Legend is the goalie for the newest Arizona Vengeance hockey team. He’s the best and nothing can break his concentration or rhythm when it comes to his job. But his eccentric neighbor drives him crazy every time he comes home. Her over the top lawn décor overflows all the way to his property line and he’s ready to report her to their Homeowners Association. But when he receives a package on his doorstep, he does the only thing he knows to do, he goes to his sexy neighbor for help.

This couple moves fast in their enemies to friend’s relationship. Without giving too much away just know that this author does an outstanding job in telling Legend and Pepper’s story. I really love how we continue to hear about the couples we have already met, and I can’t wait to find out the stories of the other players we are meeting in each book. This Vengeance family is so sexy and tied together that you will fall under their spell and want to become a part of their life.

LEGEND is the 3rd book in the Arizona Vengeance series and while it can standalone, there are recurring characters.

Pepper Nantais is a "free bird," an artist/children's author who knows exactly who she is and what she wants. Legend Bay is the star goalie for the Vengeance hockey team. He lives next door to the eccentric Pepper and she really gets on his nerves! They're totally opposite but when an unexpected twist puts Legend in a bind, Pepper steps in to lend a hand and as the two begin to learn about each other, they find that there's more in common than what they first thought.

Excuse me while I fan-girl a moment because Sawyer Bennett absolutely scored with this one! {<= cheesy pun intended!} I always feel like I get so much more out of a Sawyer Bennett book than just a straightforward romance. I mean, the blurb sounds like a simple opposites attract love affair and the cover, while handsome, isn't particularly intricate. But no, when you open this book, expect to find unique characters that tug at your heartstrings, a world where the people feel like they could be your friends regardless of status or class and a plot with bends and curves that takes you on a journey and leaves you with a grin.

We'd briefly met Pepper and Legend in previous stories and I was so excited to see them get their HEA! Pepper was so awesomely strong, quirky and distinctive. She stood by Legend through all the drama he found himself in without being intimidated or questioning her self worth. And without going into too much detail about Legend's crises, his character was definitely tested time and again. He had a lot of crap flung at him but with Pepper's help, he was able to overcome every obstacle. I loved that Legend didn't let his ego get in the way of reaching out to Pepper when he needed her. He wasn't a wimp by any means but he knew his limits.

You don't need to understand hockey to love this book, you just need to enjoy the ride! Told from dual POVs with a happy ending. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Heart and tenderness are something I wasn't expecting going in to read this title about Arizona's premiere hockey goalie and all around tough guy, the “Legend” Bay.

The somewhat uptight, stick in the mud player, that I wanted to learn more about after reading the first two books in this fabulous series, afforded me a glimpse into behind the scenes action of the hockey world and so much more.

Most importantly this book was full of heart and passion. It demonstrated what can transpire in a person’s life when the most unexpected thing possible could happen and how that person’s actions to life’s curve-balls will not only affect them but everyone around them.

This story was full of heated passion, unexpected tenderness, and so much heart. As a reader it was hard to resist Legend as he was revealed to us but even more so the group of support in the Arizona Vengeance hockey family that I only wish that I could have by my side.

If you enjoy sports romance and are looking for something with a bit more depth, this book will be your next great read!

As Always, Happy Reading!

“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind

5 Stars

Legend by Sawyer Bennett is the third book in the Arizona Vengeance series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading the others as well. This book is hands down my favorite so far in the series. Full of hockey, friendship, and of course love, Legend is a book you NEED to read.

Legend Bay seems to have it all. He’s one of the best goalies in the NHL, good looking, and single. His focus is on his career, so when an unexpected surprise in waiting for him on his doorstep, he has no idea what to do. The last person he was expecting to help him was his wacky neighbor Pepper...but man, he is so grateful. As lines begin to blur, will Legend be able to handle all of the complications? Or will it be too much?

Pepper, Legend’s next door neighbor, is a free spirit. She also has the biggest crush on her cranky neighbor. Pepper is always finding new ways to make him mad, so when he needs her help she is shocked he is even being nice to her. As things start to get more complicated for him, their feelings start to heat up. Will Pepper be able to handle it? Or will she walk away?

I loved this story sooo much! The way Legend and Pepper’s chemistry was, the storyline, gahhh it was all AMAZING! Legend was soooo swoony and i loved how he handled everything that was thrown at him. And Pepper...her heart was so beautiful. This is one story you do not want to miss- I highly recommend reading it!

On top of being a fantastic love story, we get suspense too! Legend is the goalie of the Vengeance Hockey team, based in Arizona. This is the third installment in Sawyer Bennett’s new hockey series. The previous books in this series have been a hoot and this one went above because it also has suspense.

I got a kick out of this couple because this is Legend, who loves order, and his neighbor, Pepper, who has a very flamboyant style of decoration. Every season finds her yard with an excessive decoration, and Legend just hates it. He even complained to the Homeowners Association regarding her exaggerated yard decorations and in retribution, she filled his yard with plastic pink flamingoes! At the start of this book, he arrives and sees Pepper’s Christmas decorations and hits the roof. He’s about to go complain when he finds a bundle at his front door and discovers a baby. There’s a note that informs him the baby is his, so his first instinct is to go get Pepper and stammer, baby.

The baby turns out to be a girl, fourteen days old, and is his. In the many arrangements that Legend has to make to absorb his daughter into his life, Pepper is at his side, giving him support and advice. Eventually, as they work as a team to help Legend adapt to his new role, they grow closer and this allows Legend to appreciate the many qualities in Pepper.

I loved in this story that the friendship and teamship developed first, and as they grew to love Legend’s baby girl, they grew to love each other. It was a slow developing love and I loved how it went. Initially Legend was against any type of involvement but when he least expected, he was caught and he loved being caught. Another thing is loved is the opposites attract angle, he likes order and she likes chaos, and yet they learn to appreciate and accept each other.

The other lovely part of this story is that we get to share some time with old friends from previous books: Bishop, Erik and Dax and we also get to meet the parents. The team’s captain is going through a tragic moment and I’m pretty sure he will be next in the series and I can’t wait to read his story.

Oh Baby, what a Legend!

In her third book from her Arizona Vengeance series, Sawyer Bennett give us Legend Bay, a man who will melt your heart quicker than the sun melts an ice-cube. He is the number one goalie for the Vengeance and he is one HOT male. Then there is Pepper Nantasi, bohemian chic, a little bit kooky, but a woman with a massive heart. Did I also mention she is Legend's neighbour, the one who drives him crazy with her penchant for decorating her front yard.

Legend is about to tell her exactly what he thinks of her latest decorating attempt, when instead he has to ask her for her help with the "present" he has just found on his front porch. Surprised by her willingness to help him, when he has been anything but nice to her, Legend begins to see another side of Pepper. Yes, he's always been attracted to her, and her to him, but he never followed through on that attraction.Amid baby bottles, late night feeds and dirty diapers, Legend and Pepper begin to grow closer together. Their chemistry is sparking and their feelings are altering.

Soon their casual relationship becomes something more defined, but Legend hesitates and attempts to maintain his focus on his game and his daughter. Although it doesn't take him long to realise that he wants Pepper there with him permanently. Amid the turmoil that arises from the mamababy, which almost causes him to lose Pepper, Legend steps up and owns his emotions.

I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced, sexy, romantic, funny, dramatic at times, dealt with some rally hard issues in a very sensitive manner and was both engaging and entertaining. The was also the opportunity to catch up with other members of the team and their wives, and a chance to learn a little bit more about Dax and Tacker, both who will feature in the next two books. Be prepared to fall heavily for Legend and Pepper, they are ... simply irresistible.

Definitely recommend this one, Sawyer never disappoints.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

4 Stars!
Legend Bay is one of the best goalies in the NHL. He lives in Phoenix, and plays professional hockey for the new expansion team the Arizona Vengeance. He's at the top of his game focusing on winning the championship when life throws him a curve ball. He arrives home one evening to find a present on his front porch he wasn't expecting. Completely blindsided he turns to his kooky, bohemian, sexy neighbor that constantly drives him crazy with all her tacky lawn decorations. Pepper Nantais would usually be the last person he'd ask for help, but he's desperate. He's always found her extremely annoying, but shockingly she shows him kindness when he needs it the most.

Pepper has had a king size crush on her cranky, smoking hot hockey star neighbor since she first laid eyes on him, but he's never appreciated how she expresses herself artistically. She should feel guilty that she gets joy out of antagonizing him. He's just so serious, and needs to loosen up a bit. She often poked the bear for kicks. Now his world has been turned upside down by a beautiful newborn, and he knows nothing about kids. He's suddenly a single dad, and he's terrified. When he panics and turns to her for help she is there for him.

Pepper and Legend grow closer as they spend more time together. Legend starts to appreciate the things about her he initially didn't like. She's a fun loving free spirit that's whimsical, artsy, and flamboyant. She's not his usual type, but still striking to look at. As their mutual attraction grows, lines get blurred. His life has become so complicated, and right now he doesn't have much to give. He needs to focus on hockey and being a new dad, not be fantasizing about Pepper. Whatever is between them starts out casual and undefined, but quickly becomes essential to him. She becomes important to him as he begins to fall hard for the gorgeous woman who suddenly owns his heart.

This was a sexy, sweet enemies to lovers/ friends to lovers sports romance. I really loved this one! Legend is all kinds of swoony as he simultaneously falls for Pepper and his baby girl. I can't wait for Dax and Tacker's books up next!

4.5 Right In Front of His Eyes Stars
* * * *1/2 Spoiler Free-It's Live!!!
Oh, Sawyer Bennett...Leave it to you to take this series make it grow and warm my heart. You have switched up how to keep a series fresh and interesting. With all of the books/characters interconnected yet not totally necessary to have been read before, your work is a wonder.

In Legend, we have met this fella and know he has a home he loves which is next door to a neighbor who drives him batty. He was raised by a military father instilling order, discipline, and systems. As a professional hockey player, all of these traits have served him well. He has a specific routine before each game and gives his all. When he comes back from the road or hard-fought games, he is in no mood for cray-cray lawn gnomes on his lawn or hearing the cute pixie singing at the top of her lungs, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

It doesn't help this woman causes little sparks every time he sees her either. She is spunky and always has a smile on her face. This woman even has become pals with his other hockey teammates. They seem to be comfortable with her and now he has this nagging feeling of being left out.

Pepper cracks up when Legend gets hot under his collar when she is in her garden singing. She thinks he is hot as hell and needs to lighten up. She knows he works hard and wants to see him smile once in a while.

Legend comes back from a long day away from his home. It is dark and he sees Pepper is having friends over at her home. He is about to walk into the garage but stops as there is something near his front door he doesn't recognize. After one look, the only person he thinks to help him is Pepper.

From that moment everything changes. Legend has to reevaluate the concept of his life, career, and his assumptions of who and what Pepper is. Nothing will be the same and the shock for Legend is he doesn't want them to be.

Without going too deep and giving everything way, Legend is one fella who has depth, love, and understanding of what it means to be a MAN. I loved him. TOTALLY. I also loved Pepper as well. She knew what she needed and made sure continue to be who she was before Legend and then with him.

There is drama and it all works. As I said, Sawyer Bennet has the talent to keep me interested in this Hockey Team and the women who love them.

Legend is the third book in the Arizona Vengeance series by the fabulous and talented Sawyer Bennett. I have read ALL of Sawyer's books and in my opinion her writing just keeps getting better and better. I'm in love with her hockey heroes. All the way from Alex through the Cold Fury (My man Ryker!) and I am absolutely loving these Arizona Vengeance players! We have known Legend since the beginning and he's nothing like I thought he would be. He hated his neighbor, Pepper, for her yard decoration shenanigans, but he always thought she was sexy and gorgeous. But when she is there when he really needs her, he sees her for so much more than her loud, obnoxious yard décor. Legend didn't see Pepper coming. And it wasn't just that he needed someone, he needed her. Now that they've been thrown into a situation together, their chemistry amps ups quickly and the hate he thought he had for her is gone. He wants her in his bed. Is his life. In his heart. He has never been a relationship guy, but he's never met anyone like Pepper before. Pepper has had a crush on Legend Bay for a while now. Being his neighbor and being able to bug him by putting pink flamingos was just a bonus. Now that she's willingly tangled up in Legend and his life, she's not looking back. The attraction that was always there seems to hit her hard and fast and there's not getting away. Not that she'd want to! When life throws you a loop and danger looms on the horizon, will it make the stronger or tear them apart? I loved this story! I think this is my favorite of the series so far! Legend…sigh…he's just everything! He's wise beyond his years. He's level headed, smart, sexy, handsome and so sweet. Squishy and quick with the romantic words and gestures. And when he wants something he works his hardest to get it on and off the ice. Overall, I loved every second! I laughed, cried, got hot and bothered and just smiled every time Legend opened his heart to Pepper. He's deeper than any of us gave him credit for and my heart just melted for him!

Legend Bay may be one heck of a goaltender for the Arizona Vengeance, but even he can’t stop his life from being turned upside down when he finds out he’s a dad of a babygirl who needs him in ways that his athletic prowess, his skills between the pipes, and his ability to not allow anything to interfere with his concentration may not completely prepare him for being a single dad as well as a professional hockey player.

Good thing his next door neighbor is willing to help Legend find his way despite his less than friendly attitude about her rather eclectic lawn decorations.

Pepper Nantais is such a fantastic heroine; she’s not intimidated by Legend’s broodiness or his stick-in-the-mud attitude; in fact, she’s all about egging him on and riling him up, but when he needs her the most, she doesn’t hesitate; she’s steps up in unexpected and amazing ways, and while Legend has more than enough on his plate, he can’t help but be mesmerized by his beautiful, funny, intelligent, and bubbly neighbor, so as much as he thinks he has nothing to offer Pepper but ‘fun,’ opening up his heart to his daughter will also allow him to go for something unexpected but something so worthwhile.

Legend is an absolutely swoon worthy hero, especially when his daughter enters his life. He takes on his new ‘normal’ with grace and determination and the fact that he’s not afraid to ask for help when he needs it makes him even more amazing. And regardless of how many times he told himself that he didn’t have anything more to give to Pepper than his body, it’s beyond clear that Legend and Pepper are something special, not only because their chemistry is off-the-charts, but also because their personalities complement each other, offering exactly what the other needs whenever they need it.

Legend is an amazing sports romance with the perfect blend of romance, humor, steam, and drama, and all of those components make for an entertaining and worthwhile read.

There are still so many Vengeance players whose stories need to be told, and I can’t wait to see where Bennett takes these hockey stars and the women who find their way into their lives and their hearts.

4.5 Poison Apples

Adored Legend and Pepper's story.

"I shouldn't think about her this much but I've never had someone fascinate me as much as annoy me before."

Legend can't stand his bohemian neighbour, Pepper. She's annoying as well as beautiful, and she takes up far too much of his thoughts. However, when he gets an early Christmas present, Pepper is the first person he turns to.

"I shut her up with my mouth on hers. Immediately both her arms are around my neck and the kiss goes nuclear and deep."

Pepper loves to rile up the serious but sexy hockey player next door. She might have a teeny-weeny crush on him and any attention from him is good attention. When his knock on her door catapults them into a sudden friendship, things quickly escalate as the simmering attraction between them explodes into something more.

"I can't describe the feeling. It's a connection I've never felt to another woman before and it makes me feel proprietary."

I adored Legend and Pepper. They were so hot together! I loved how their relationship developed - they were real, honest and so gorgeous together. They quickly learned to trust and lean on one another. I loved that Legend kept it real and was honest with himself about his feelings for Pepper, even though he wasn't really in the right place to start a relationship. He valued her opinions, advice and support. Pepper, herself, was a ray of sunshine. She was a real sweetheart and such a happy-go-lucky woman. She was giving and thoughtful, and also a little bit fierce.

I loved that we got to see the lives of Legend's teammates and the developments in their stories. Loving this series and can't wait for the next story.

Legend by Sawyer Bennett grabbed my heart from the opening pages and did not let go!

Though it is not in the blurb…. the author has been open in her promo of this book that in the opening chapters of the book ….NHL Star Legend Bay finds himself staring at a baby girl dropped on his porch.

Legend’s neighbor who he has a bit of adversarial relationship, Pepper Nantais, ends up by his side from almost the moment his life takes this unexpected turn.

Legend and Pepper make their lives fits together as both explore each other while venturing into uncharted territory. I adored Legend for some many reason, one of which was his asking Pepper about her, and her work and her family and her… well not sharing that part but it was so clear Legend want to know and understand her.

I loved the use of both Legend and Pepper’s family and the Vengeance team… a team of players I want to know more about because WOW there were so life altering events weaved into this one.

Oh and I loved loved the small glimpse of Ryker and Gray from Ms Bennett’s Cold Fury Series (as Ryker is one of my favorite reads) This was NOT a drop in, the scene fit perfectly into the story.

I truly believed Legend and Pepper fell in love….and not just loved of the same baby girl truly loved each other!


And now I am not to patiently waiting for Dax and Tacker to get their happy in the next two books in the series!

I do feel it is worth saying that despite the author’s note I do wish there was an epilogue.. not because we didn’t get a happy mostly because I am an epilogue kind of reader.

Legend and his neighbor pepper don't exactly get along.. She actually drives him crazy with her decorations and outlandish things. When Legends life is flipped upside down he turns to Pepper for help. The closer they get the more she is there for him. When Legend's past comes back and makes things worse will Pepper stand by his side or is it time to walk away?

So much happens in this story ! Its amazing and you get a good glimpse of more of the teammates who totally need their own books now

This was a great story and I highly recommend it.
I loved these characters and devoured this book In a day

O!M!G!!!!! I love this freaking fabulous book!!!! I FLOVE Legend Bay (cough, cough comafugh). Sorry Ladies, did you read Erik yet? You may understand then, and no, I will not say.
Legend is the 3rd book in Sawyer Bennett’s Arizona Vengeance Series. Yes, each book in the series is a “standalone”, but the series is on-going, sort of like a TV series about a family. I really love this, because I get to read about the characters of previous and future books…eek!!!
Legends neighbor is flighty, certainly too flighty for him, just look at are front lawn, and the prank with those pink plastic flamingos!! So, when I get home that night and find a baby on my porch, I head straight to Pepper Nantais’s door for help!
Pepper moves to her own beat. She is an author and illustrator of a popular children’s book series. She also has a heart of gold, and will do absolutely ANYthing for someone she loves, even protect them with her life.
I really enjoyed watching these two (3) grow together, and then, the Charlie factor…. aww. I have to say, my heart was in my throat a few times, especially when Pepper opens her door and……. STOP, no spoilers!!! I do not want to give anything away.
This really is a wonderful story/series about people that just happen to be hockey players.
I FLOVE hockey romance and Ms. Bennett is the reason. I read Zack the 3rd book in her Cold Fury Hockey series and have been hooked on Ms. Bennett’s writing and hockey romance ever since. Thank you, Ms. Bennett for sharing your wonderful talents with your readers!
Thank you for reading my review. Now Ladies, go hit that purchase button, you will not be disappointed!!

I wasn't sure about the Arizona Vengeance series but I can honestly say that it has definitely captured my attention. Legend and Pepper have a turbulent relationship due to her extravagant and colorful display of decorations which irritates the shit out of Legend but makes Pepper giddy as hell! The relationship that developed and blossomed between these two after a life changing event that rocked Legend's world was beautiful to see. This book was a beautiful emotional read with all the feels.

This series just gets better and better!

Oh my! Can I just start off and say that I love Sawyer's Author Note and the glimpse we get into everyone's story with each book. And the set up for this one in Erik's book let you know this was going to be a fun ride.

Legend and Pepper - what a cute as pink flamingo lawn ornaments couple. Actually they are even cuter!! And Charlie - oh my - that little angel is going to be so much fun to see in future books of this series. So Pepper has gotten on Legend's nerves from the moment he moves in - but it's not hate - just intense dislike - lol. But Pepper is there for him when he needs her. Then they can't really deny their attraction to each other any longer. Then the drama really unfolds. This one had drama, romance, wit, love for a child - whether by blood or bond, and so much more.

It was a fun read and then things got serious and I could NOT put this book down.

Another winner by Sawyer Bennett and I swear I like each book more than the last - loved the cameos in this one too! Sawyer Bennett writes good hockey!! And I love reading about my town!!

I was so lucky to voluntarily request and review an uncorrected advance reader copy from the publisher via Net Galley.

My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

My world just got narrowed down to this eight-pound bundle of wonderment in my arms and I am a different person as of now.

“Casual,” I confirm with a hard nod, but I do feel compelled to add on. “But exclusive.” Dax grins knowingly, because he understands that I just metaphorically peed on Pepper and marked my territory.

“You have nothing to be nervous about. You are wonderful and you could never embarrass me.” Relief wells in her eyes. “Unless you have an extreme case of flatulence at the table, and in that instance, I’m going to have to ask you to sit in the car and wait for me until I finish eating.”

I was 99.9 percent sure Pepper would say yes, but damn if that one-tenth of a point chance she might not didn’t have my body locked tight.


My Review:

I know next to nothing about hockey, other than it is played on the ice and it tends to violent, as the players are prone to brawl. So imagine my surprise when the tale turned out to be quite sweet. The storylines were well balanced with levity, erotically sensual steam, foul-mouthed characters, mental health issues, intrigue, and a tender yet sexy romance. The writing was observantly insightful and sneakily emotive. I enjoyed watching Legend’s awareness evolve and I found myself becoming quite unexpectedly fond of him, as he was protective and increasingly considerate of not just his innocent child but of Pepper and his struggling teammates. The storylines were briskly paced, well plotted, written with my favorite dual POV, and kept me continually entertained with a pleasantly engaging romance while also tickling my curiosity as I waited for the looming threat to arise.

The main characters were neighbors who had been somewhat at odds and annoying each other for several months as the highly structured and uptight hockey player, Legend, did not appreciate the colorful lawn displays and social lifestyle of Pepper, his somewhat bohemian next-door neighbor. Pepper was free-spirited and had a kind and relaxed personality as well as a creative and artistic flair to her style. I adored her. When her sexy yet cranky pain in the keister neighbor stumbled into her door in panic mode, Pepper did not hesitate to render assistance. Legend was lucky she was so forgiving and generous with her time as his panic turned out to be warranted. A newborn baby had been left at his door in the dark with only a note, and that was only the beginning of the baby mama drama.

Legend is the third story in the Arizona Vengeance series. Legend is the team’s hot single goalie. He is just enjoying life until a surprise lands on his doorstep.



His next door neighbor, Pepper has been a source of irritation for Legend. That is until she is the one who is there for him at every turn as he finds out what new challenges he will now face.



“Of course, that doesn’t mean she won’t do something else to irritate me. The woman seems to live for it, whether it be setting up a flock of pink, plastic flamingos in my yard or just driving me crazy with her beautiful face and slammin’ body. I shouldn’t think about her this much but I’ve never had someone fascinate me as much as annoy me before.”



I loved this story and really enjoyed how as every drama played out, Pepper was there to support and stand strong at Legend’s side without throwing any of her own drama at him.



“It’s true we’ve gone from enemies to lovers in about a nanosecond”



I love how these stories are standalone, but still connected so you get updates for characters from previous books plus some background for characters that might be featured in future. Sign me up for more of these boys!!

-5 Stars!-

Oh my! In the previous books of the series we were led to believe Legend was going to be so rigid he would not unwind enough to have fun but then he comes home from practice and finds a present on his front porch...a baby! Who does he turn to? His next door neighbor who has been driving him crazy because she is such a nonconformist. Pepper is definitely what he needs and she steps in and takes control of the baby...and Legend...and when it comes time to shop for supplies, she is all in. These two are perfect for each other and once they start spending time together they find out they really do have more in common than not. This is one hot and sexy read so hang on it is going to get hot in Arizona! I definitely recommend this one (along with the rest of this series) although I am really looking forward to the ones coming up.

**Received this ARC for review**