Benched

About This Audiobook

Colleen Charles’ Benched delivers a simmering slow burn that thrives on emotional tension and forbidden attraction. Claire Danvers has grown up in the shadow of her brother’s hockey stardom, but she’s no bystander—she’s sharp, ambitious, and done playing nice with the man who’s broken her heart more than once: his best friend, pro defenseman Jace Ryder. Their history is tangled with unspoken pangs and crossed boundaries, and when a forced reunion lands them in the same city again, Jace isn’t backing down. What unfolds is a layered story about pride, healing, and the risk of loving someone who both knows you best and hurts you most.

Narrated in dual perspectives by CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton, this audiobook elevates the material with distinct vocal performances that capture the grit and vulnerability of its leads. Bloom gives Claire a grounded, feisty realism, while Hamilton’s gravel-tinged delivery embodies Jace’s quiet torment and raw magnetism. The production is crisp and immersive, with tight pacing that keeps the emotional stakes high. While the sports backdrop adds context, the true game here is the push-pull of intimacy, making this a standout for listeners who crave romance with emotional weight and authentic chemistry.