Stone (Pittsburgh Titans #2) by Sawyer Bennett

 A Review by Wendy

 4.5 Working Through The Pain Stars
* * * * 1/2 

Spoiler Free

When Sawyer Bennett decided to do this new series about a hockey team regrouping after an extremely tragic experience, she decided to not play it safe. It is my opinion that she remembered or researched real-life moments, such as when teams have been involved in fatal accidents, and thought on how would those left behind recover and move forward.

Not an easy task, yet with the careful development of the new and old characters we have met through Bennett's past hockey series, she has done the impossible. She has given us people we can understand and root for, knowing in the end with Bennett's signature writing, things will come together.

Stone's brother was on the Titan team's plane when it went down. Stone was dealing with the level of play he was doing in the minor leagues. He had once been a star in NHL but an injury and personal experience with his family made it difficult to recover fully. He and his brother had been distant, only connecting with phone calls on Christmas. The bitterness stemmed from parents who were masters at manipulation.

Now the Titans are regrouping and looking for players. The call goes to Stone to join the team. The offer is something he really cannot turn down, plus his love of the game has always been there. However, Stone is shackled with feelings that cannot be ignored. He is there because he is worthy or because he is the brother of the lost player. This is something he has to get straight in his head.

He also has to deal with his brother's estate which he has no interest in. Harlow Alston, his brother's attorney is after him to hear the reading of the will and take care of the necessary papers.

Harlow was close to the fallen brother, knew him well, understood all the pressures he was under and was always there for him. As a good friend, she heard many stories about Stone, learned about the estrangement and how Stone's brother wanted to reach out and fix things.

Taking this premise, giving it a real-life feel and understanding of all the pressures professional players are under, the relationships of children and driven parents, and the dealing with loss is all done so well. On top of that, we get a first-rate relationship between Stone and Harlow. 

 

About Sawyer Bennett

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 women’s 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.