Cannon: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: February 28, 2023
Synopsis:
Cannon West left his hockey playing days behind to care for his dying wife but has since found success on the other side of the bench. Now, as the youngest head coach in league history, he’s hoping to lead the Pittsburgh Titans to a winning season. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship, but life sometimes takes us in another direction.
The Pittsburgh Titans are still working to move on from the tragic plane crash that forever changed the landscape of their organization. Having lost my wife, I know all about grief and the guilt of survival which makes me uniquely equipped to take this team to the next level. From the very first time I stepped inside the Titans’ arena, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
New to town, I’m still establishing my routine, but I have the most important aspect under control—the coffee shop where I stop on my way to the arena every morning. A strong cup of java and the gorgeous manager who I can’t help but chat up is quickly becoming my favorite way to start the day. But no matter how much I enjoy the blush that stains Ava Cavanaugh’s cheeks with my admittedly awkward attempt at flirting, I know it will never be more than brazen banter with a new friend. My job consumes almost all my time, and I know firsthand what that level of commitment can do to a relationship.
That doesn’t mean I’m not open to some fun. My career comes first, but Ava understands my boundaries. The only problem is that once I give into her temptation, the rules I set for myself become blurred, and my mixed signals hurt Ava—the one thing I promised I wouldn’t do. I’ve put myself in what seems to be an untenable situation, but I’ve faced those before. Now I need to find the strength to move past my fears, or risk losing my second chance at love with the woman who has stolen my heart.
All books in the Pittsburgh Titans series can be read as standalones. See the entire series here: https://sawyerbennett.com/bookstore/the-pittsburgh-titans-series/
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About the Author:
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.
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Trinette Dungee's 4 Star Review
What I knew about Cannon West going into this book:
- He’s the newly appointed head coach of the Pittsburgh Titans
- He’s the youngest coach in the league
- He’s a widower
- He gave up his career to care for his dying wife
What I thought I was going to get with Cannon West:
- A loner,
- A broken man trying to find his way back after the loss of his wife
- A little bit broody
What I now know about Cannon West:
- He’s adjusted
- He’s an Alpha
- He is nothing like I expected him to be
- He’s a DIRTY TALKER!
On top of being the youngest head coach in the league, he’s head coach of a team that’s rebuilding themselves after a horrific loss, and he’s known as the player who gave up his career to care for his dying wife at the top of his game, so all eyes are on Cannon West. With all of this, there’s no room in his current world for long term relationships, but he can most certainly make room for Ms. Ava Cavanaugh, the sexy manager/barista at his neighborhood coffee shop.
Cannon West was nothing I expected him to be! Throughout the last few Titan books, he’s been mentioned quite often, and the main thing associated with him was the fact that he was a widower and how he cared for his dying wife. Naturally, I assumed the ghost of his wife would be ever present during this story and she’d inadvertently become a third main character.
I was curious to read his story, but if I’m being honest, he wasn’t at the top of my list to be devoured. I don’t think I’ve ever misjudged a character this badly before. From the minute he’s introduced I know I might be slightly off about my assessment. When he interacts with Ava, oh, I KNOW I’m off; and as time goes on, I know I’m WAY OFF.
Cannon is far from the grieving widower I thought he was going to be, and it was a refreshing change from what the typical storylines give us for widowers. In these instances, it’s a withdrawn, sullen, heartbroken man; or men who are screwing anything walking to drown to drown out the grief. Cannon was neither of these, kudos to Sawyer for switching things up. Cannon married his high school sweetheart, and it’s been ten years since her death.
During this time, he’s remained active in hockey and has moved on with his life. The only thing that hangs over him is how he always made hockey his number one priority, and not his relationship. With everything he has going on, he can promise exclusivity for the time he’s with anyone, but he cannot and will not promise forever. When Ava explains that she may or may not stay in Pittsburgh, this is the perfect set up for him.
The chemistry between Cannon and Ava jumps off the page from the minute Cannon hits her with what he thinks is awkward flirting, which is anything but awkward. And then he totally shocks me he shoots for the stars and declares they will be going out:
“What’s your last name?” That startles her, and she cuts me a side eye before answering, “Cavanaugh,” I pull out my phone, navigate to Contacts, and start a new one. “Ava Cavanaugh, And your phone number?” Those eyes lift to meet mind, her head tipped slightly. “Really?” “Yes, really. We’re going out for a drink.” She just stares at me. I stare right back, refusing to blink. “Phone number. Now.”
Those are not the words or the attitude of a man who’s broken or unsure of himself.
I loved the chemistry between these two. They get each other. When they are together in any capacity they just clicked. Their conversations flowed, their banter is easy, their comfort level is so relaxed. Their relationship is so comfortable that they both very easily fall into a routine and the very commitment neither thought they wanted or needed.
Their companionable chemistry was one thing, but the sexual chemistry between these two was off the charts. They didn’t just set the room on fire, they set the whole damned building on fire!
“Leaning down, he doesn’t kiss my mouth but rather feathers his lips just below my ear. “Are you ready to get fuc*ed?”.….” I’m a dirty talker. Is that problem?”
And that was just the tip of the iceberg with his dirty talk! With the words he used, he gave Ava a full sexual experience without even touching her at times. Hell, with his dirty talk and the actions that matched, the sex they had, had me feeling like I was on an amusement park ride!
What I always love and appreciate about the way Sawyer writes her heroes, is they aren’t afraid to show emotion. Cannon is no different. While most of his is shown through what he does for Ava and how he tries to help her it was obvious when his feelings for her started to venture to where he didn’t want them to go.
Cannon also possessed huge compassion; this was most obvious in his relationship with his former mother-in-law. The person battling the ghost in this book wasn’t Cannon, but his wife’s mother. The level of patience shown by this man was amazing when dealing with her.
His compassion is also what makes him a good coach.
“Your numbers aren’t what they were last year, and Bain is performing better. I think you have the ability to battle for that position if you want it, but I need to know if there’s anything I can do to help you get your focus back.” Camden’s gaze slides, and I use that opportunity to push a little harder. “Is it the crash? You need any help with that?” Camden shakes his head, eyes snapping back to mine. “It’s not that. Just some family stuff I have going on. It’s fair to say my focus has taken a hit.”
During this book Cannon is often looking at ways to help Camden out with his game. Camden is one of the lucky three that wasn’t on the plane that took the lives of the former Titan team, and this is setting us up for the next Titan player’s story.
Cannon is a quick read with low angst, high heat, and sweet moments.
I always love the little nuggets dropped in one series that links back to another series. This nugget shows up when Ava gives Cannon a little of her background.
“I was an HR generalist for a large life insurance company back in my hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.” “Oh God,” Cannon moans with exaggeration. “Please don’t tell me you’re a Cold Fury fan.”
