Julian
New York Vipers #2
by Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan
Blurb:
Julian Langley has everything a man could ever wantβa sprawling Manhattan townhouse, a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, and ownership of the New York Vipers, one of the most coveted franchises in professional hockey. What he doesn’t have, and will never allow himself, is anyone who matters too much. Carrying a devastating loss that completely reshaped him, Julian has since built his life around the certainty that nothing will ever cost him that dearly again.
Harper Hawthorne isn’t looking for a billionaire. She’s looking for a way to keep the lights on. Single-handedly holding her world together since she was a teenager, Harper works two jobs, lives in a rent-controlled apartment on the Lower East Side, and sacrifices everything for her younger brother. When an unexpected phone call lands her a chauffeur job behind the wheel of Julianβs car, she takes it for exactly what it is: a paycheck.
Julian notices everything about her. Harper tries not to notice anything about him. What begins as a professional arrangement starts to crack at the edges when Harper proves, repeatedly and effortlessly, that sheβs unlike anyone Julian has ever encountered before. Sheβs too sharp to ignore, too genuine to keep at arm’s length, and entirely unimpressed by his world in a way that makes it impossible for him to stop thinking about her.
Julian doesn’t do commitment. Harper doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But some collisions are inevitable and some people are worth every risk you swore you’d never take again.
Julian is a slow-burn hockey romance about a guarded billionaire, the woman who got under his skin without trying, and the long road back to trusting that a second shot at love is always worth the leap.
*****
Review:
This is a cute Cinderella type story. Harper is trying so hard to keep her head above water and I admire her gumption. The way she hustles and the care she gives to her brother. But who can blame her for being swept off her feet by Julian. The man actually pays attention and that is so sexy! Moments spent together, conversation and quiet meals, leads to a sweet slow burn romance between them.
Overall, it’s low angst, and deliciously sexy, but things aren’t completely smooth sailing. And, while I really enjoyed it and liked the two of them together, Julian really needed therapy for his grief. He seems so put together and understanding that you would expect him to have talked to someone about the way he’s handling his past. It would really have done a lot for him.
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Bennett’s hockey romances and I gotta say she’s still got it. Julian is spicy, sweet, and easy-to-read. I’ve always loved her characters (while I adore Harper and Julian, it’s Percy that steals the show in this one) and the smooth way her love stories play out. I’m guessing we’ll get Tanner’s story next and I’m curious to see what depths he might be hiding behind his charm.
*****
Author Info:
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 womenβs 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 youβd like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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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.
