Julian is book 2 in the New York Vipers series and follows owner, Julian Langley, as he falls for his driver, Harper Hawthorne.
About Julian
Julian grew up an only child to a wealthy father who was always preoccupied with business. When he was old enough to learn the businesses his father owned, they bonded over hockey. It was the favorite business of his and it gave him a bond with his father. His man of affairs, Percy, is more of a father to him than his own father was. So much so, that when his father passed away, he kept Percy on to run his house for him. He has a sad history that will bring you to tears and has avoided relationships since.
Harper was raised by her mother until Marley showed up. Neither were great influences on her life. She started working when she was young, picking up jobs where she could to make money to buy groceries and pay bills. When she graduated from high school she tried college, but found it was not for her. So she continued working, multiple jobs most of the time in order to support herself.
When Harper was 10 her mom and Marley had Dylan. Her mother and Marley are hippie artists that float around trying to sell their less than stellar art. Sadly Dylan is the one who is suffering from their lack of parenting. So Harper decides to bring him back to New York for his senior year of high school and take care of him.
Harper works for a chauffeur service as a driver as a second job. When she is assigned to pick up Julian and drive him, she has no idea what this one job will do for her. Especially after the phone call she received earlier in the day.
Julian is used to having a driver. He works while he is being transported to the next place he needs to be. But Harper piques his interest. He was dealing with a crisis over the phone and she made a suggestion to solve the problem. He was impressed. So much so, that he hires her as his personal driver.
As Harper drives Julian everyday, they get to know each other more. He hates that she sits out in the car in the arena’s parking lot while he is working inside. So he starts doing little things to get her out of the car. Takes her to lunch. Brings her to the hockey game with him. He knows she could not afford to do any of these and he wants to treat her.
But when Julian starts talking with Harper about why New York has been turned down by the league for the All Star game for the last 5 years, the insight she offers is spot on. And he runs with it. And in the process he gets to meet Dylan.
Julian starts to build a relationship with Dylan while he and Harper move forward with dating. Percy approves of her and their relationship, which thrills Julian.
But Julian has not been completely honest with Harper. He is keeping a huge secret. When it finally comes out, will it strengthen their relationship or shatter it? Will it affect his relationship with Dylan? So much is at stake for both of them. Are they willing to risk it all or walk away?
Impressions
I was really surprised how much I liked Julian. For someone who comes from money and has only increased his wealth, I found him to be lonely. Yes he had “friends”, but there was no commitment and it seemed perfunctory. But seeing him at the hockey game, teaching Harper about the sport , showed him as down to earth and wanting to spend time with her. And the scarf scenes were the BEST.Her stre
Harper does not have much, but she does not let it stop her. She knows how to economize while making something special out of everything she touches. Her personality and circumstances really spoke to me. She is a survivor, no matter what is thrown at her. Her strength of will made me love her even more.
Narration
I freaking loved Lee Samuels as Julian and Lucy Rivers as Harper. The chemistry these two have brought this story to life. The good. The bad. And the ugly.
Availability
Julian is currently available for purchase in eBook and Audiobook formats on Amazon.
Series Listing
- Grizz (New York Vipers Book 1)
- Julian (New York Vipers Book 2)
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.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
About Bill Keenan
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.
