character was speaking during conversations.
Locke’s emotional baggage and reluctance to deal with it made for a compelling setup, and Livia’s determination to help him see things differently added a nice balance. I enjoyed the slow‑burn pacing and the many hockey scenes, which felt vivid and well‑written.
One thing I missed was seeing more of the previous characters from the series. In Bennett’s other interconnected worlds, familiar faces tend to pop in more often, so their absence here was a little disappointing. The story also started out strong, but around the halfway point it became more predictable, which took away some of the excitement for me, and that’s the main reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5.
As always with this author, there’s no epilogue, since the characters continue into the next book. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
Janet S.4/5
Locke, book two in the Portland Wildfire series is a fantastic addition to this series.
Locke Donovan, the enforcer for the Wildfire is a tough nut to crack. He keeps everyone at arms length and has built up a hard shell around his heart. From the beginning of this story you knew that Locke had a backstory that framed his future and it bled into everything he did and I couldn’t wait to find out what transpired in his past to make him this way.
Livia Cross, the new high performance consultant has her work cut out for her when it comes to Locke and it appears she may be the only one to break down his walls. She is patient and kind with him and slowly he starts to learn to be a good teammate, friend and he finally opens up to her by sharing his story. What neither expects is the feelings they are having towards one another. For Livia, she is crossing a professional line but the pull to Locke is just too strong.
There is a little more drama thrown into the story to keep it interesting. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed their journey with all the ups and downs. I also had the added benefit of listening to the audio version of this story and the narrators, who are both new to me, did an amazing job that absolutely added to my enjoyment of this book.
Chris G.5/5
Ooh. I just love Locke Donovan and Livia Cross, the closed off enforcer for the Portland Wildfire, and the newly appointed Director of Human Performance for the team. Sparks fly from the moment they meet, but Liv isn’t there for romance, she’s come to fix the team. Starting with Locke. Something’s eating at Locke, he’s a closed book, he doesn’t socialise, he doesn’t open up to anyone, at all, ever, and it’s Liv’s job to find out what his problem is. Yep, good luck with that Liv. Locke has a lot of anger inside and lashing out on the ice seems to be his outlet, but management is not happy about his penalty minutes and if he doesn’t improve, his days on the Portland Wildfire could be numbered. Liv uses the threat of his position on the team (and a little bit of blackmail) to break down his walls. That and their explosive chemistry all add to the start of a passionate and forbidden fling - I purposefully didn’t call it romance, because neither of them want a romantic relationship. Who are they kidding? Of course it’s more, they’re just not willing to admit it. Liv also has a personal issue of her own causing problems, a cheating and abusive ex who refuses to let go. With the help of the Wildfire family (and what a family they are), things can only get better. A little bit emotional at times, I really did feel sorry for Locke, he didn’t have the best of upbringings. Liv handled him extremely well and the fact that they could read each other so well was a testament to both their personalities. Some wonderful characters in and amongst, and the fact that I also listened to the audiobook alongside reading the e-book ensured I was kept entertained throughout the day no matter what I was doing (out and about walking or simply relaxing in the garden). Both Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers are new to me narraters, and I have to say I was impressed with their performances, they really nailed it. I received an advanced copy of both the audio book and the e-book, this is my honest review.
Pam L.5/5
ebook/audio book review:
Narrators: Samantha Summers and Alistair Haynesbridge
Locke is the second book in this new A Portland Wildfire Hockey Romance series. This is Locke Donovan and Dr. Livia Cross’ story.
Livia is brought in to evaluate Locke and his anger issues. Is Locke worth the effort to save him for the team? (I say YES!) and evidently Livia does too! Things heat up for the two of them.
A Portland Wildfire Hockey Romance is off to a great start! I live near Portland and I love that there is a series so close to home!
This is the first time that I have listened to both of these narrators. And, they did a fantastic job reading to me! These narrators will go on my list of narrators that I love to listen to.
Love is in the air for the author and both the narrators, and this book and new series! I can’t wait to read or listen to more! 5 STAR Read!
Arch’s story is next and I for one can’t wait to read his story!
Tanya R.5/5
This is the second book in the Portland Wildfire series, a sports romance, and another great addition to the series. Locke and Livia's slow-burn romance is beautifully written, sweet, and engaging. Their journey is complex, emotional, and gripping, keeping me invested from beginning to end. Alastair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers deliver an excellent narration, bringing the characters and their story to life. I'm looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.
Jocelyne G.5/5
Misunderstood bad boy who also plays hockey… um yes please! Welcome back to the Portland Wildfire the new expansion team in Sawyer Bennett’s universe. Locke is book 2 in this interconnected series but it also stands alone.
Locke is a beast on the ice and is dealing with some issues. In walks Livia who was hired to help the athletes with their mental game. There is definitely a push pull happening with their chemistry and tension. The story was an enjoyable quick read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
The audio was excellent. Alastair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers were a pleasure to listen to.
rounded from 4.25 -4.5 stars
Hea365adventures4/5
Locke is a professional hockey player. He has a lot of anger and hates the team aspect of the game.
Livia gets hired to bother team members and help them with their game. She is there to dive deeper into the root of problems to help the guys improve.
Locke wants nothing to do with Livia, but because of his attitude and his actions during games, he is forced to meet with her.
It’s good to see Locke open up. Through the story we know he has trust issues, which we find out why towards the end. All his feelings are justifiable, he just doesn’t know what to do with them and how to get help.
Livia is patient with Locke. She tries to show him he is worth it and it is ok to have his strong feelings. She helps him a lot.
Through their sessions and time together they grow close to one another and form a relationship.
So far, my favorite of the series.
Lindsey J.4/5
Locke is Dr Livia Cross and NHL player Locke Donovan’s entertaining, emotional and at times dark journey. It’s book two in the Portland Wildfire Series and it didn’t take me long to become invested in this couple and their story. From the first chapter to the last line I was captivated and as I closed the final page I still wanted more.
Livia is hired as the new high-performance consultant for the Wildfire NHL team and her first job is to observe and evaluate why Locke is shut off from his team and why he is so volatile on and off the ice. Problem is Locke has no intention to open up his past to anyone………
Locke keeps his private life private and he feels he doesn’t need to be buddies with his teammates to do his job. But when Livia starts getting close he finds himself unraveling his past and opening up to woman he was determined was not going to pity him. So what happens when this couple realise they have a connection, it may be fragile but it’s the first connection he has had in a long time………
This story touched me on so many levels, I fell hard and fast for Locke and my heart broke as he showed his vulnerability and I want the strong and sassy Livia in my corner but what took this book to the next level was watching this couple dance around the feelings that had even when they weren’t sure if it was love or loyalty. I loved this book so big.
Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers are new narrators to me and they did a great job bringing the characters and their story to life. They were spot on with the emotion and the passion that flows through this book.
Jackie W.5/5
**Audiobook Review**
I’m back in Portland with the Wildfire and I’m so glad Locke got his story next. “Locke” is a swoony, action packed and emotional workplace, slow burn hockey romance that was a great addition to the series.
Locke Donovan is one of the most feared enforcers in the league and he’s on the newest expansion team, the Portland Wildfire. He’s a force on the ice and closed off with his team. When the owner insists on him meeting with Dr. Livia Cross, the team’s newest consultant, Locke thinks it’s a waste of time. Livia is no stranger to someone being off put by her methods so Locke is no problem for her. Her job is to make sure that he’s still safe to be on the ice and as she gets to know him, it’s clear that there’s more to him that he doesn’t share with everyone. And Locke sees a different side of Livia that he likes too.
I loved the first book in this series and Locke was no different. Sawyer Bennett isn’t afraid to write something hard and emotional for the characters to go through and I love how real that is. Locke is protective and has a vulnerable side he doesn’t let many see but when he opened up to Livia, we got to see his true self. Livia is genuine, smart and she had a great approach to get people to open up without making them feel like they couldn’t be honest with her. Locke was standoffish with her at first but once he revealed his secret, it all made sense for sure. But she was kind and made sure he knew that he was still an upstanding guy. Their chemistry was simmering underneath and when it finally boiled over, it was sizzling hot. But they connected on a deeper emotional level and that’s what they both needed. And seeing Locke’s protective side on the ice for his teammates and for Livia when she had an ex-boyfriend who wouldn’t let her go. The ending was so romantic and showed how much Locke and Livia were perfect for each other.
Samantha Summers and Alistair Haynesbridge narrated this audio and I loved them as Livia and Locke. Samantha brought the smart and caring Livia perfectly. Alistair was great as the protective yet vulnerable Locke. I loved listening to these two and will look for more from them in the future.
Trish D.5/5
Just like the first book in this series, I absolutely devoured Locke! I loved every moment of Locke Donovan and Livia Cross’s story, whether it be emotional and raw, or sexy and intense. The narration was amazing by Alastair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers. They really brought these wonderful characters to life!
Locke is a defensemen for the Portland Wildfire, and the team’s enforcer. But when it seems like he is causing more harm than good for the team, he is mandated by Patrick Rowe, the owner, to work with Livia, who is the team’s new Director of Human Performance. She may be the only way to save his job with the team. But it will require something he has never been able to do with a team, because of something that happened in his past.
Working with Locke was a challenge for Livia, but she felt/hoped she was up to the challenge. I don’t think either one of them was ready for what happened between them. They crossed a line and let their chemistry take over but this blurs the lines between professional and personal. They manage to keep their relationship a secret from everyone while Livia works with Locke. She helps him to be more comfortable and open up and engage with his team and eventually open up to her.
As always there is an HEA, but not before there is drama, and then some heartfelt exchanges that were anything but private. That was such a great scene!
From start to finish I was invested and entertained. I loved it! Can’t wait for the next book!
Marybeth C.5/5
Portland Wildfire's Locke Donovan does not play nice and his antics on the ice have landed him in hot water with his coaches and the owner of the Wildfire. He keeps to himself and hasn't connected with the other players on the team.
Dr. Livia Cross is a high-performance consultant brought in to help great players be better. Her most challenging player is Locke when she's tasked with evaluating whether or not he is worth the risk of keeping on the team or letting him go. Spending time with Locke, Livia begins to see the man he keeps hidden from those around him. Her professionalism is wavering as sparks fly between them and a relationship begins to build. When she uses that relationship to get him to open up, the trust he built with her is shattered.
Great narration by Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers.
Amy M.5/5
I love the way this new Portland Wildfire series is taking off. Locke and Livia's story is so beautiful, heartfelt, and moving. Donovan Locke is a talented hockey player but has a troubled reputaion. He has been burned in the past so keeps his distance from his new teammates. Dr. Livia Cross is an accomplished performance consultant, brought to the Wildfire to work with not only the team but to break down the barrier Locke is hiding behind. Locke is ready to push back at Livia's attempts to work with him, but he is surprised by how easy she is to be with. She slowly convinces him to interact with his teammates, and with her. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore their attraction. Just as Locke is finding success on the ice and comfort in Livia, she crosses a line that pushes him away, breaking both their hearts. I loved Locke and Livia together and the slow-burn build to their incredible relationship. I loved Livia's confidence, selflessness, and caring, and the way she helped Locke find his way back to the man he really was. My heart broke for Locke as he struggled with forgiveness and learning to trust, and love again. I am enjoying getting to know all the Wildfire players, and the growing pains of a new team on the rise and becoming a found family. This is a beautiful, and hopeful romance about letting go of the past, forgiveness, believing in second chances, and finding that forever love.
Alastair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers were perfect as Locke and Livia. Haynesbridge easily portrayed the complexity that is Locke from the broody, angry man in the beginning to the steadfast, loving man he truly was all along. I loved how Summers portrayed Livia's confidence, and caring, with a hint of vulnerability, making her feel relatable and genuine. I was completely lost in their performance.
Karen G.5/5
🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧
I absolutely adore Ms. Bennett's hockey series. It amazes me how with so many hockey books she can still give us such great, original stories!
I listened to this story which was narrated by Alistair Haynesbridge & Samantha Summers. I don't know that I've listened to them before, but I loved their voices and the telling of the story. The only thing that would have made it better would have been duet narration since I love to have a man's voice and a woman's voice voicing the correct genders. They did a great job though and really pulled me into the story.
Livia and Locke's story was so interesting to me. This was not an instalove story or even a story where they were together a while before something happened. There was probably half of the book where they really weren't anything to each other. They may have had sparks of feelings, but one incident about half way through really spurred their relationship on.
Locke is locked up tight, so his name is perfect for him. He doesn't let anyone in. He was betrayed in an awful way while growing up and doesn't want to ever go through that again. He's buried it for years, but that anger and frustration is costing him his career. I feel bad for Locke because when you find out what the issue is, it's actually heart breaking and horrible that what happened to him. When he finally starts to open up, you can feel that he is a little lighter. Livia makes him a little lighter.
Livia has such an interesting job with the Wildfire. She is tasked with getting the best performance out of an athlete. With Locke, it's counseling him and trying to unlock the pent up rage that he lets fly and often causes a problem. I can tell early on that she is definitely interested in Locke, but fights that pull because of her job.
These two made for a really good story and it was very interesting to learn about Livia's job (if it's a real thing.) I enjoyed this second story and look forward to the next one in the series.
Christine M.4/5
Book 2 of the new Portland Wildfire series proves to be exciting and romantic. Locke is on the Wildfire to play and that's it. He has no interest in socializing with his teammates, and he is a menace on the ice, constantly causing fights and penalties that effect the team. When Livia is brought in as a high performance consultant for the team, she not only works with the other players, but takes a special interest in Locke. He is self contained and unwilling to giver her anything, but she has a way of reaching her clients. But that doesn't count the attraction between them. Where does it all go? Sawyer Bennett writes with flair, giving this one my attention and my heart. I loved Locke. His bottled up rage kept him interesting all while wanting to get to know him. Livia is determined and passionate, leaving her in a pickle when it comes to crossing that line of love. Fabulous addition to the series and I can't wait for more.
Alastair Haynesbridge is Locke with a graveling personality and heart that I wanted to get to know. He gave me all the right emotions and had me under his grouchy spell. Samantha Summers comes into the story with a confidence that makes the players want to do better. She is a gem with the emotions and makes a fantastic Livia. Together, these two made a listen not to be missed.
Patricia R.5/5
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