Atlas is book 18 in the Pittsburgh Titans series and as we approach the end of the series, we see personal struggles lead to personal happiness.
About Atlas
Atlas has known his best friend, Gray, since they were kids. Until Atlas went off to play hockey, they were inseparable. Although they did not go to college together, they maintained their friendship and kept in touch when they were able.
Maddie grew up in foster care. She never unpacked knowing at any time she could be moved to another home. She met Gray in college and they became best friends. She did not replace Atlas, she just supplemented Gray’s circle of confidantes.
When Gray got some devastating news, he contacted both Maddie and Atlas. Maddie moved in with him to take care of him and his infant daughter, Grace. Atlas was not able to due to playing hockey. But he made every effort to get to Chicago to see him as often as he could.
When things take a turn for the worse for Gray, Atlas makes a trip to Chicago, before an upcoming game in the city. He is shocked to see his best friend in the state he is in. It is heartbreaking.
Gray makes him promise to try to be nice to Maddie. That is easier said than done.
But when Gray’s will is read, both Maddie and Atlas are thrown for a loop. Gray never mentioned some changes he made and now these two must learn how to coexist and coparent.
Since Maddie has the most flexible situation, she uproots her life and moves to Pittsburgh. She is not happy about it, or about the situation that Gray put her in. But she loves Grace and does not want her to go through what she did as a child in foster care. So she will do what it takes to keep this little girl.
As time passes, Maddie starts to open up to Atlas about her childhood and how she and Gray became friends. Atlas is shocked. But his story is not that dissimilar from hers.
When Maddie meets the Titans girl brigade, she is a little standoffish. She has learned not to build relationships since they can be taken away at any time. She does not open up about herself because she does not want anyone’s pity. But these girls are determined to bring her in to the fold and what they want, they get.
But when things start to change between her and Atlas, she is scared. Gray is the only man she has ever loved, but in a very different way. He was her best friend and she would do anything for him. But could Atlas be more? And is she willing to let him in and risk being hurt?
Impressions
I do not believe Maddie is a bad person. I believe her childhood has taught her to be cautious. She does not build meaningful relationships for fear of losing that person. The one person, Gray, who she built something with was taken away from her.
Atlas sees all of his teammates settling down. It is something he has been thinking about. But he and Maddie are like oil and water. They just do not mesh. But what if he tries to be more kind? Could he maybe thaw out some of the ice queen? And what did Gray mean when he said they were more alike and they should try to be friends?
These two carry a lot of baggage. They both need to talk to each other. And probably a therapist. Both have experienced different forms of loss and need to figure out how to deal with the emotional toll it took on them.
Narration
It has been some time since I have listened to Jeremy York narrate a book so I enjoyed his voice and how he handled Atlas. His strength and vulnerability are extreme characteristics that were handled very well. Kirsten Leigh is a new to me narrator. I loved her as Maddie. The pain, fear, anger. love and desire were all delivered flawlessly.
Availability
Atlas is currently available for purchase in eBook and Paperback formats on Amazon.
Series Listing
- Baden (Pittsburgh Titans Book 1)
- Stone (Pittsburgh Titans Book 2)
- Gage (Pittsburgh Titans Book 3)
- Coen (Pittsburgh Titans Book 4)
- Drake (Pittsburgh Titans Book 5)
- Cannon (Pittsburgh Titans Book 6)
- Hendrix (Pittsburgh Titans Book 7)
- Camden (Pittsburgh Titans Book 8)
- Bain (Pittsburgh Titans Book 9)
- Van2 (Pittsburgh Titans Book 10)
- Boone (Pittsburgh Titans Book 11)
- Callum (Pittsburgh Titans Book 12)
- Foster (Pittsburgh Titans Book 13)
- King (Pittsburgh Titans Book 14)
- Rafferty (Pittsburgh Titans Book 15)
- North (Pittsburgh Titans Book 16)
- Penn (Pittsburgh Titans Book 17)
- Lucky (Pittsburgh Titans Book 18)
- Atlas (Pittsburgh Titans Book 19)
- Kace (Pittsburgh Titans Book 20)
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).
